Griezmann, Neymar etc: Translating Bartomeu's comments
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu showed his face, took the bull by the horns and closed the idea of an insistutional crisis following Jordi Mestre's resignation. It's worth looking back at some of the issues he talked about and translating them for better comprehension.
GRIEZMANN WILL PLAY FOR BARÇA
Bartomeu confirmed officially that talks have begun with Atletico for Griezmann. Translation: If Atletico accept a payment plan, Barça will reach an agreement. If not, they will pay the clause. But what seems certain is that the Frenchman will join the club.
NEYMAR: DIFFUCULT BUT ALIVE
Bartomeu admitted that Neymar wants to come but also that "PSG don't want to sell." That led him to add that "there's no Neymar case." Translation: Barça know they have to play things cool and negotiations could be long. If PSG open the door with reasonable conditiong, the BRazilian will end up at BArça. It's also clear that Barto does not want to create a hostile environment with the French club.
REPLACING MESTRE
The president confirmed that Mestre left due to "discrepancies" with other members of the board and added that he would take over his roles as sporting vice president for now. Translation: Bartomeu's power at the club grows even more and he will make some big decisions in the coming weeks.
PEP SEGURA, WEAKENED
Asked about Barça's general manager/sporting director, the president0s response was cold. He limited himself to saying he will analyse the new situation. Translation: Bartomeu didn't back Segura, who has seen his position weakened at the club this week. It doesn't seem he will continue beyond September 1, when the transfer window closes.
DEMBELE & COUTINHO
Bartomeu also announced the club are still counting on Dembele and Coutinho and even said the former is better than Neymar. Translation: He doesn't want to devalue the club's two most expensive signings ahead of a possible swap deal with PSG.
