Barcelona can’t afford players like Mbappe, Haaland – Xavi Hernandes

Barcelona can no longer afford to shell out huge sums in transfer fees for top players like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, coach Xavi Hernandez said. Barcelona forked out fees in excess of 100 million euros ($109.24 million) for Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele between 2017-19, but the club’s financial issues mean they are unlikely to splurge on big new signings anytime soon.

Xavi has said they are hoping to sign new players in the January transfer window but when asked if they could go after the likes of Manchester City’s Haaland or France captain Mbappe he told reporters: “I have to deal with the players I have, because right now we are not able to think about those kinds of signings.

“Unfortunately, we are not in a privileged situation economically to do that. I am left with the players I have, and with those players we have to win,” added the Spaniard, speaking ahead of Barcelona’s league game at Las Palmas on Thursday. We have to win titles and we have to play well because the bar is very high. Barcelona are fourth in the league, 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid, who have played one game more than Xavi’s side.

Source: Supersport

In other news – Rapper Stoan seriously injured in a gas explosion on New Year’s Eve

Rapper Stoan Seate almost didn’t make it to the new year.

He was a victim of a gas explosion on New Year’s Eve and was injured. The Bongo Maffin member shared a video of his injuries on social media and said his arm, nose and lips were burnt. Read more