MORE DEPARTURES POSSIBLE

The Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has said that there could still be departure from the camp Nou before the end of the transfer window. Barcelona have already sold a number of key players in the transfer window, while they have also lost Keita on a free transfer. Even though they have been quite active in the transfer window bringing in the likes of Jordi Alba and Alex Song, Andoni Zubizarreta has said that the club needs to balance the books by selling a few players before 31 August. Some of the players who have been linked with a move away from the camp Nou include the likes of Ibrahim Afellay, Jonathan dos Santos, and Marc Bartra.

While confirming that some of the players could leave the club, Zubizarreta also has said that he does not expect the club to sign any more players between now and the end of the transfer window. Jordi Alba was signed by the club for around £ 13 million, while Alex Song was signed for around £ 15 million from Arsenal a few days ago. Barcelona began the process of reclaiming the title from Real Madrid with a 5-1 win over Real Sociedad during the weekend. Tello was one of the outstanding players in the match.

“We like our squads to be fairly compact. Until the market closes, we have some interesting options to look into. We are working with some agents to see if we can find the best places for some of the players to develop their careers. As for further signings, we don’t have any plans. We have the squad we want. The renewal of Puyol is well-advanced. Both parties want to come to an agreement,” said the Barcelona sporting director in a recent press conference. Has also expressed his confidence about getting Tello to sign a new contract.

KEITA WANTS BARCA END

Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita has said that it would be a dream come true if he manages to finish his career with Barcelona. The Mali international is coming to an end of his career, with rumours linking him with a move from Barcelona.

However, the 31-year-old has said that he wants to stay with the Catalan giants for the rest of his career. He has also said that it would be a privilege if he manages to finish his career with the Spanish club. Keita still has two years left on his current contract, but there has been no interest from Barcelona to renew the deal – if anything he is more likely to be in a Liverpool Shirt at the start of next season.

He is also thought to have a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave one of the transfer if he decides to do so because he has made an appearance in more than 50% of the total number of Barcelona matches last season. Barcelona recently appointed Guardiola’s assistant manager Tito Villanova as a replacement for the man who has led the club to an incredible 14 trophies in just four seasons. Villanova recently expressed his desire to keep the Mali international at the club. Villanova said that it would be vital for the club to retain the services of such an experienced international.

“I am yet to speak with the club to sort out my future. But I want to continue; this is my desire. I would like to retire at Barcelona, like Lionel Messi will, so I hope that can be the case. We must talk and see what they offer and what they want. But my family is happy in Barcelona,” said Keita in a recent interview. The Mali international has been linked with a move to Italian club AC Milan, who are in the process of rebuilding their team.