Jerome Obuninta
Spain’s league body, La Liga has confirmed it will re-open a hearing into Neymar’s transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013.
Spain’s league body, La Liga has confirmed it will re-open a hearing into Neymar’s transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013.
The vote by Barca’s board to pay the fine approved a pact to absolve both current president Josep Bartomeu and former president Sandro Rosell of wrongdoing with regard to the transfer.
Neymar’s transfer was the subject of an alleged fraud investigation, but Barcelona agreed to pay a fine of 5.5m euros (£4.4m) to the Spanish authorities to settle the case in June this year.
However, the Spanish top-flight’s governing body has announced it will relaunch an investigation into the deal Barcelona reached with the Spanish Public Prosecutor’s Office in relation to Neymar’s transfer.
A La Liga statement said: “Following widespread media reports, La Liga confirms an informative hearing will be launched with FC Barcelona in relation to the agreement reached between the club’s board and the Spanish Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Neymar legal case.”
Sanchez Seeks Buy-out Clause
Alexis Sanchez has reportedly demanded to have a buyout clause included in his new contract at Arsenal.
Alexis Sanchez has reportedly demanded to have a buyout clause included in his new contract at Arsenal.
The club have opened talks with the Chile international and his teammate Mesut Ozil about extending their deals at the Emirates.
It has been reported that Ozil is keen to pen fresh terms as he believes that signing defender Shkodran Mustafi in the summer transfer window shows the club’s intent.
However, according to The Mirror, Sanchez, who is said to be happy in London, will only sign on the dotted line if he receives a substantial pay rise and has a buyout clause in place.
Last season Sanchez experienced some frustration, particularly when Wenger rested him in order not to rush the attacker back too quickly from injuries.
It is understood that the manager has spoken to Sanchez about his plans for this campaign and the need for the Chilean to accept that he will be rested on occasion.
The attacker joined the Gunners from Barcelona for £31.7m in the summer of 2014.
Robben Cautious Over Return
Bayern Munich attacker Arjen Robben is not getting carried away as he edges closer to his comeback after a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Bayern Munich attacker Arjen Robben is not getting carried away as he edges closer to his comeback after a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
The Netherlands international suffered a groin injury during pre-season that saw him miss the start of the Bundesliga campaign, but recently resumed training with the squad.
He realises he is not there just yet, though, and is taking things one step at a time.
“You can train for yourself as much as you want, but now the part where I join the squad comes again,” Robben told Bayern TV. “We are taking things one day at a time.
“That’s the most beautiful part of it all, even though it also takes some adaptation and getting used to. I am looking forward to it and I do not have any doubts. I am full of confidence and believe in my body.
“Things are looking good, but I have learned from the past. I don’t want to celebrate too early. Things went very well on Thursday, now we’ll see how it goes on Friday.”
Barca, Madrid Watch Dembele
Barcelona and Real Madrid both reportedly sent scouts to last weekend’s Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers, with Hoops forward Moussa Dembele the subject of their attention.
Barcelona and Real Madrid both reportedly sent scouts to last weekend’s Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers, with Hoops forward Moussa Dembele the subject of their attention.
Dembele, who joined Celtic from Fulham in the summer transfer window, hit a hat-trick in his team’s 5-1 win over Rangers before leading the line against Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
A tough night for Celtic saw the Scottish champions lose 7-0, while Dembele missed a first-half penalty for the visitors after being brought down by Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
French Football News reports that both Barcelona and Real Madrid had scouts in attendance to watch the 20-year-old last weekend and the two Spanish giants will be monitoring the Frenchman’s performances this season.
