Barcelona signing Kevin-Prince Boateng is a shock but unlikely transfers have worked out well for the Catalans recently

Barcelona signing Kevin-Prince Boateng is a shock but unlikely transfers have worked out well for the Catalans recently
Wait, theyve signed Boateng? The Bayern Munich defender Messi left scrambling on the ground?No the other one, Kevin-Prince Boateng.That guy who was at Las Palmas? Are you joking?6

Sporting director Eric Abidal was keen to stress about Boateng’s ability

This conversation overheard in a Barcelona newsroom on Monday is one that likely played out in a number of different variations across the city, if not the world, as the news of the most surprising transfer of the season broke.Yes, it was true; Baras masterstroke signing to provide back-up for Luis Suarez at centre-forward in the crunch stage of a season chasing the treble is a 31-year-old who isnt even really a striker, and had been playing for a team in the bottom half of Serie A.At his presentation as a Bara player on Tuesday Boateng looked as surprised with the news as everyone else. I said to my agent I would run all the way to Barcelona, not take the plane. Im very happy.6

Boateng started up front for Barca on Wednesday night

“These couple of days have been incredible, the former Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan star said – unable to hide his awe at the move which had just unfolded.Boateng made every effort to sell himself as a selfless team player who has no delusions that he will be a starter (Im a realist, he noted). Barcelona need to work hard to sell the move to their fans, too. Sporting director ric Abidal talked up the attackers experience in big games and his knowledge of La Liga.One journalist even reminded the duo that Boateng once nutmegged the Bara legend in the process of scoring a stunning goal against Bara in the Champions League.6

Boateng scored a stunner against Barcelona in 2012

But that was eight years ago, and Barcelona havent signed the Boateng of 2011.Nor have they even signed the Boateng that shone briefly in La Liga, his time there now two seasons in the past.On Tuesday Abidal and the forward made an effort to turn the questions over his advancing age into a positive, insisting that Boateng has matured into a true centre-forward at Sassuolo and therefore fits the profile of the back-up number nine the Blaugrana are in desperate need of, following the sale of Munir to Sevilla.6

The 31-year-old is content to play back up to Messi and co.

The truth is though that while the deal is definitely left-field, it is no stranger than the other name doing the rounds in the Barcelona rumour mill in recent days, Carlos Vela.If the choice of centre-forward is between a winger playing in MLS, or an attacking midfielder who has developed into a number nine in far more demanding Italy, Boateng suddenly doesnt seem like the worst of options.Both pursuits, and this weeks eventual signing, mean there are reasonable questions being raised in Spain about Baras transfer strategy in this winter window.

Kevin Prince Boateng's senior career

The former Ghana international has enjoyed a long and winding road to the top...

• Hertha BSC – 2004 – 2007
• Tottenham Hotspur – 2007 – 2009
• Borussia Dortmund (loan) – 2009
• Portsmouth – 2009 – 2010
• AC Milan – 2010 – 2013
• Schalke 04 – 2013 – 2105
• AC Milan – 2016
• Las Palmas – 2016 – 2017
• Eintracht Frankfurt – 2017 2018
• Sassuolo – 2018
• Barcelona (loan) – 2019 –

Yet the same could be said about when they signed Paulinho, Arturo Vidal, or even Ousmane Dembele, who was in no way considered an adequate replacement for one of the top forwards in the world when Neymar left for Paris Saint-Germain.All of those moves have produced positive results for the Catalans, so perhaps the people making transfer decisions at the Camp Nou know something the critics and online experts dont.6

Although a somewhat controversial character, Boateng has undoubted potential

Even if Boateng and Barcelona deserve the benefit of the doubt, what may yet prove to be a missed opportunity however is the inability to find a player who more closely resembles Suarez in his style of play.A reasonable case can be made for Boateng as a rotation striker to use in Copa del Rey and less challenging La Liga clashes, in order to give the Uruguayan some much-needed rest considering a persistent knee problem is still bothering the former Liverpool man. He could also be a useful joker option from the bench in an effort to switch things up.But should Baras first choice number nine pick up an injury that keeps him out of action, their replacement will be someone who seems likely to struggle to do the same job of pinning defenders back to make vital space for Lionel Messi, or playing one-touch with his back to goal to break down stubborn opposition.Managing Suarezs fitness will still be key for the Catalans in their pursuit of both the Champions League and retaining the Spanish title therefore.On Tuesday night, he made his debut for theBlaugrana at Sevilla in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final – starting up front in place of Suarez.6

Barca’s new signing will hope to enjoy his time at the Camp Nou more than his brother did in 2015

Unfortunately for Boateng and the travelling fans, it was Sevilla who hold the advantage heading into the second leg after producing a terrific second half performance. Strikes fromPablo Sarabia and Wissam Ben Yedder stunned the Catalans and leave them requiring a second leg comeback at the Camp Nou.For the new signing from Sassuolo, the night was to end prematurely as Valverde turned to the experienced Suarez in search of a goal, but the game ended in a 2-0 disappointment.

---

Tottenham team news: How Spurs could line-up against Huddersfield without Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and four other injured stars Mauricio Pochettino has got a selection headache on his hands as the
How Spurs could line-up with and without Harry Kane in the

---

Marcus Rashford is in line to land a staggering £78million contract at Manchester United after holding advanced talks with the club over a new five-year deal.
Marcus Rashford | Premier Skills English

---

"I forgot that I made that bet, but I'll take that all day long." Dubbed as the guy with the biggest beard in the FA Cup, AFC Wimbledon's Scott Wagstaff pledged to dye his chin hair if they pulled
Dyeing for a win! AFC Wimbledon midfielder Scott Wagstaff

---

It is reported that Tottenham Hotspur are keenly interested in Florian Grillitsch from 1899 Hoffenheim. Spurs are looking for a replacement for Mousa Dembele at the defensive midfield spot. Even though Mousa Dembele is back from his long recovery from injury, it seems he has played his last match
Tottenham keen on Hoffenheim midfielder Florian Grillitsch

---

[Teams] Liverpool vs Wolves: Confirmed line-ups from Anfield chance of pipping Manchester City to the Premier League title on the final day of the season. huge fitness boost ahead of
Team news: Liverpool confirm triple injury boost but key man

---

Mauricio Pochettino has suggested a "painful" summer rebuild is needed if Tottenham Hotspur are to challenge for major trophies next season. Spurs have failed to sign any players since January 2018 when Lucas Moura arrived from Paris Saint-Germain.
Tottenham news and transfers live: Pochettino 'approves

---

After the emphatic victory over Chelsea last week, this fixture promised to be less taxing considering the fact that Spurs has scored 17 goals against Stoke in the last 4 encounters. It was anything but a stroll. To their credit, Stoke worked very hard - though not very skilfully - to upset Spurs' rhythm.
Everything Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup and Beyond: 11/04/18

---

Julen Lopetegui refused to comment on suggestions Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is set for an imminent move to Real Madrid. Courtois is yet to return to the London club this week following the World Cup in an apparent attempt to force a move back to the Spanish capital, having played for Real's city rivals Atletico from 2011-14.
Jose Mourinho as Everton manager? Danny Murphy believes
hollywoodadviser.com/jose-mourinho-as-everton-manager-danny-murphy-believes-former-chelsea-and-manchester-united-boss-could-end-up-at-goodison/
Thibaut Courtois: Pelted with abuse, former Chelsea goalkeeper got the last laugh as Real Madrid ended Atletico's title bid Aitor Esteban apoyará a los procesados del 1-O a las puertas del Supremo en nombre del PNV
Steven L. (luzuwiyic) on Pinterest

---

Jurgen Klopp jumped to the defence of his players in front of the media on Friday, ahead of Everton's arrival at Anfield this weekend. The Reds will host the Toffees on Sunday afternoon in a
EPL table, fixtures, results, scores LIVE: Premier League

---

Transfer news LIVE updates: David Luiz to Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea, Barcelona updates TRANSFER NEWS is coming thick and fast with clubs all around Europe planning for the January transfer window.

---

Derby vs Villa: Where to live stream the Championship play off final this Monday. It's make or break day for Derby and Aston Villa, who face off at Wembley Stadium this afternoon for a chance to
Aston Villa 2-1 Derby County: Championship play-off final

---

Eden Hazard: Chelsea forward on favouring Arsenal over Tottenham, playing in China, and downplays Real Madrid transfer talk The Belgian was participating in a Q&A and shed some light on his future
Real Madrid confirm Eden Hazard transfer on a five-year deal

---

EXIT DOOR 'I never had my eyes on Gordon Taylor's job', insists departing PFA chairman Ben Purkiss has been forced to follow the criticised chief executive out of the door when a review into
PFA chairman Ben Purkiss follows £2.3m-a-year chief exec

---

Declan Rice backed by Harry Arter over his decision to choose Republic of Ireland or England. The West Ham ace will sit out the international fortnight as he takes the time and space to decide on
Declan Rice's decision to choose England over Republic of

---

Ashley Cole feels that Raheem Sterling is being targeted for abuse while on England duty because of his skin colour. Speaking in ITV's new documentary Out Of Their Skin, which charts the last 40
Raheem Sterling: Manchester City forward is 'definitely NOT

---

liverpool vs manchester city champions league live streaming
champions league live stream manchester united
live streaming of premier league football
football live streaming arabic
champions league live stream uefa
t10 premier league live streaming
best free live streaming sites champions league
barcelona vs roma champions league live streaming
football live stream europa league
football live streaming espn
live streaming premier league rcti
dhaka premier league live streaming 2019
champions league 2018 streaming live gratuit
football live streaming online tvronaldo.com
premier league live stream hd online
ghana premier league live streaming
barcelona liverpool champions league live streaming
premier league live stream west ham
premier league live streaming hd
real madrid vs juventus champions league live streaming
premier league darts live stream youtube
how to watch premier league live streaming
football live streaming england vs croatia
premier league free live stream vipbox
live streaming champions league hari ini
free premier league live streaming
champions league live streaming barcelona
champions league live stream vip
football live streaming maruzi tv
champions league live streaming free india
bangladesh premier league live streaming online
champions league live streaming gratuit
tottenham vs juventus champions league live streaming
champions league quarter final draw live streaming
arsenal champions league live streaming free
champions league round of 16 draw live streaming
premier league live streaming xfinity
premier league live streaming now
paok aek basket champions league live streaming
final champions league live streaming
wales premier league live streaming
juventus tottenham champions league live streaming
premier league live stream games
epl live streaming hd
premier league live streaming free ipad
everest premier league live streaming
premier league live stream manchester united vs southampton
premier league liverpool vs manchester city live streaming
canadian premier league live streaming
premier league live streaming football
youtube champions league live streaming
watch bangladesh premier league live streaming online free
watch premier league live stream hd
where to watch premier league live streaming
liverpool psg champions league live streaming
football live streaming england vs colombia
hockey champions league live streaming
champions league live stream juventus vs valencia
premier league live stream burnley
english premier league live streaming star sports
premier league live streaming subscription
champions league live stream xbox
free uefa champions league live streaming hotstar
football live streaming cyprus
inter vs tottenham champions league live streaming
live streaming premier league football p2p
champions league live streaming radio
football live streaming tv app
mumbai t20 premier league live streaming
uganda premier league live streaming
barclays premier league live stream reddit
champions hockey league live streaming
real madrid vs liverpool champions league live streaming
manchester united vs barcelona champions league live streaming
premier league live stream buffstream
english premier league live streaming usa
live premier league live streaming
football live streaming juventus
champions league live stream kostenlos heute
champions league live streaming youtube
champions league live streaming indonesia
indian premier league 2018 ipl t20 live streaming
premier league live stream sky sports
liverpool man city champions league live streaming
madhya premier league live streaming
football live streaming tv apk
premier league live streaming app for android
afghanistan premier league live streaming youtube
reddit champions league live streaming
juventus champions league live streaming
premier league live streaming uk
afghanistan premier league live streaming
football live streaming sites 2019
champions league free live streaming ipad
premier league live stream man utd
premier league live stream everton
caf champions league live streaming free
canada premier league live streaming
watch karnataka premier league live streaming
football live streaming mobile app
real madrid vs juventus champions league final live streaming
football live streaming brazil vs belgium
football live streaming in india
live streaming champions league yalla shoot
football live streaming tvronaldo.com
premier league live stream chelsea vs leicester city
sri lanka premier league live streaming
hong kong premier league live streaming
tottenham vs barcelona champions league live streaming
champions league live streaming in mobile
champions league live streaming usa
premier league live stream acestream
live football streaming juventus vs real madrid
big boss t20 premier league live streaming
champions league live streaming greece
champions league live streaming app
best live premier league football streaming
football live streaming free in uae
champions league live streaming now
watch uefa champions league live streaming free online reddit
liverpool vs roma champions league live streaming
premier league live stream facebook
mangalore premier league live streaming
youtube barclays premier league live streaming
premier league live stream netball
football live streaming england
premier league live streaming xbox
espn champions league live streaming
indo international premier kabaddi league live streaming
football live streaming sites india
#tottenham #sports #LeoMessi #ChampionsLeague #nike #Casillas #amrabat #manchesterunited #likeforlike #news #Chelsea #foxsports #ronaldo #united #Barcelona #telemundodeportes #liverpool #BayernMunchen #skysports #goals #Mancity #univisiondeportes #likeforlikes #Ronaldo #salah #Neymar #hakimziyech #futbol #zinedinezidane #juventus #CristianoRonaldo #manchestercity #Ronaldo #espndeportes #ajaxamsterdam #pickering #Instagood #Football #futbolmexicano #foxdeportes #europaleague #sanchez #Cr7 #courtois #UCL #footy #likes4likes #pogba #mufc #barcelona #Soccer #Like4Like #433 #soccer #beinsports #messi #Ajax #deporte #Bale #toronto #ucl #amsterdam #Messi #meme #manutd #manchester #footballmemes #navas #football #oshawa #championsleague #Cristiano #fifa #Manchesterunited #bundesliga #fcbarcelona #RealMadrid #laliga #realmadrid #transfers #durhamregion #ajax