Matteo Moretto Transfer Column: Leny Yoro links to Real Madrid, Barcelona's summer plans
Matteo Moretto gives Football España exclusive information on the latest business dominating the newspapers in Spain, as revealed in the Daily briefing.
The captain of Barcelona, Sergi Roberto, has been in the club since the age of 14, but the departure of Xavi Hernandez could lead to his exit, after reports he will not be offered a new deal. Roberto might not be the only one on the cut without Xavi.
No doubt Xavi's exit has affected many things in the dressing room, and it will changes in the Barcelona team. It seems certain that there will be sales, because Barcelona will have to find a solution to their economic problems, and sales are the way to do it.
Regarding Sergi Roberto, I personally have no confirmation that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, but I can say that in the last two seasons, he has been there because Xavi wanted. So obviously that could have an impact on Sergi Roberto's future coming to free agency this summer.
On Monday it was reported that the Blancos have stayed in contact with Lille regarding Leny Yoro, as they look for another central defender after a string of serious injuries. The 18-year-old looks like a quintessential wonder, but Real Madrid could turn their noses up at his price tag.
Leny Yoro is one of the most interesting central defenders in Europe, and he has an ability that has attracted a lot of interest from outside Lille. Real Madrid has been watching him on several occasions, Atletico Madrid like him too. Paris Saint-Germain, as it has been reported, are also watching.
Its future will depend on the price though, which is where things could take shape. Yoro is out of contract in 2025, and Lille do not want to lose him for free. But it is also on a series of shortlists for the best clubs. So the competition combined with the length of his contract will be two crucial factors, but Lille's current demands are more than 60 million euros for the 18-year-old.
The Sporting Director of Barcelona told La Vanguardia on Monday that they still assimilated the upcoming departure of Xavi Hernandez, and while he acknowledged Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was “a great coach”, he also said “he is not the time to talk.” The Blaugrana are not sure of their next step.
Honestly, Deco's comments are genuine from my information. There are managers who are in discussions with other clubs, there are others who could be available next summer but it is not certain.
A lot of names are floating around, and Barcelona have not decided on anyone in particular, they are still set on the profile of the manager they want.
They will talk with the managers who are available, and those who have clubs, but they could be suitable for Barcelona. Xavi's exit was very sudden, and it's one thing to look for someone who can come immediately in the middle of the season, and another matter for the summer. Now, they are still looking.
