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Leo Messi embargoes Barcelona’s approach for midfielder

By Atharva Khadilkar

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 17: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks on during the warm up prior to the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between FC Barcelona and Levante at Nou Camp on January 17, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 17: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks on during the warm up prior to the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between FC Barcelona and Levante at Nou Camp on January 17, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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Lionel Messi is keen on seeing a few players arrive in Barcelona, but he is not a fan of their latest target- who is a midfielder by position.

A few days ago, the transfer mill created stories about Manchester United winger Juan Mata being linked with a move to Barcelona. The Catalans wanted to sign the Spaniard in the summer as a free agent, because Mata’s contract at Manchester United is due to expire at the end of this season.

What’s the captain saying?

However, all transfer targets are carefully screened and scanned by their captain and talisman Lionel Messi. Any player who is deemed to be below the club’s standard or not in accordance with who Messi wants to play, gets a straightforward rejection from the 31-year-old and Barcelona pull out of any talks.

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The Argentina international has once again exercised his authority over the Spanish champions’ transfers and given a flat refusal to the prospect of signing Mata. Messi is clear that Barcelona are not in need of a player who is ageing, and especially somebody who will demand a significant share in terms of wages after signing at Barcelona.

What next for Juan Mata?

It has now been said that Juan Mata will begin holding talks with Manchester United itself to renovate his contract at the Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made a large number of rotations and is open to giving every player a chance so the former Valencia attacker feels that he has a future at the club under the Norwegian.

What does it mean for F.C. Barcelona?

Ernesto Valverde will now be giving one final chance to Philippe Coutinho to prove his worth and show that he is capable of delivering well regularly if placed in the starting eleven. The last few matches, especially last weekend’s trip to Girona have signalled otherwise, but with Dembele out with injury, there are going to be a few more chances for Coutinho, who has been linked with an exit from the Camp Nou as well.

Next. Barcelona hold secret negotiations with Messi's replacement. dark

What do you make of Leo Messi’s decision of vetoing Juan Mata’s transfer to Barcelona?

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