Football Transfer Update: Barcelona confirm Javier Mascherano has arrived from Liverpool
Officials at Liverpool have confirmed the deal with Barcelona, over the signing of Javier Mascherano. The deal has also been officially confirmed by Barcelona.
From the start of this transfer summer, Mascherano has been trying to get away from Anfield. He did not commit to any new contract with Liverpool, while there are still two years left on his current contract. Although, Mascherano did not have any problems with adjustments, however, he wants to move away from England because of his family. He had already declared that his family was having problems of adjustments in England, due to which he would like to move to some other country.
Therefore, at the start of summer, Mascherano was given a green signal by his club. Despite this signal, no one really contacted Liverpool over the sale of Mascherano. However, after the player showed his interest in joining Barcelona, contacts were made by the Catalans, who wanted a player after Yaya Toure left the club this summer. Initially, the deal seemed to be far-fetched, as the fee offered by Barcelona was rejected by Liverpool. At that point, Roy Hodgson said that the player would be sold, but Liverpool would like to get his real worth, which was not being offered by Barcelona.
The deal was hastened after Liverpool was contacted by Inter Milan as well, over the possible transfer of Mascherano. However, Hodgson told the media that the offer made by Inter Milan was extremely ridiculous, as they offered only £6M and swapping Sulley Muntari, who was previously at Portsmouth before joining Inter. Hodgson said that the offer made by Inter Milan did not look serious, so Liverpool officials did not even bother to make a reply.
Nevertheless, a speculation over Inter’s involvement in the matter did push Barcelona to finalize the deal, before any other club comes in to damage the deal. Mascherano had shown his desire to join Barcelona, therefore, there would not be any problems facing the agreement with the Argentinean. Therefore, Mascherano would now definitely arrive at Barcelona, within a week of this agreement.
This deal is very important for Barcelona, as they required a player in the defensive midfield. Right now, only Sergio Busquets can play in this position, as Yaya Toure has left Camp Nou. In addition, Rafael Marquez was another option in previous seasons, but he has left Barcelona as well. This meant that there was no one to cover for Busquets, who would have to play throughout the season.
Now, Pep Guardiola would be facing a dilemma. Busquets has been playing for the club, throughout last year. However, with the advent of Mascherano, it would be insanely stupid of any manager to sit him on the bench. He is definitely one of the best players in that position, while he is a way better goal scorer than Busquets. Therefore, a tough decision of sitting Busquets on the bench would have to be made. Mascherano would be happy to unite with his National teammate, Lionel Messi. Both players have a good understanding, so Mascherano would not face a lot of trouble while adjusting to his new conditions.
As Barcelona would benefit from this signing, Liverpool’s problems would aggravate. Although, they signed Christian Poulsen as a possible replacement of Mascherano, but there is a lot of difference between both players. Their midfield has become weaker than before, while they are also facing some problems in their new season. The only good thing that can come out from this deal, for Liverpool, is that they should invest the money in places where they are lacking.
Spanish league is going to start soon, but there is still some hustle in the remaining weak of transfers. Barcelona’s squad looks complete, but there still be some changes, as the battle would be harder this year for the Spanish champions.
Tags: