Barcelona transfer latest: Suarez, Xavi and Mathieu

Luis Suarez

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has confirmed that superstar Luis Suarez is “now a Barca player in all respects”. After what has been a long and protracted transfer saga, the former Liverpool frontman, famous for courting controversy, has finally completed a dream move, and will line-up alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi this season.

Expected to sign a five-year contract at the Nou Camp, Suarez will be unable to appear for the Spanish giants, or set foot in the stadium until November, when his ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup has been served.

Zubizarreta stopped short of officially announcing the reported £75m deal, stating that “lawyers have advised us to be careful about what we say”, but did admit Suarez was “100% a member of the club”. The transfer may receive mixed reactions from Barca fans, who could question where the Uruguay forward fits into the philosophy of “mes que un club”, following his unsporting escapades in Brazil. Zubizarreta, however, insisted that Barcelona “accept people here, imperfections and all”.

Xavi Hernandez

As one door opens, another may be closing, with Barcelona legend and La Masia academy product Xavi Hernandez set to depart the Nou Camp. New Barca boss Luis Enrique, 5/1 to lift the Champions League this season with the Catalan giants, admitted in a press conference that the midfield maestro’s situation is “open”, with a cluster of clubs vying for his signature.

Enrique has revealed that Xavi is “still under contract and remains a reference point for the squad”, but that they are “still awaiting his decision”.

Xavi endured an embarrassing and disappointing World Cup with Spain and, following a relatively quiet campaign with Barcelona last term, may have decided it is time to seek pastures new. This decision would arrive as both Spain and Barca look to rebuild and rejuvenate their squads, making it an appropriate time for the 34-year old to exit.

Jeremy Mathieu