re: Mercado de Fichajes

Celta Vigo midfielder Michael Krohn-Dehli feels he may be utilised in a number of different roles this season, by manager Eduardo Berizzo, but is happy to do what helps the team most. The Dane also explained that whilst pre-season training is tough, it’s worth all the effort when the season begins.

From their pre-season training base in Marbella, Celta Vigo midfielder Michael Krohn-Dehli has sensed that new manager Eduardo Berizzo may utilise him in a deeper midfield role this season, given early indications that the Argentine coach may operate with a double-pivot in the central positions.

“I’ve still not had a private chat with him yet, but I imagine I’m going to play in a variety of different positions this season. There are twenty or so player and we all want to play, myself included. My aim is to help from whatever position the manager instructs me to, including central midfield.”

“I think I’m still the same player, although I may have to play a different way. Obviously when you play in a different position, you have to think a different way. You have to know your role well, because that’s the best way to help your team.”

The Danish midfielder isn’t worried about having to adapt his game though, even playing more defensively when required.

“It’s true that when you play further back, you have to think more defensively, but defending is something for the whole team. All eleven players have to be alert defensively.”

Krohn-Dehli is also pleased with how the new signings are settling in, as well as the young players from the B team, who have joined the first-team squad for pre-season.

“They’ve made a great impression on my, the new signings and the youth team lads that are training with us. Everyone is working very hard, so things are looking good.”

The 31-year-old was also asked for his first impressions of manager Eduardo Berizzo and what sort of football can be expected from Celta Vigo.

“So far we’ve not really done any tactical work, but from what I’ve seen so far in the first training sessions, he’s a manager who likes his team to have the ball, press opponents and play attacking football. I think we’ll have an attacking style to our game.”

“Normally every manager has their own way of working. This one is very different to our previous manager and we have to adapt to how he works, but it’s also normal for him to make the most of work we’ve done before. We all have to work hard together. The first thing he did was to explain how he works and that gave us a good impression. We’re all working hard.”

Few players admit enjoying the rigours of pre-season fitness training and Krohn-Dehli is no different in that respect, but admits that punishing though their work may be physically, it’s all worth the effort.

“It’s pre-season, with all that entails. We’re working hard and well, mostly on the physical side of things, but also with the ball and that’s good, because it means training sessions aren’t so boring.”

“I don’t think anyone likes pre-season training, but it’s something we all have to do. We all prefer working with the ball, but the physical side of training is also essential, if we’re going to do well in La Liga.”

“It’s very hot and we’re tired, but we’re working hard to be in good form for the first game in La Liga and I think we’re on the right track.”

Finally and looking ahead to La Liga this season, Krohn-Dehli was a little reluctant to make any predictions, as to how his team will fare, given there’s always plenty of unexpected things that can happen, over the course of a season.

“I have a great respect for La Liga. Every game is very tough and any opponent can surprise you. Last season there was a team playing in the Europa League, who weren’t able to reach 25 points and finished up relegated. We have to go carefully, calmly and get better game by game.”

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Swansea City attacking midfielder, Michu has finalised a season-long loan to Italian Serie A side, Napoli.

Napoli president, Aurellio de Laurentiis confirmed via his twitter account, that following several weeks of negotiations, the Italian side had finally landed the former Rayo Vallecano star on a season-long loan stating, ‘Benvenuto a Michu’.

Soon after, Swansea City also confirmed the loan deal.

“Swansea City can confirm that Michu has joined Napoli on a season-long loan with an agreed option to buy.

“The 28-year-old completed a medical earlier today and will now link up with Rafa Benitez’s side ahead of the new campaign.
Michu arrived at the Liberty Stadium in the summer of 2012 from Rayo Vallecano for £2million, and soon confirmed himself as a big hit with the Jack Army.

“Overall, the 28-year-old played 63 games for the Swans, scoring 28 goals.”

Michu joins his former La Liga rivals Gonzalo Higuain, Jose Callejon and Raul Albiol at the Italian side.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Colombian World Cup superstar, James Rodríguez will reportedly arrive at Real Madrid on Monday, with the club already setting aside a place for the 22-year-old at their Valdebebas training ground.

According to French sports daily, L’Equipe, Rodríguez will forego Monaco’s tour in Miami as well as their game against Atlético Nacional in order to focus on his transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The report goes on to state that James will cost upwards of €90 million (€80 million in other reports) which might decrease during negotiation with Madrid, by including other players in the deal. Monaco has set their sights on goalkeeper Diego López, but he has no interest in leaving Madrid, while the second choice would be 2014 World Cup winner, Sami Khedira

James Rodríguez’s potential arrival to Real Madrid coincides with Di Maria’s departure, who could make a €60 million move to French Ligue 1 side, PSG.

Spanish sports daily, AS goes on to add that James already has his place at the club’s dressing room.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema has reportedly agreed to a new four-year contract extension that will keep him at the Santiago Bernabeu through the 2018-19 season, while increasing his salary to €8 million per season.

According to El Confidencial, Benzema and Real Madrid have been working out the details of the contract extension for several months and have finally agreed to give Benzema his first contract extension and pay raise since he originally signed with the club from Lyon in 2009.

Benzema is entering the final year of his original six-year contract and the new deal, which will be signed upon his return from holiday and before the team leaves on their pre-season tour of the United States.

The point of contention during the negotiations was over the salary increase, but they have managed to agree to wages that will nearly double his salary from his current €4.5 million per year.

Re-signing Benzema was a priority for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was impressed by the Frenchmen’s work ethic and selflessness throughout a successful season.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Real Madrid striker, Alvaro Morata was welcomed by fans as he touched down in Turin ahead of his transfer to Juventus, after the two sides reached an transfer agreement on Friday.

At 7:00pm local time, Morata made his way through the airport, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans and Juventus’ official twitter account as he gets set for his medical on Saturday morning.

According to Spanish sports daily, AS, Juventus will pay Real Madrid €20 million after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a deal that would’ve paid Madrid €18 million with deductions should he not meet certain games, minutes and objectives.

Morata will now reportedly sign a four-year contract with La Vecchia Signora, while Real Madrid look for another forward, with AS Monaco duo Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez being the favourites to boost an attack that already features Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Valencia centre-back, Jeremy Mathieu issued a public plea to the club, begging them to accept Barcelona’s offer and allow him to realise his dream of playing for “the biggest club in the world” but it appears that the Frenchman’s heartfelt plea has fallen on deaf ears as Valencia president Amadeo Salvo is sticking to his €20 million asking price.

In a letter published by Mathieu, the defender pleaded for Valencia to accept an offer, presumably from Barcelona worth €15 million and stated that he will not play or train for fear of running the risk of getting injured ahead of a possible transfer.

However, despite Mathieu’s plea and refusal to train or play, Spanish news service EFE has revealed that Valencia are still refusing to accept Barcelona’s lowered bid and will not allow Mathieu to leave until he’s deposited his full €20 million release clause at the LFP offices in Madrid.

Mathieu remains in Germany with the squad, but is holding out for word from Valencia.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho recently stated that convincing former Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas was an “easy job”, as the Portuguese boss feels that the Spanish international was keen to join the Blues over Arsenal.

In a recent interview via the Telegraph, Mourinho spoke candidly about his conversation with the 27-year-old midfielder and stated it only took 20 minutes for Cesc to come on-board.

“I spoke with him for 20 minutes. He really wanted to come to us. Arsenal had an option to interfere, but I think he was not open to that. I think he was very, very much in our direction, so it was an easy job for me.”

Mourinho then announced that following the signing of former Atletico Madrid defender, Filipe Luis, they may be done with their transfer signings for the summer.

“We did our business in almost record time. The market closes Aug 31 and we close our market on July 18.

“I don’t think there will be any more players. We are happy with what we have got.”

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Real Madrid are confident about securing a loan move for midfielder Casimero sooner rather than later. With the arrival of Toni Kroos in midfield, it seems unlikely that the Brazilian will receive much playing time at the Bernabeu.

According to AS, Porto’s new head coach, Julen Lopotegui, who has experience working with young players having managed Spain’s international youth teams from 2010 to 2014, will aid his development and grant him the playing time that he needs in order to grow as a player.

The proposed deal is expected to include a buy option for Porto should they choose to hold on to the 22 year old midfielder, but also a repurchase clause that would allow Real Madrid to bring him back to the Spanish capital should he capitalise on his evident potential.

Casemiro began his Real Madrid career playing for their B-side, making 15 appearances in the Segunda since he arrived from Sao Paolo on loan. Since then, Los Blancos have taken advantage of their right to make the deal permanent for a fee of 6 million euros. He was mainly called upon as a substitute during Carlo Ancelotti’s first season at Madrid, during which he accumulated a total of 13 appearances in La Liga.

Should the move go through, Casemiro will be joining Barcelona’s Cristian Tello, who penned a loan deal with the Portuguese side earlier this week.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

¿Qué os parece el "trueque" Di Maria + dinero -> James?

Lo que sí es un abuso es que con 85M de €, muchísimos clubes no estarían en la situación que están.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

French Ligue 1 champions, Paris Saint Germain are preparing to offer Real Madrid €60 million for Argentine winger, Ángel di María, with the 26-year-old set to earn €8m per year.

According to French sports daily, L’Equipe, Paris Saint Germain are still under strict FFP guidelines and will need to sell several players, but manager Laurent Blanc has made signing the 26-year-old a top priority.

For Real Madrid, they must sell Di Maria before making a massive big-money bid for AS Monaco’s James Rodriguez, which they intend to do promptly after the sale of Di Maria and 2014 World Cup winner, Sami Khedira.

The report goes on to add that Di Maria, despite having a brilliant season, was disappointed at having to sit on the bench for the first half and would be willing to leave for the €3 million salary increase.

PSG are willing to part company with Javier Pastore, Lucas, Marco Verratti, Ezequiel Lavezzi or Edinson Cavani to facilitate Di Maria’s arrival to Paris.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Isco has been linked with moves to Liverpool and AC Milan in recent days, whilst Sevilla were reportedly set to secure the young midfielder on a season-long loan, but the player himself has absolutely no desire to leave Real Madrid.

The future of Isco at Real Madrid has been raised somewhat of a question mark over recent days, following the arrival of German international, Toni Kroos, whilst talk of James Rodríguez seems to situate the Colombian ever closer to a Bernabéu move.

Various reports in the English media have suggested that Liverpool have enquired about the availability of Isco, whilst in Italy, the same has been suggested of AC Milan. In Spain, there were also rumours that Sevilla had gone one step further and secured a loan deal for the 22-year-old, but that was something he was swift to dismiss, simply stating via his official Twitter account: “Obviously all lies.”

Isco made 53 appearances and scored 11 goals in all competitions last season, his first with Real Madrid following his move from Málaga last summer. Such figures would seem to fly in the face of any suggestions that there may not be room for him in the considerations of Carlo Ancelotti, ahead of the 2014-2015 campaign.

The Italian coach was continually asked to ponder over the ideal role of Isco, throughout last season however, given the 4-3-3 system deployed and the player being alternated between central midfield and more attacking roles.

A look at the Real Madrid squad and the players available in midfield, would suggest that like any strong squad with strength and depth, there are two players currently available for each position. Xabi Alonso and Asier Illarramendi will compete for the defensive midfield berth, whilst Ángel Di María, Sami Khedira, Luka Modric and Isco, will compete for the two central midfield spots.

Even if Real Madrid do land James Rodríguez this summer, the Colombian would compete for a place in the attacking trident with Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Jesé Rodríguez. Although he has also featured in a more advanced role, his manager has stated on countless occasions, that he sees Isco as more of a central midfielder.

Despite all the speculation of late and suggestions that his future at Real Madrid are uncertain, the player himself is clear he’s going nowhere, his agents have responded the same way when questioned by the Spanish media, whilst it seems highly unlikely indeed, that Carlo Ancelotti would be willing to part so easily with Isco.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Elche president José Sepulcre publicly announced after the team’s first pre-season friendly against Eldense, that an agreement has been reached with Chelsea, for the loan of Croatia U21 international Mario Pasalic.

During a press call following their opening game of pre-season, Elche president José Sepulcre confirmed that his club have reached a full agreement with English side Chelsea, to loan 19-year-old midfielder Mario Pasalic, on loan for the 2014-2015 campaign in La Liga.

Pasalic signed for Chelsea from Hajduk Split earlier this month, but following a visit from Elche sporting director, Víctor Orta, negotiations were fruitful in securing the move and offering the player the opportunity of regular action in La Liga, to aid his progress. He is expected to be joining the rest of the squad in training, on either Monday or Tuesday.

José Sepulcre also confirmed the offer made to Málaga for attacking midfielder, Portillo, indicating that he is hopeful the deal will be secured by the middle of the coming week. Amidst a busy period of transfer dealings, he also hopes business can be concluded for Universidad Católica defender, Enzo Roco Andía, plus Brazilian striker Jomathas de Jesus.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Sevilla keeper Javi Varas is surplus to requirements, with the club having told him he can look elsewhere this summer. So far however, only Real Valladolid have made contact about a potential move.

Following the arrival of Mariano Barbosa from Las Palmas, it meant the days for Javi Varas at Sevilla were numbered, after the club informed him he should look for an alternative destination this summer.

Finding another club in the Primera hasn’t been easy, given most have already secured their goalkeeping positions, whilst his salary is also relatively high at just under €1 million a season.

An approach has been made by Real Valladolid however, according to Estadio Deportivo, who have offered Varas around €300,000 a season to join them, following their relegation to the Segunda.

Varas seemingly has a preference to remain in Spain, rather than consider opportunities abroad, so as yet, this the offer from Real Valladolid seems the only destination open at present, unless any other club make an approach in the meantime.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Barcelona are casting their eyes far and wide for defensive reinforcements, with a young pearl from Sao Paulo amongst the latest talents to be linked with the Catalan club.

The search for central defensive reinforcements and the possibility of additional recruitment in this area of the team, is pretty much a given this summer for Barcelona.

Whilst the headlines have been grabbed recently by Valencia central defender, Jérémy Mathieu, who has requested a transfer with the aim of forcing through a move, Barcelona are also taking a look at much younger options.

According to fans portal, weloba.es, the Catalan club have sent technical secretary Albert Valentin to Brazil, where he’s been keeping a close eye on 20-year-old Rodrigo Caio of Sao Paulo, who can operate either as a central defender, or a central midfielder.

The player has been linked with moves to European clubs already, including Arsenal and Monaco, following excellent performances for Brazil at the Toulon U20 tournament. Barcelona could now be planning an approach of their own, adding themselves to the player’s growing list of admirers.

At the moment however, reports in Brazil suggest that Sao Paulo have placed a minimum €20 million valuation on Rodrigo Caio, whilst the player and his agents have also suggested that a move to Europe this summer, may be too soon.

re: Mercado de Fichajes

Colombian international, James Rodríguez landed in Madrid around 3pm on Sunday afternoon before heading off to Nice, where he is expected to negotiate a deal away from AS Monaco to Real Madrid.

According to Spanish sports daily, AS, James has already informed AS Monaco that he intends to play for Real Madrid but his arrival in Madrid set off a frenzy to those in the airport.

James took photos with several children on the flight and caused a commotion on the plane so that by the time they landed in Madrid, there was a crowd waiting for the 22-year-old and his wife, as many thought this to be his final stop ahead of completing his move to Real Madrid.

However, it was just a stop, as James, who stopped to take pictures, headed off to catch his flight to Nice, France, where he will make then 20km trip to Monaco.

Monaco has requested that James travel to Miami on Monday morning, whereas James is expected to sit down with AS Monaco’s front office and formally request a transfer to Los Blancos, who have already prepared for the Colombian’s arrival.