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Luis Suarez VETOES Lionel Messi demand for Barcelona signing - Spanish claims
LUIS SUAREZ has reportedly vetoed Lionel Messi’s demand for Barcelona to sign a new right-back.
Luis Suarez has vetoed Lionel Messi's demand for Barcelona to sign a right-back
Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde has used midfielder Sergi Roberto at right-back for most of the season while Nelson Semedo - who joined from Benfica last summer - has struggled to impress.
Reports in Spain suggest Messi asked Nou Camp chiefs to strengthen the position when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
Barcelona have been linked with a swoop for Real Sociedad’s up-and-coming talent Alvaro Odriozola.
But, according to Don Balon, Suarez does not believe a new right-back is needed.
It is claimed the Uruguay international leads a group of players that are baffled by Messi’s request.
They reportedly believe Roberto is doing a fine job, despite being played out of his natural position.
And Don Balon suggest Barcelona chiefs have also snubbed Messi’s request and are planning for Roberto to continue at right-back.
The 25-year-old committed his long-term future to the club last month, putting pen to paper on a contract until 2022.
Sergi Roberto currently occupies the right-back berth for Barcelona
After signing the deal, Roberto said: “I always had it in my mind that I wanted to stay here at Barcelona.
“I’ve been a Barca supporter since I was a kid. I have been here for 12 years. There was interest from other clubs, but I want to stay here. Until 2022. And if it's longer than that, even better.”
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu added: “He has had and will have a lot of better offers, but he's decided to stay at Barca. This is his home.”