Hansi Flick identifies €40 million-rated Valencia star as key target for Barcelona rebuild – report
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Barcelona’s search for midfield reinforcements ahead of the new season has led the club back to one of the most highly-rated young talents in La Liga.
As Hansi Flick and the sporting department continue evaluating options to strengthen the squad, Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra has emerged as a serious candidate.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 22-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past year, and his performances have convinced Barcelona that he possesses the qualities required to thrive at the highest level.
According to Cope, Barcelona’s interest is genuine and extends far beyond routine scouting.
In fact, the Catalan giants have already taken concrete steps as they assess the possibility of bringing the Valencia star to Spotify Camp Nou.
Barcelona step up interest in Javi Guerra
Guerra has been on Barcelona’s radar for several seasons, but his recent development has pushed him further up the club’s shortlist.
The midfielder finished the campaign strongly and further enhanced his reputation with his breakthrough into the Spanish national team setup.
Barcelona are interested in Javi Guerra. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
AdvertisementAdvertisementThose displays have strengthened the belief within Barcelona that he could become an important player both now and in the future.
The report states that Flick views Guerra as a particularly interesting option for Barcelona’s midfield rebuild, with the German believed to appreciate the player’s technical quality, energy and ability to influence games.
Most significantly, discussions have already taken place.
Deco has met with Guerra’s agents
As reported before, sporting director Deco met with representatives of the player, and Guerra’s situation was one of the topics addressed during those conversations.
While negotiations are still at an early stage, the contact shows that Barcelona are actively exploring the operation rather than merely monitoring from a distance.
Despite Barcelona’s growing interest, the outlet mentions that completing a deal will be far from straightforward, as Valencia have made it clear that Guerra is considered an important part of their long-term project.
Guerra can be signed for €40 million. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
In fact, the La Liga club is not actively looking to sell him this summer. Club CEO Ron Gourlay has communicated that position whenever questions regarding the midfielder’s future have arisen.
AdvertisementAdvertisementWhat about the finances?
Notably, the young midfielder has a release clause structure in his contract that will change in July and August.
For the month of July, Guerra can be signed for €40 million, a figure that increases to €60 million for the remainder of the transfer window.
That temporary window creates a potential opportunity for interested clubs if they decide to act quickly.
The clause was reduced when Guerra signed his latest contract extension until 2029.
Previously, his release clause stood at €100 million before Valencia adjusted the terms as part of his renewal agreement.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
