FC Barcelona News: 4 January 2019

Thursday training with focus on Getafe | FC Barcelona
The first morning training session of 2019 took place on Thursday on Pitch 2 of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Just like the previous evening, the focus was on the opening LaLiga game of the year against Getafe, and the squad were joined by members of Barça B for the session.

The Lowdown on Getafe (and Alfonso Pérez) | FC Barcelona
Ernesto Valverde’s side kick off 2019 with a game against Getafe on Sunday in La Liga (kick off 8.45pm CET). The contest will take place in the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez, a stadium named after the former footballer who was once a blaugrana yet who never actually represented Getafe during his professional playing days.

How have Barça fared in their first La Liga game of the year? | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona will this weekend attempt to pick up from where they left off in 2018: With a win. Their first LaLiga game of the year takes place this Sunday away to Getafe (8:45pm CET), on Matchday 18. Here are the precedents for the last 10 returns from the winter break in LaLiga.

Barcelona receive €42m for permanent Paulinho sale to Guangzhou Evergrande | Football Espana
Barcelona have received just €42m for the permanent sale of Paulinho to Guangzhou Evergrande, rather than the previously reported €50m. La Vanguardia say they have seen the club’s official accounts and the fee of €42m was deposited on 2 January, with no further payment expected.

Barcelona ‘in pole position’ for Toulouse defender Jean-Clair Todibo | Football Espana
Barcelona ‘are in pole position’ to sign the in-demand Toulose defender Jean-Clair Todibo, according to El Mundo Deportivo. Gazzetta dello Sport have claimed Juventus, who also hold a strong interest in the player, ‘believe they are losing the battle’ for the player.

Barcelona step up negotiations for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot | Football Espana
Barcelona are ramping up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who they are reportedly confident of signing this year. The 23-year-old is out of contract at the French champions in June and has been linked with several top European clubs, including the Blaugrana.

Sevilla have reportedly struck a deal with Munir El Haddadi | Marca
reparations are underway for next season already at Sevilla, who have reached a pre-contract agreement to sign Barcelona forward Munir El Haddadi in the summer. The striker has found playing time difficult to come by at the Camp Nou this season and is now set to depart the Catalan club as a result.

Rivaldo ticks off Barca for their treatment of the youth academy | Sport
“They’ve always talked about players like Xavi, Iniesta and Puyol, but they have left the club... since then we have not seen new players of quality coming from La Masia,” said Rivaldo. The Brazilian forward sent Barcelona’s board a clear message while working as a Betfair ambassador.

Source: barcablaugranes.com