Barcelona are set to lose two of their star players, as David Villa and Thiago Alcantara attract interest from Premier League sides.
Both players saw limited outings last season for Barcelona and will be hoping that a switch to Premier League clubs can better their chances to cement a place in the Spanish squad as it prepares for the World Cup in Brazil next year.
Thiago Alcantara had his release clause reduced from a massive 90 million Euros to just 18 million thanks to his lack of playing time for the club last season. According to the terms agreed Thiago was destined to feature for 30 minutes in 60% of Barcelona’s matches, violation of the terms would result in the midfielder being available for 18 million Euros. However a deal will have to be concluded by the 1st of August which implies that clubs still have a month’s time to make their move for the highly rated Spanish star.
The 22 year old made 36 appearances for Barcelona last season, most of which were substitute appearances. At this age Thiago will be looking to blossom his career and more minutes on the bench will surely falter his development.
Thiago’s quality is for all to see and know, he put up a real show for his plaudits in the Euro U-21 competitions where under his leadership Spain successfully defended the title. His brilliant hat-trick in the final allowed Spain to romp past a helpless Italian team.
Manchester United have been in pursuit of the Spanish youngster and are hoping to conclude the transfer soon after failing to lure his teammate Cesc Fabregas to Old Trafford.
A move to United will suit Thiago who will find it increasingly difficult to cement a place in a star studded Barcelona midfield. Manchester United on the other hand are short of options in the centre of the park, with Michael Carrick the only established and consistent performer. Whereas the departure of Paul Scholes has left a void which Manchester United are desperate to fill.
At Man United Thiago is likely to start alongside Carrick in a deep role but will be given freedom to venture forward, with his wonderful passing and dribbling abilities Thiago is exactly the kind of player who Manchester United need going forward.
His club teammate David Villa has also been subject to a hoard of speculation. After being heavily linked to a move to Arsenal and Liverpool, Tottenham seems like the most likely destination for El Guaje.
After a high profile 40 million move to Catalonia, Villa failed to make the impact Barcelona fans hoped for. An injury plagued second season at the club limited Villa to only 24 appearances in the 2011-2012 season, last season Villa’s 40 appearances only yielded 16 goals which is definitely not good enough for a team of the stature of Barcelona.
The arrival of Neymar does the 31 year old no favours, who’s spectacular showing in the recently concluded FIFA Confederations Cup earned him the golden ball award. Neymar’s reputation and recent performances warrant him a place in the starting line up and Villa will definitely have to settle for a place on the bench.
El Guaje will definitely benefit from a move to Tottenham, a side which has been growing from strength to strength. The North London outfit narrowly missed out on the fourth place last season to their arch nemesis Arsenal and will be hoping to field a much stronger side this season.
Tottenham are in the market for an established centre forward and a move to Spurs will allow Villa to play in his favourite position down the middle.
Villa is equally adaptable and lethal on the left side, from where he tends to cut inside and make ferocious attempts at goal.
Spurs will definitely not find a better centre forward at this price, and should ensure that they attain the Spanish international’s services who also happens to be Spain’s all time top scorer.
A move to Tottenham will be in the best interest of all three parties and it is likely that the transfer will be concluded in the recent future.
Thiago Alcantara had his release clause reduced from a massive 90 million Euros to just 18 million thanks to his lack of playing time for the club last season. According to the terms agreed Thiago was destined to feature for 30 minutes in 60% of Barcelona’s matches, violation of the terms would result in the midfielder being available for 18 million Euros. However a deal will have to be concluded by the 1st of August which implies that clubs still have a month’s time to make their move for the highly rated Spanish star.
The 22 year old made 36 appearances for Barcelona last season, most of which were substitute appearances. At this age Thiago will be looking to blossom his career and more minutes on the bench will surely falter his development.
Thiago’s quality is for all to see and know, he put up a real show for his plaudits in the Euro U-21 competitions where under his leadership Spain successfully defended the title. His brilliant hat-trick in the final allowed Spain to romp past a helpless Italian team.
Manchester United have been in pursuit of the Spanish youngster and are hoping to conclude the transfer soon after failing to lure his teammate Cesc Fabregas to Old Trafford.
A move to United will suit Thiago who will find it increasingly difficult to cement a place in a star studded Barcelona midfield. Manchester United on the other hand are short of options in the centre of the park, with Michael Carrick the only established and consistent performer. Whereas the departure of Paul Scholes has left a void which Manchester United are desperate to fill.
At Man United Thiago is likely to start alongside Carrick in a deep role but will be given freedom to venture forward, with his wonderful passing and dribbling abilities Thiago is exactly the kind of player who Manchester United need going forward.
His club teammate David Villa has also been subject to a hoard of speculation. After being heavily linked to a move to Arsenal and Liverpool, Tottenham seems like the most likely destination for El Guaje.
After a high profile 40 million move to Catalonia, Villa failed to make the impact Barcelona fans hoped for. An injury plagued second season at the club limited Villa to only 24 appearances in the 2011-2012 season, last season Villa’s 40 appearances only yielded 16 goals which is definitely not good enough for a team of the stature of Barcelona.
The arrival of Neymar does the 31 year old no favours, who’s spectacular showing in the recently concluded FIFA Confederations Cup earned him the golden ball award. Neymar’s reputation and recent performances warrant him a place in the starting line up and Villa will definitely have to settle for a place on the bench.
El Guaje will definitely benefit from a move to Tottenham, a side which has been growing from strength to strength. The North London outfit narrowly missed out on the fourth place last season to their arch nemesis Arsenal and will be hoping to field a much stronger side this season.
Tottenham are in the market for an established centre forward and a move to Spurs will allow Villa to play in his favourite position down the middle.
Villa is equally adaptable and lethal on the left side, from where he tends to cut inside and make ferocious attempts at goal.
Spurs will definitely not find a better centre forward at this price, and should ensure that they attain the Spanish international’s services who also happens to be Spain’s all time top scorer.
A move to Tottenham will be in the best interest of all three parties and it is likely that the transfer will be concluded in the recent future.
