Barcelona boss Luis Enrique expects more signings and departures in coming weeks
KEY POINTS
- Valencia duo Paco Alcacer and Diego Alves still linked with moves.
- Manchester City reportedly closing in on Claudio Bravo.
- Cristian Tello seals loan switch to Fiorentina.
Barcelona manager Luis Enrique expects more players to come and go before the summer transfer window closes.
The current La Liga champions have made four additions to their squad this summer in the shape of Andre Gomes, Samuel Umtiti, Lucas Digne and Denis Suarez, but the club are still keen to add another forward to their ranks to provide back-up for the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.
The Barcelona coach would not comment on reports that Valencia striker Paco Alcacer has been identified to fill that role, but admitted he expects more transfer activity in the coming weeks.
"I believe that some players will come and some players will leave," Enrique told a press conference, AS report, on Tuesday (16 August) ahead of the second leg of their Spanish Super Cup showdown with Sevilla.
One player who has left the club is Cristian Tello. The 25-year-old has completed his loan move to Fiorentina, with the Serie A club also holding the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season. He becomes the ninth player to leave the Nou Camp this summer.
Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo also remains heavily linked with a move away from the Nou Camp. Marca suggests the Chile international is now poised to join Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola keen on recruiting a goalkeeper who is more comfortable with the ball at his feet than current no. 1 Joe Hart, who was dropped for the opening Premier League match of the season on Saturday.
Marca adds that Barcelona have identified Valencia's Diego Alves as a possible replacement, but Enrique was letting nothing slip when he addressed the media.
"There are many rumours circulating and I am not going to get into it. Our focus right is on Wednesday [the second leg against Sevilla]."
Barcelona lead that contest after a 2-0 win in the first leg at the Sanchez-Pizjuan, with goals from Luis Suarez and Munir El Haddadi handing their side the advantage.
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