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The week’s main football news and transfer rumors include the possibility of Lionel Messi appearing in a Barcelona shirt, Kylian Mbappe’s efforts to strengthen his bid for the Ballon d’Or and concerns over Vinicius Junior’s position at Real Madrid.
Messi could appear in a Barcelona shirt
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is planning to hold a special farewell ceremony for Lionel Messi at the club. The Argentine left the team in 2021 because of financial problems, and the farewell did not take place at the level that had been expected.
According to reports, Messi could play for Barcelona in the Joan Gamper Trophy, potentially to be held in 2028. The Catalan side are reportedly expected to face Inter Miami, with the Argentine forward possibly playing one half for each team. The idea has also been backed by David Beckham, one of Inter Miami’s main investors.
Discontent at Barcelona over Flick’s decision
There is reportedly discontent within the club over Hans-Dieter Flick’s failure to give young forward Hamza Abdelkarim sufficient opportunities in official matches. Although the player impressed during preseason preparations, he has made few appearances for the first team.
Flick believes Abdelkarim still needs to develop in training and improve his understanding of the game. The German coach reportedly considers the young forward not yet ready for regular first-team football.
Mbappe steps up Ballon d’Or campaign
Kylian Mbappe has reportedly launched a self-promotion campaign to improve his chances in the Ballon d’Or voting. The Real Madrid and France forward has stressed in recent interviews that he deserves the award.
The French player reportedly approached RFI radio himself for an interview aimed at an African audience. In the interview, Mbappe said he had not forgotten his African roots and wanted to dedicate the Ballon d’Or to the continent. According to the reports, journalists from African countries account for about 20% of the vote.
Mbappe’s moves have reportedly received a mixed response from Real Madrid’s management. An anonymous club source was quoted as saying that the player was “begging for the Ballon d’Or.”
Bayern Munich want to sign Haaland
Although Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with a possible transfer for Erling Haaland, recent reports suggest that Bayern Munich have also joined the race for the Norwegian forward.
Bayern’s sporting management reportedly believes Haaland could replace Harry Kane, who is approaching the final stage of his career. The Munich club is said to want to sign the Norwegian in two or three years.
Real Madrid concerned about Vinicius
Concern over Vinicius Junior’s performances is reportedly growing at Real Madrid. The Brazilian has scored only one goal this season.
There is reportedly a view at the Madrid club that Vinicius lost his previous motivation after signing a new six-year contract. Head coach Jose Mourinho is also said to be considering leaving the Brazilian forward out of the starting lineup. In that case, Vinicius would have to prove that he deserves to retain his place in the starting XI.
