Lionel Messi Sanctions Coutinho, But Rejects Griezmann For Barca’s Transfer Plans
REUTERS/Albert Gea
Reports in Spain are circulating that Lionel Messi is having a huge say on the arrival of transfers at Barcelona, and is giving manager Ernesto Valverde feedback on the players listed out to him.
Barca are said to be lining up three players to bolster their options in the attacking third.
In the summer, they signed Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund, but the player suffered a long-term injury that has left Messi to do most of the work.
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Luis Suarez haven’t quite lived up to his natural goal-scoring abilities this term, and is having a rare off season. Therefore, the club hierarchy is believed to have shortlisted three names to bolster the team’s attack once again.
It is said that Messi is not happy with signing one of the star players mentioned to him, but he has sanctioned the other two.
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According to Diario Gol, the Argentine isn’t keen on Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, after the club expressed interested in the French international. Besides Griezmann, their target from the summer, Philippe Coutinho, also happens to still be on the radar.
REUTERS/Javier Barbancho
Barca have seen themselves getting rejected by Liverpool after making three offers for Coutinho so far. But the Brazilian ace has been in scintillating form this term, and the Spanish giants still intend to prize him away soon.
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Coutinho will boost the La Liga leaders, and he is also touted to get Suarez back at his best, with both having played earlier for Liverpool. Messi does not want Griezmann on the other hand, who is also a target for Real Madrid and Manchester United.
Besides these two players, a replacement for Javier Mascherano and a cover for Samuel Umtiti is being eyed. Valverde is interested in Aymeric Laporte or Inigo Martinez, and that has seen the manager get a green signal from the legendary player.
Messi has been at the top of his game this term, and has seen his side on top of La Liga besides qualifying as Group Stage winners to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Written by Rajdeep Saha 
Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.