FC Barcelona News: 17 November 2019

16 years since Messi’s debut | FC Barcelona
When Leo Messi took to the pitch on November 16, 2003 in a friendly against FC Porto, nobody was aware of quite what an impact the then-16 year old forward would have on FC Barcelona history. The Argentini would go on to become a global superstar, a club icon and perhaps the world’s greatest ever player.

Luis Suarez open to Barcelona signing his replacement | Football Espana
Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is open to the club signing his eventual replacement in the near future. The defending La Liga champions have been linked with bringing in a successor to the 32-year old, however his consistent form has meant that project has been delayed until at least next season.

Abidal: Barcelona are talking to Messi’s representatives to close his renewal once and for all | Marca
Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal has indicated that the club are dealing with Lionel Messi’s contract renewal as a matter of priority. There are plenty of other things which Barcelona have to concentrate on but making sure their star man continues his career at the Cam Nou is paramount.

Sporting director Abidal: We are Barcelona, we have to win everything | Sport
“We are Barça and here you have to win everything,” he said, with La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League all targets. “We are clear on what the demands are because it’s the same year after year.”

Barcelona interest in Lautaro confirmed as Abidal eyes Suarez successor | Goal
Eric Abidal has confirmed that Barcelona are interested in signing Inter forward Lautaro Martinez as a possible replacement for Luis Suarez. Suarez is approaching the final 18 months of his current contract at Camp Nou and at 32-years-old is unlikely he will be offered the chance to extend his stay.

Barcelona rejected an offer from a Premier League club for Rakitic | Sport
Barça have already received an offer from a Premier League club for around 15 million euros, a figure which is a long way short of what they hope to bring in for the former Sevilla player (around 35 million). Atletico Madrid have also been linked with a move for Rakitic, while Italian sides Inter and Juventus are long-time admirers.

Carles Perez strengthens Barcelona B for visit of Cornella | Marca
Xavi Garcia Pimienta will be able to call upon Carles Perez for Barcelona B’s clash against Cornella at the Estadi Johan Cruyff at 18:00 CET on Sunday. In fact, Perez already trained with the B team on Saturday morning.

Barcelona to scout AZ Alkmaar star Calvin Stengs | Football Espana
Barcelona are set to send scouts to monitor highly rated Dutch teenager Calvin Stengs according to reports in Mundo Deportivo. The 20-year old has impressed after establishing himself in the Dutch side’s first team last season, with nine goals from midfield in the last season and a half.

Source: barcablaugranes.com