Share

Barca priced out of Bellerin deal

Cape Town - Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez admits any potential deal to bring Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin back to his hometown club would be tricky.

The Spain international, who signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners back in November, is reported to be a main target for the Catalan giants.

Barca youth product Bellerin left the Camp Nou in 2011 to join the Gunners, and has become a key member for Arsene Wenger's side since breaking into the first team in 2014.

Asked about the prospect of re-signing the 22-year-old, Fernandez told El Mundo Deportivo: "Of course Hector is a good player. He is well known. He is playing at a great level but there are also other players that have good characteristics."

The "other players" he referred to are Juventus forward Paulo Dybala and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti.

Fernandez added: "Those players are under contract with their respective clubs. And especially when a player has a long-term contract, it's very difficult.

"We are open to bringing reinforcements, to sign a player, and always have in mind the idea of improving the team, but to improve Barcelona's team, especially our first team, it's very difficult because we have a magnificent side. We have to give value to what we have."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1205 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1406 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2131 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE