Barcelona Transfer News: Javier Mascherano Talks Blaugrana Amid Juventus Rumours

Barcelona centre-back Javier Mascherano has stated that he doesn’t expect the club to sell him this summer, although he conceded he could still leave amid links to Juventus.

The centre-back has been a brilliant signing for the Blaugrana since joining in 2010, converting from a midfield player to a centre-back and forming an excellent partnership with Gerard Pique.

Despite speculation that his time at the Camp Nou may end this summer, he told Ole (h/t Eddie Benedetti of Gianluca Di Marzio, translated by David Amoyal) it’s unlikely:

"

Barcelona has let me know that they have no intention of selling me. I’m happy, it’s nice when a club like Barcelona shows how important you are to them. I have no intention of forcing a move on them. They don’t deserve it. There’s always a possibility to leave but just as much to stay. I’ve got a contract here. I spoke to the board and they all know how I feel, I’ve got a great bond with the people of Barcelona and with the club as well. They have all treated me so well and I will not do anything that could ruin my great rapport with Barcelona. I’ve always felt very good here and the day that I do leave, I do not want to have a sour taste in my mouth.

"

It had been reported last month by Mundo Deportivo (h/t Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror) that Mascherano had agreed terms on a move to Juventus.

Barcelona caught the eye in 2015-16 with their array of dazzling attacking football. But there have been many members of the squad who have gone unheralded, and without someone like Mascherano in the starting XI, the team haven’t looked quite so assured.

JOSEP LAGO/Getty Images

The axis he forms with Pique has often looked impenetrable. Mascherano is the stopper of the pair, using his razor-sharp reading of the game to cut out passes, win tackles and get blocks in. That allows his partner to cover spaces, dominate in the air and distribute with elegance from deep positions.

Here is a look at why the Argentina man is so important:

While he’s effusive in his praise for Barca in the above quote, the fact Mascherano has spoken with the club about his future suggests he's considering a new challenge. And after winning another league title at the Camp Nou in 2015-16—his fourth overall—few could blame the 31-year-old for possibly seeking pastures new.

Mascherano was also sentenced to one year in prison earlier this year due to tax evasion, although per Malyon, it’s unlikely he’ll ever serve jail time. Still, Spanish football journalist Rafael Hernandez thinks the verdict could play a role in the footballer wanting to move on:

If the former Liverpool and West Ham United star were to leave the club, then Barcelona would have to spend big money to get in a replacement.

Marc Bartra is set to depart, while neither Jeremy Mathieu nor Thomas Vermaelen can replicate Mascherano’s influence; Pique needs a partner who plays with the same intensity.

Barcelona will not want to lose someone who possesses such vast experience and a steely winning mentality either. Dani Alves is also poised to leave the club this summer, another veteran who’s been present for multiple triumphs.

Losing two players of such stature would be a big blow for manager Luis Enrique.