It’s unreasonable to expect a FIFA-imposed transfer ban to keep a club as big as Barcelona from making moves this summer – especially considering the potential for them to have the ban removed or circumvented in one way or another. The potential for Barcelona to get over the imposed ban has kept them in the midst of several rumors throughout the season and there is a good chance that one of them will become reality this summer. Here is a look at five names rumored to make a move to Barcelona and whether or not they deserve to be classified as fact or fiction.
Paul Pogba, Juventus
Pogba recently caused fits for Barcelona’s La Liga rivals Real Madrid and Barca will get a close look at him in their upcoming Champions League Final when they face off against Juventus. A good effort there will only increase their interest in acquiring his services. So far this season, Pogba has eight goals for Juve. There have already been reports that Barcelona’s management has been in contact with Juventus in order to see how high the price tag will be. While they will likely have to pay a pretty penny to get his services, there is no denying the high level of interest from both sides could make an eventual marriage between Pogba and Barcelona happen. Fact Or Fiction: Fact
Hector Bellerin, Arsenal
Bellerin actually left Barcelona as a 16-year-old when he signed with Arsenal, so if this comes to fruition, it could be a homecoming of sorts. After spending the last four years establishing himself as a starting fullback in the EPL, there is a good chance he won’t want to make a return to Spain. Barcelona may be interested in bringing him back but there is too much standing in their way – including most notable the fact that Bellerin prefers to stay in England. Fact Or Fiction: Fiction
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Joao Cancelo, Valencia
As is the case with Bellerin, it appears as though this rumor is more about Barcelona fans and writers looking ahead to potential replacements for their first team rather than something that merits serious consideration. Cancelo is currently on loan with Barcelona’s La Liga rivals Valencia and reports have him interested in signing a long-term deal with the club, so don’t expect him to join the Spanish champions. Fact Or Fiction: Fiction
Ander Herrera, Manchester United
The recent rumors of Herrera’s potential plucking from Manchester United could make sense for both sides considering Barcelona’s need for another midfielder and Herrera’s interest in playing with world-class stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. Barcelona would have to pay a hefty price to land Herrera though and at this point, there is no indication the Red Devils would be willing to move him from their midfield where he is already slotted in at a decent price. Expect Herrera to continue to ply his trade in the EPL. Fact Or Fiction: Fiction
Mateo Kovacic, Inter Milan
The reality is that all three parties involved will have to be interested in order for Barcelona to get any transfer deal done. One scenario that seems likely is the one with Kovacic. In this situation, the player and both teams interested in making a change. Inter Milan’s has made no secret of their desire to land a veteran player like Yaya Toure as they want a little more experience on the roster. That will push them to sell a young player like Kovacic to clear some room. So with both teams having interest, that leaves Kovacic as the last part of the equation. The good news is that the youngster has already reportedly narrowed down his options to either Liverpool or Barcelona, so he’s already got his eye on a move and his eye on Spain. Look for this deal to get done over the summer. Fact Or Fiction: Fact
