Barcelona transfer news: Dybala to snub Barca for Madrid, Pique's contract situation and more, 28th January 2018

Paulo Dybala does not want to play with Lionel Messi

In a surprising turn of events as almost every player in the current footballing world would love to play alongside Lionel Messi, his counterpart and Juventus no.10, Paulo Dybala, wants to avoid the same, as per Diario Gol. La Joya has been Juventus' brightest spark for more than a year now and no wonder, one would expect a big move in the near future.

The Spanish news outlet mentions how Dybala's name was suggested to Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, as Neymar's replacement in the summer but Messi vetoed it as they both play in the same position. Further, Messi felt that spending €150 million in such a case was not worth it. This has reportedly turned Dybala against a possible move to Camp Nou but he is now interested in joining arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Diario Gol states that the 24-year old told his agent of his decision to not play with Messi and Madrid supremo Florentino Perez is now eyeing the player as he plans a massive rebuilding in the summer. If Dybala indeed becomes a Galactico in the summer, then he not only strengthens Madrid but also deals a blow to Barcelona.

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Gerard Pique to sign new contract on Monday

Pique set to sign his contract extension on Monday

The 30-year old recently agreed on a new contract with Barcelona that will extend his stay at his boyhood club until 2022. Furthermore, the Spaniard is set to have a release clause of €500 million, thereby joining the list of players with the highest release clauses in world football.

Now, the club has announced that Pique will sign his new contract on 29th January, effectively increasing the chances of retiring at Camp Nou. The club statement read:

The event will start at 1.15pm CET with the signing of the contract, then, at 1.30pm, a photo session will be held on the Camp Nou pitch before a press conference that will begin at 1.45pm.

This contract extension is one of huge importance for Ernesto Valverde's side after letting Javier Mascherano leave to join Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune. This leaves the defence relatively inexperienced and Pique's stay ensures that the likes of Samuel Umtiti and Yerry Mina can learn the Barcelona way from one of the club's greatest defenders before taking over the mantle and glory.

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Fabian Ruiz set to extend Betis contract amid interest

Fabian Ruiz (centre) set to extend his contract

The Real Betis sensation has been a revelation at Real Betis and expectedly, received interest from Spain and elsewhere with AS reporting earlier in the month that both Real Madrid and Barcelona enquired about the player.

However, the suitors will have to shell up more if they want to sign Ruiz in the upcoming transfer windows as ABCSevilla states that the midfielder is close to agreeing on a new contract with Betis. The report further states that the Spaniard's new release clause will be around €30 million, which is a good move by the club, especially after losing Dani Ceballos to Real Madrid in the summer for a paltry release clause of €15 million.

Meanwhile, Barcelona boss Valverde was asked about the player after the Blaugrana's 5-0 victory over Real Betis and he said:

"I cannot say anything. I have no idea [whether Barcelona have made an approach to sign him]. I'm happy with my team. I think he's a great player. He has done a great game today. I have seen him get really stuck in, pressing us well. This is his first [full season in] the top flight and he has been one of the surprises of La Liga this season."

Thus, Ruiz indeed receives high praise from Valverde and despite the potential contract extension until 2022, he can expect bids in the summer if he continues in the current vein.