Recent headlines have emerged declaring that Dimitar Berbatov is set for a 28 million pound move to Manchester United after the two clubs reached an agreement for the Bulgarian striker.  Tottenham had initially placed a 38 million pound asking price for their star, but with the help of the improved form from Darren Bent, and the possibility of Russian starlet Andriev Arshavin, Hotspurs have decided to allow Dimitar to leave.  

Berbatov has publicly stated that he wants to play at Old Trafford which surely helped along the process of the transfer.  It is expected that the Bulgarian could be in Manchester as soon as this weekend to kick off the opening weekend of the Premiereship.  

Now with all this being said, the good news for Barca fans is that Thierry Henry will most certainly be staying at the Nou Camp.  I recently spent the last week in Manchester and almost everyday I read the Manchester post add to the speculation that Fergie was preparing a bid for the Frenchman.  The city was eager to see what would happen with the rumors of a new striker looming, especially after two disappointing performances which left fans with a less than zealous score line.   But after the Berbatov transfer, Barcelona will look to enjoy a in-form Henry for the rest of the season.  I expect a much better year from Thierry and am excited to see how Peppy G utilizes his many talents on the left side.  The Frenchman could very well turn into a 60th minute or 70th minute addition on a regular basis as a means to spark up the front line, as Henry has a knack for scoring decisive goals late in matches. 

In other news, Samuel Eto'o has been placed on the squad list for the upcoming Champions League qualifier against Wisla.  However, goal.com has released an article stating that Eto'o is still hoping to find some closure to the drama that surrounded him earlier in the off-season.  It stated that while he is playing for the club, and playing his hardest, he wishes to understand the comments about him not being a part of the future, and hopes to receive an apology based on the fact that the club openly sought out other options before "settling" for the Cameroonian.  In my opinion, he is still the best option for us, and after viewing many photos of his recent workouts in Barcelona on their official site, he seems to be smiling just as much as when he first came to the Catalan club.  I will almost certainly stay and I think that regardless of the Silva connections that have been made lately, Barcelona will be close to the top of any club ranking list.  

Let's just get past Wisla so we can all take a deep breathe about the Champions League.   

First, let me begin by apologizing for my post as of late, or the lack thereof. As I'm on vacation, it seems that my place of residence does not have a very capable internet connection, thus hindering me from adding any posts based on the findings or viewpoints I may have. Now that I've gotten that out of the way, let's talk Barca futbol.

I've entitled this post Barca Drama because of the undeniable truth that Barcelona have a multitude of issues that need to be addressed before full focus can be placed on the upcoming season. The uncertain future of Messi and Eto'o, the possibility of Man U's bid for our frenchman Henry, the rumors of Drogba entering the squad, and not to mention the host of other players linked with a move to the Nou Camp. Let's address these one by one and hopefully this will all play out for the better.

Messi's Olympic Drama

Lionel is the heart and soul of FC Barcelona. No doubt. He's only 21, and it's scary to see this kind of pressure put on such a young lad. I'm terrified by the idea of Messi being bossed around by both Barca and Argentina because I do not want to see the youngster burn out well before his full potential is achieved. I do not fear that Messi will ever leave the club, as it is thanks to the club that he is even playing football. For those of you who don't know, Messi was born very small and needed growth hormone injections in order to keep growing at a healthy rate. His family was unable to make these payments, and after discovering the boys talents with a football, Barcelona agreed to pay for his medication and to move him to the Barcelona youth academy in Spain. He is eternally grateful for this and loves the club because of it. However I'm still hesitant to place all the pressure on him as Peppy G has eluded. I believe we can make the Champions League without him, and so I feel that if Argentina call for him, no appeal should be made, and he should be allowed to go play in the Olympics despite their less than impacting results. Basically, Messi wants to fulfill a dream of his. He doesn't care about the glory because no one gives glory to the Olympic winner. He just wants to play for his team while he can. Next Olympics he will be too old. Final Word, Messi goes to the Olympics.

Eto'o Anyone?

He is one of the top strikers in the world, so why doesn't anyone want him? Well, it's because we pay him so much. Not many squads are willing to equal his pay. And as I predicted, it seems that the more he experiences attention under this new regime, the more comfortable he has become. Messi is the star, but many have become hesitant to give Henry the number 9 tag, therefore possibly showing Eto'o that he has the respect and the attention he deserves. If you live in Barcelona and attend matches regularly. DO NOT BOO HIM. I'm serious, I'll come find you. Final Word, Eto'o stays because Lyon is the only club Barca will sell him to and Lyon won't give up Benzema.

Henry's Man U Saga

Despite some Man U fan's admission, Sir Fergie has discussed a possible bid for Thierry Henry. He is an incredible player and deserves much respect, but I do not believe he is worth 20 million euros. Now if Barca is offered that, it will be very difficult to let him go. The fan in me says don't do it because I believe we will see big things from the Frenchman this year, but the businessman in me says do it. I doubt Man U will actually make the formal bid, partially out of arrogance, and the other out of the realization that they can still get Berbatov if they stop being cheap and spend some dough. Final word, Henry stays.

Drogba to the Nou Camp?

Hell no. Stay at Stamford Bridge. Get out of here. He would cause the same amount of drama as Eto'o without the results. It doesn't make sense. We'd be giving in to his fame, and not his form. He's a good striker, don't get me wrong. But I pride myself on rooting for a club that is full of players who play on when someone nips at their shins. I don't want the diving King coming to our squad. Please Laporta, don't give in. Final Word, Drogba stays at Chelsea and has a poor first half of the season.

There you go, I've made some predictions. And the beauty of predictions is that when you make them, you prove that you're willing to be wrong.

Let me begin by declaring that as a Barca fan, I am anti-Real Madrid, but by no means anti-Manchester United.  Our meetings in the Champions League were well played and I congratulate you on your championship of both the Premiereship and the Champions League.  With that being said, I am interested to hear what you Man U fans have to say about the recent comments by Tottenham about your beloved Sir Alex, and his "hypocritical behavior" in his pursuit of Berbatov.

In an interview today with the Chairman of the Hotspurs,  he charged Ferguson as wreckless, disrespectful, and hypocritical because actions taken in pursuit of the Tottenham striker, Dimitar Berbatov.  Now as I understand what must occur during the pursuit of any top flight footballer, I do feel that there is some legitimacy in the Chairman's complaints, at least as far as the hypocrite comment goes.  

I have heard much groaning from Man U fans about the way Real Madrid has persisted in the crown jewel of Old Trafford, Cristian Ronaldo, and yet it seems that much of the same persistence and confidence (or arrogance) is being done in pursuit of the crown jewel of Tottenham.  Fergie made a formal complaint to FIFA about Madrid's Calderon, and it seems that now he is the one doing to pursuing. 

I don't know all the facts, but I'm interested to hear and see what you Manchester fans think.  Let the discussion begin.