Re: La Liga

Valencia defender Nicolás Otamendi is with the squad in Germany for the first stage of their pre-season preparations. Settling into life with the rest of his new team-mates, the Argentine player isn’t worried about his price-tag, but he is keen to prove himself in La Liga.

From their German training base in Herzogenaurach, Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi attended a press call on Friday, giving his initial impressions about how he’s found his integration into the squad.

“What I’ve encountered here is lovely, it’s a very united group of players, with many lads who have a lot of history here and with some for whom that has yet to come. I’m very happy, keen and want to have a good pre-season.”

Valencia paid €12 million to sign Otamendi from FC Porto, a club record for a defender. He doesn’t feel that will be a millstone around his neck, but he is keen to prove his worth and perform well in La Liga.

“Being the most costly central defender in the history of the club, isn’t something I’m worried about. I just have to show what I can do on the pitch. I’ve joined this club with great enthusiasm, I’m happy and if I’m one of the most expensive, then all I hope to do is return their faith with effort on the pitch, so that Valencia can keep growing.”

Given his experience playing in Portugal, the 26-year-old was asked for his thoughts about new Valencia manager, Nuno.

“I’m happy because I’ve faced Nuno in the Portuguese league. I think he’s a good coach, as he’s someone who sets things out very clearly. The coaching team also work very well, each to their own specialisation. Nuno teaches a lot to players, corrects mistakes. We’ll take a step up and hopefully we’ll start the season in La Liga the best way possible.”

“The truth is that the Portuguese league isn’t one of the most competitive, but there’s four or five teams battling at the top. Rio Ave were always a very hard working team, who always tried to make things complicated for their opponents. We never achieved a great difference in results against them and they were always very difficult to beat. That would suggest that as coach, Nuno plans very well for games and that’s one of the reasons why he’s here.”

Immediately following his signing for Valencia, which came early in February and just outside the January transfer deadline, Otamendi was loaned out to Atlético Mineiro in Brazil. Whilst he feels that was good preparation towards the possibility of playing in the World Cup with Argentina, though he missed out on the final squad, he’s happy with the experience and not looking back with any regrets.

“I got to play in the Brazilian league, which is nothing like any in Europe, but it’s also very competitive. It prepared me the best way for the World Cup, but in the end I didn’t get the chance to be there. I was in good physical condition and ready for a good tournament, but I’m here now and happy.”

Asked about the World Cup final between Argentina and Germany, Otamendi obviously favoured his home country, but was also aware it will be a difficult game.

“The two teams in the final have earned their place with their wins. They’re both very strong teams. Argentina started a little slowly, but they’ve been improving and hopefully they will win. For any Argentine, the idea of winning a World Cup in Brazil is something wonderful. Hopefully it’ll be Argentina that takes the trophy home.”

Otamendi also indicated that he saw numerous Valencia games from afar, such as the Europa League semi-final against Sevilla, whilst he also explained he watches games with particular focus on strikers he may have to face.

“I’ve had the opportunity to follow the team. In the Europa League it was a shame Valencia couldn’t get past Sevilla. They did everything they could to reach the final, but couldn’t get there in the final minutes. I’ve been following Valencia from Brazil, although I couldn’t always watch games, because of the time difference.”

“I watch a lot of football. I look at the Spanish league, the English league and I look at the strikers. In Spain, they have some of the best. I try to observe games, look at what the strikers are doing and try to study them.”

Re: La Liga

Barcelona have reportedly targeted Belgian defender, Jan Vertonghen as a replacement for retired Carles Puyol, but the player’s agent insists that Tottenham are not interested in selling player, despite the interest from several clubs.

In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad via Sky Sports, Mustapha Nakhli, would not reveal which teams have called to enquire about the defender’s status but assured them that Tottenham wish for Vertonghen to fulfill the remaining four years of his contract.

“Several teams are interested in Jan. I cannot confirm or deny whether Barcelona are one of them.

“Tottenham is not a small club. It’s too soon to give them an answer. Several clubs have registered their interest in Jan. We’ll see.”

Vertonghen has been made a top transfer target by the Blaugrana after Valencia refused their 15 million euro bid for Jeremy Mathieu.

Re: La Liga

an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Napoli’s club president Aurelio de Laurentiis suggested that FC Barcelona asked to sign striker José Callejon, once it became clear that the Italian club would not let go of Gonzalo Higuain.

Barcelona were rumored to want Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain, but once the Argentine’s price-tag was revealed to be close to €100 million, Barcelona reportedly set their sights on another Napoli attacker, ex-Real Madrid player Callejon.

“Barcona and Atlético Madrid have asked about him”, said Napoli’s president Aurelio de Laurentiis. “But he will not leave, we have no intention of selling him.”

In the same interview, de Laurentiis talked about Gonzalo Higuain, who was rumored to be Barcelona’s transfer target earlier in the summer.

“He has good moral values. He’s an educated guy and has never caused us any problems”, de Laurentiis explained, whilst also denying any reports that the club were ever willing to sell the Argentine.

“Did they [Barcelona] think we didn’t know how to draw up a contract? Because when Higuain signed for us, a release clause of €100 million was included.”

Re: La Liga

According to British daily Metro, Manchester United have agreed terms with Real Madrid’s Angel Di Maria, who could be on his way out of the Spanish capital in the summer, to make way for the rumored addition of James Rodriguez.

According to another British news outlet, Daily Star, Manchester United are offering a yearly net salary of €7 million to Di Maria, and have agreed personal terms with the player before negotiating with Real Madrid, who are believed to ask no less than €60 million for the Argentine.

Di Maria is also believed to have offers from PSG and Juventus, and Metro also suggests that the player could still snub Manchester United in order to be able to participate in the Champions League next season.

Manchester United’s newly appointed manager Louis Van Gaal, however, is keen to bring the Argentine to Old Trafford, to be a central part of the profound renovation of the Manchester giant.

Di Maria was a key player in the Champions League-winning Real Madrid side, but as Los Blancos have their sights firmly set on AS Monaco’s James Rodriguez, Di Maria could be looking for a way out, and Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers.

Re: La Liga

Valencia have issued a formal statement on Saturday 12th July, strongly criticising the actions of third-party agents and representatives, who are reportedly trying to lure away players as young as 9-years-old, from their Gloval Academy.

Whilst there are many genuine and caring agents and representatives in the world of football, there are also a plethora of unscrupulous ones, who are only interested in their own profits ahead of the needs of young players, luring the interest of their parents with the promise of riches.

Having discovered that players with their own Gloval Academy are being approached by such agents, following complaints from concerned parents, Valencia CF have issued the following statement on Saturday 12th July.

Valencia CF wish to publicly denounce a worrying trend, about which we have been informed by parents of children enrolled in our school and academy. It regards the proliferation of agents and representatives contacting said parents –in some cases bordering on harassment- and using standard contract drafts with details of fellow children and parents in order to pressure them into signing without prior assessment.

Due to our concern upon receiving this information, Valencia CF would like to make clear the following:

1.- Valencia CF completely support the parents and families involved, disapprove of the aforementioned practices and wholeheartedly advise against the signing of contracts with third parties amongst children below the age of 16.

2.- Over the coming months the club will undertake a full review of the situation amongst the players in the school, regarding agents and their methods of contacting children – taking exemplary action if irregularities or questionable practices have occurred.

3.- Such market practices amongst children under 16 years of age are in radical contrast to the values of the Valencia CF Gloval Academy.

4.- Only one valid criteria exists when evaluating players at the Gloval Academy, accepting, integrating and developing them through the ranks of the club: Their performance, analysed objectively by managers and professional scouts from the club and completely independent of any representation agency.

Such practices are not uncommon it seems and Valencia aren’t the only club who have encountered such problematic situations. Many clubs in Spanish football have as many as 500 young players involved in their youth systems and clearly, whilst not all of them will make it as professional footballers, there is an ever growing concern within the sport, that third-party groups are trying to take advantage of youngsters and their parents.

Indeed, during a recent conversation with Granada CF head of youth development, Pedro Peso, ISF editor Heath Chesters learned that every season, young players are regularly being approached by agents, promising their parents moves to bigger clubs. In many cases, those who have fallen for such promises, end up discovering the truth that such promises are hollow at best, but only before it’s too late.

Clearly this will remain a problem and statements such as these from Valencia CF, are to be lauded and hopefully, their investigations will shed more light on the situation, with the eventual aim of eradicating such practices.

Re: La Liga

Almería are in advanced talks to sign Brazilian forward Wellington Silva on loan from Arsenal, with the player having already spent the last four seasons with various clubs in Spain, which will soon make him eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship.

Arsenal have had a great deal of difficulty trying to secure Brazilian forward Wellington Silva, a work permit that would permit him to play in England. So far, the English side have even been unable to secure a “Special Talent Visa” for the player.

Since his signing from Fluminense in 2011, Arsenal have been forced to loan the player out, with the 21-year-old having had spells with Levante, Alcoyano, Ponferradina and last season, Real Murcia.

Having spent his recent years playing in Spain, another season will see Wellington Silva eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship, which would therefore help Arsenal circumvent the need to continue battling for a work permit.

As such, Almería are more than willing to lend a hand, with an official announcement expected shortly, according to local newspaper, Ideal.es, who recalled that this isn’t the first time the Andaluz side have shown an interest in the player, having looked into a move last summer.

Ultimately, Wellington Silva spent the 2013-2014 campaign in the Segunda with Real Murcia, helping the club reach the promotion play-offs, making 39 appearances in all competitions, whilst also contributing 3 goals.

In addition to the reports local from Almería, the agent of the player Alex Soares, has confirmed to Sky Sports News that La Liga will be the destination for Wellington Silva this coming season.

“A deal has been agreed between Arsenal and Almería for Wellington Silva to go on loan for the season. He had the chance to go to a number of teams in Spain, but Silva has decided to join Almería.”

Aside from the obvious benefit of being able to secure Spanish citizenship next year, there’s also the additional factor that the player will now get a taste of action in La Liga, further aiding his progress. Arsenal are said to regard the player highly and very much see him as part of their long-term plans. That’s a view shared by his agent Soares.

“We are hopeful that after this loan at Almería, Silva will be able to return to play for Arsenal and they will monitor his progress in Spain next season.”

Although neither club have yet made any official statements, the player is expected to link up with the Almería squad and be formally presented, as early as next week.

Re: La Liga

Real Sociedad have completed the signing of central defender Raúl Navas from Eibar, but he’ll remain on loan at their Basque neighbours during the 2014-2015 season in La Liga.

Official statements have been released by Real Sociedad and Eibar, confirming an agreement reached between the two clubs, regarding central defender Raúl Navas.

The 26-year-old has signed for Real Sociedad on a rolling annual contract, which will be reviewed at the end of each season. In the meantime however, he will return to Eibar on loan during the 2014-2015 season.

Having originally joined Eibar when they were in the Segunda B, he has been a key part of the side which secured consecutive promotions, which have propelled the club to the Primera.

Navas began his career as a product of the Sevilla youth system, stepping up to their C and B teams, but never reaching the first-team. He then moved to Real Valladolid, where he played mostly for the B team, but also made 6 appearances in all competitions, over the course of two seasons. In 2011 he moved to Celta Vigo, spending most of his time in the B team and unable to break through to their first team.

The summer of 2012 provided a new lease of life for Navas however, where he became an important player at the heart of the Eibar defence, both in Segunda B and Segunda. Now that is set to continue this season in the Primera.

Re: La Liga

José Carlos has become the latest summer signing by newly promoted Córdoba, with the winger joining on a one-year deal, having opted to leave Rayo Vallecano and failing to land a contract with Deportivo La Coruña.

At the start of July and with his contract expired at Rayo Vallecano, José Carlos seemed set to sign for Deportivo La Coruña. However, they opted against the move in the end, following doubts about his condition, having suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee last August.

Though José Carlos did return to action towards the end of last season with Rayo, he continued to have articulation problems, caused by inflammation of the synovial membrane in his knee, which is apparently lead Deportivo to have doubts about completing his signing.

Córdoba will obviously be aware of his medical history, but they seem to be assured that José Carlos will be fine, having reached an agreement to sign him for one season, which they officially announced on Saturday night.

For the player, who thought he might be left in limbo this summer, it’s certainly a good present ahead of his 27th birthday next Thursday, as he becomes Córdoba’s fifth signing since gaining promotion to the Primera.

Re: La Liga

Athletic Club Bilbao midfielder Beñat Etxebarria was seen as the key signing for the team last summer, but didn’t quite meet expectations. Now he’s keener than ever to prove his worth, ahead of the 2014-2015 campaign.

Following his €8 million move from Real Betis last summer, whilst also turning down opportunities to head elsewhere in Europe, Beñat opted for a return home to his native Basque country and where he’d started his career, Athletic Club Bilbao.

Given the price-tag and the quality of his performances for Betis, much was expected of him at Athletic, however, Beñat struggled to hit top form, whilst team-mates Mikel Rico and Ander Iturraspe shone.

Speaking with Euskadi Radio on Saturday and ahead of their friendly match against Getxo, Beñat explained that he’s keen to do much better this season and to prove his worth to the team.

“I feel as though I’ve got a bit more than just enthusiasm inside me, because this is a new season. I’m really keen to show what I can do, so let’s see if everything turns out okay. I know that I can do well. This year I want to demonstrate that I can play here.”

Although his preferred role is playing in a deeper creative midfield position, the sale of Ander Herrera, could present Beñat with more playing opportunities, even as a more attacking oriented midfielder. He’s more than willing to play wherever Ernesto Valverde wants him to.

“It’s up to the manager. He’s not said anything to me about it yet, but if he wants me to play in a more advanced position, I can do that.”

Although it’s still early in pre-season, training sessions are gearing the team towards the first challenge they’ll face, in the qualifying round of the Champions League in August. Beñat described the intentions of their work at the moment.

“The Champions League is something very important and offers us a lot of motivation. We’re doing a lot of work with the ball and before doing more physically demanding work, we’re trying to get more rhythm to our play.”

Along with battling with the best teams in the Champions League, the 27-year-old also insisted that his team wants to perform well again in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.

“What we’re trying to do is ensure we’re ready to get through that qualifying round. We need to make a big effort to get through that tie and then not lose sight of La Liga, which is what brings us everything. Our aim is to qualify for the Champions League, obviously, whilst we keep going in the other competitions. We’re very focused on that qualifier. We want to fight and compete with the best teams, so we’re keen to show what we can do against teams of such a high standard.”

As yet, Athletic don’t know who they’ll face in the qualifying matches, but Beñat suggested there’s no preference for his part, knowing that whoever they’re drawn against, strong performances in both legs of the tie will be a must.

“Not being seeded is an important factor, but we’ll have just the same respect for whoever we play. I’m sure that it’s the same for whoever we face, because they’re in the same situation. We’ll have to have to play well away from home and make the most of our game at home, where we’re always strongest.”

Re: La Liga

Mexican attacking midfielder Uli Dávila scored the goal that sent Córdoba to the Primera, but after numerous weeks of negotiations with Chelsea, it’s seeming increasingly unlikely an agreement will be reached, to secure the player for another season on loan.

It was a magical moment for both Uli Dávila and Córdoba, when he appeared just at the right time, to score the crucial injury time equaliser away at Las Palmas, in the second-leg of the promotion play-off final. That was enough to send the Andaluz side to the Primera, on away goals.

Since then, Córdoba have been locked in negotiations with Chelsea, seeking to secure the services of Uli Dávila for another season, but things aren’t progressing as well as hoped, it seems. César Ramírez, the player’s agent, has admitted that “at the moment things have stalled somewhat.”

He also added that at no time has Dávila sought to rescind his €1 million a season contract, with Chelsea, therefore if the player does return to Córdoba eventually, it will only be on loan.

Since signing Dávila from Guadalajara on a five-year contract, Chelsea first loaned him out to Vitesse Arnhem. During the 2012-2013 season, the Mexican was loaned out once more and to Segunda side Sabadell, where he made 35 appearances and scored 4 goals. Last season at Córdoba, the 23-year-old made 38 appearances and scored 7 goals in all competitions, including that all important strike in the play-off final.

Re: La Liga

Barcelona sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, recently dismissed rumours of a possible summer exit by Brazilian right-back, Dani Alves, stating that they are very happy with the 31-year-old.

In a recent interview, Zubi stated that the two parties will meet when he returns from holiday and discuss his future, while stressing that he hopes the versatile defender remains with the club.

“We are happy with Dani Alves. When he gets back, we’ll talk with him. But we are happy with him.”

Bartomeu then echoed Zubi’s sentiments, stating the club has no intention of selling, despite being linked with Juan Cuadrado to compete with Alves.

“We’ll speak to Alves when he gets back from holiday. Now he’s played his last game, he’d done with his national team duties and he’s off to enjoy his well-deserved holidays. When he gets back, then we’ll speak with him.

“Zubi or Luis Enrique will speak to him about their plans, which they have in place for the next several years.”

Alves, who has just a year remaining on his current deal, has admitted in the past that “If they want me to stay I will, if not, I’l have to leave.”

Re: La Liga

Barcelona will be unable to present their €81 million signing, Luis Suarez, at the Camp Nou when his transfer from Liverpool is complete as FIFA are sticking to their original ban, which prevents the Uruguayan from even entering a football stadium for the next four months.

On Sunday, FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer confirmed that Barcelona’s request to allow Suarez to be presented at the historic stadium has been denied as it would fall under “football-related activity” which Suarez is banned from until late October.

“The ban relates to all football-related activity. He cannot be in a football-related public event irrespective of the venue. He cannot even be involved in a football-related charity event.”

Suarez and Barcelona, after having their original appeal denied by FIFA, will now make an appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS), which would temporarily suspend the ban but runs the risk of having the ban go through during the season.

Re: La Liga

Valencia have officially announced the permanent sale of Adil Rami to AC Milan, after a difficult negotiation period that saw the Frenchman publically criticise Valencia president, Amadeo Salvo on twitter.

In a statement via Valencia’s website, the club confirmed the sale of Rami in a brief one sentence announcement.

“On Satruday 12th July, Valencia CF has reached an agreement with AC Milan for the permanent transfer of the French footballer, Adil Rami.”

AC Milan confirmed the deal as well, stating that Rami would join the club for the next three seasons with a transfer fee of €4.25 million.

Rami hasn’t played for Valencia since October of 2013, after the centre-back publically blasted then manager Miroslav Djukic and his teammates, before being suspended by the club and loaned to AC Milan in January.

Rami again took to twitter to blast Salvo, who he blamed for slowing the transfer and not working with AC Milan.

Ese día,si la gente es coherente,se acabará el fútbol,porque el fútbol lo mantiene equipos como el Betis, y el resto equipos de diferentes niveles,porque sustentan a los grandes.

Si nos quitan nuestro sentir para imponernos otro....y la gente lo acepta,debería de dejar de existir el fútbol porque la gente es tela de **** y muchos tragarian.

Re: La Liga

Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu recently wished luck to Argentine players Leo Messi and Javier Mascherano, while also discussing the details of Luis Suarez transfer from Liverpool.

In an interview with Guillem Balague via Sky Sports, Bartomeu spoke about how thrilling it will be to have Leo Messi, Neymar and now, Luis Suarez in the attack.

“It is incredible to join those three players in the same club.

“It’s something fantastic and something unusual. It’s unusual in the world of football to have three top players plus Iniesta, plus Busquets, plus Pique, plus Mascherano and the young ones that are coming – it’s incredible to have this team.”

Bartomeu went on to add that while he cannot yet announce the definitive amount they paid Liverpool, it is less than his €100 million release clause.

“Well actually we are not allowed to explain a lot about these figures but roughly you are right on your explanation.

“Suarez is one of the best strikers in the world and at the end of last season and during the season Andoni Zubizarreta, our sporting director, started to think we had to bring a striker to our club.

“Luis Suarez was on the table and our new coach Luis Enrique, when he signed, we explained everything quickly the plans and he said ‘of course, if you can bring Luis Suarez to our club, bring him – he is a fantastic player.’”

Bartomeu went on to insist that Barcelona will do everything they can to help Suarez and improve him, following a career of controversy.

“We have to make him better.

“Luis knows, and he said it publicly, he made a mistake. He recognises it, he said he was sad and he explained everything to the player and to the world of football.

“We will help Luis Suarez to recover from this problem, from this mistake. He has the will and he knows what he did perfectly, and if we can recover him I think everyone will be happy, not just our club because we will see him playing with us, but the world of football which needs players like Luis Suarez.”