Ilaix Moriba contract stalemate is turning into a saga, and that’s the last thing Barcelona needs at the moment. The Catalonians already have huge financial debt, have to find the way to get out of this mess, not to mention they have lost Lionel Messi, and to be on the front pages again, this time due to a contract dispute with a talented kid is the last thing anyone wants. But, it’s happening. And it’s going to be ugly.Barca’s strong message to young Guinean: Extend or you will be soldBarca is offering one of their talented youngsters a contract extension (the current one is ending in 2022), but Moriba and his representatives want more. So far, there have not been any progression, and as thing stands, the Guinean will either be sold or will not play for the entire 2021. And instead of trying to remedy the situation, both sides are not backing up, adding more harsh words into the public.(3.90) ATHLETIC BILBAO (3.50) BARCELONA (1.95)After Laporta, who had some harsh words for the youngster, coach Ronald Koeman also spoke about Moriba’s situation ahead of Athletic Bilbao match. “I spoke with Ilaix two or three weeks ago, more as a person than as a coach. His situation is horrible for me. He’s 18 years old, he’s young, he’s had the chance to play in the first team, he’s the future of the club, but he’s in a situation where he’s not playing. I know what the club want to offer the player. My advice is that money isn’t the most important thing at his age, it’s playing games. The player and his people think differently and I’m disappointed with that. That’s not the most important thing” said Koeman.🗣️ “Miles de RUMORES y nadie sabe la VERDAD”.🤔👀 El enigmático mensaje de ILAIX MORIBA en sus redes tras las duras palabras de KOEMAN sobre su situación. pic.twitter.com/ocYfnHc5HS— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) August 21, 2021 The youngster, who kept quiet, but after Koeman’s comments posted an enigmatic message on his Instagram account “Thousands of rumors and nobody knows the truth”. Barcelona already had a similar situation with Moriba, when the Guinean had to sign his first contract. He was 16 at the time and was able to sign as a professional. His former agent, Jonathan Barnett of Stellar Group, wanted to take him to Manchester City. But, Eric Abidal, the then director of football and Moriba’s father Mammady had a great personal understanding, since both are devoted Muslims, and the deal was struck. It seems now what religion will not play any part in this mess. Laporta wants to make an example to all the youngsters, as he is determined to keep Moriba out of the field for the whole 2021, or sell him for a reasonable price. And off course, RB Leipzig are first in line for Barca’s jewel, but the current offer was not good enough for the Catalonians.
