Ronald Koeman no longer has any illusions. The Dutchman has learned on more than one occasion that as the coach of the financially troubled FC Barcelona not all of his personal dreams will be fulfilled. According to the ‘Mundo Deportivo’, Koeman has nevertheless noted at least five wishes for the summer. A meeting with President Joan Laporta is on the calendar this week.
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On this occasion, Koeman wanted to urgently ask that Lionel Messi (33) and Ousmane Dembélé (23) extend their contracts and thus be available as weapons for the offensive beyond the summer. Time is of the essence, especially with the Argentine, whose contract is about to expire. As reported by ‘Catalunya Radio’ today, Laporta took his superstar aside for the first time at the weekend as part of the trip to the away game in San Sebastián to check the willingness to extend his contract. Details are not known, but the Barça boss is said to have left the conversation with an optimistic feeling.
Four transfer requests
When it comes to newcomers, there are four construction sites that Koeman has identified. A central defender should come and it should come down to 20-year-old Eric García. The home-grown Blaugrana can leave Manchester City free of charge. David Alaba (28) is also a candidate. The Austrian will probably leave FC Bayern in the direction of Real Madrid. In favor of Alaba, he said, the staff cover would also be enriched with him at the back left.
Wish number three is a central midfielder. There is great interest in Georginio Wijnaldum (30) from Liverpool FC, which is also available for free. The Reds themselves have not yet completely given up hope of a continuation of the cooperation.
Last but not least, the permanent construction site remains under attack. Barcelona wanted to get Memphis Depay (27) from Olympique Lyon last summer. However, the salary for Koeman’s compatriot exceeded the prescribed budget and so the deal fell through. In the summer, Depay is now free of charge and it is quite possible that the commitment will work out in the second attempt. Koeman could then tick his wish-list again.
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