What a wild ride. The backlash of FC Barcelona’s “hijacking” of Malcom’s move from Girondins de Bordeaux to AS Roma has caused shock-waves and will have ramifications at three different clubs in three different countries. The 21-year-old attacker was groomed in the Corinthians youth system and made over 50 appearances for the first team in Brazil before moving on to France. The Spanish media seems hell-bent on stirring up conflict in regards to Ousmane Dembele and his role at the club, particularly after the signing of another young winger, but the reality is something closer to the adage, “the more the merrier.”
Marta Unzue heading to Athletic Club
Marta Unzue has both renewed with FC Barcelona but also may be seeing her time at the club coming to an end. She will be heading to the Basque Country on loan for two seasons. In her twelve years at the club since moving from Osasuna, she saw the lows of relegation and the highs of being captain. The Barcelona Femeni, currently touring the U.S. with the men’s first team, are an experienced squad in terms of age and appearances, but her confidence in the midfield will be difficult to replace.
Clasico dates revealed, Barcelona start with Alaves
For those thinking that El Clasico won’t have the same fire and intensity without Cristiano Ronaldo surely don’t remember what the fateful match-up looked like before the Portuguese attacker was donning the rival kit. October 28th and March 3rd, 2019 are the dates, so plan accordingly.
Sergi Samper suffers another set-back
The dark cloud that follows Sergi Samper has returned as another injury, this time to his knee, will prevent him from coming to the United States with the rest of the first team. Like many of Barcelona’s other fringe first team players, the tour may have been more of a try-out for other teams who may have purchased or taken him on loan than a showcase for Ernesto Valverde. How he recovers from this latest set-back could determine his long-term future at the club.
Douglas heads out on loan again
Douglas is leaving on loan once more, most assuredly for the final time with his Barcelona contract expiring at the end of the season. Sivasspor in Turkey is the destination, and after a so-so campaign at Sporting Gijon two seasons ago and a largely unsuccessful adventure with Benfica last season, Turkey may be a more fashionable location to get his career back on track.
