Despite being Knocked Out, Barca Remain Very Interested in Champions League

By: Martha | April 3rd, 2007

Look out, it's Mexes According to a report in the Spanish press, among the most interested spectators at the Olimpico when Roma host Man U tomorrow night will be Barcelona technical director Txiki — that’s pronounced “Earl” — Begiristain. In addition to just loving his football and wanting to breathe the same air as Francesco Totti like any reasonable person, Bergiristain will also be there in a professional capacity, eying up a quartet of players his team are interested in signing this summer.

Apart from Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been associated with virtually every major club outside of Italy, Barca’s desire is surprisingly Roma-focused: Reportedly filling out their wishlist are Philippe Mexes, Christian Chivu and Daniele de Rossi. Spanish daily Sport is suggesting all of this is part of a commitment on Barca’s part to further strengthening their team, particularly when it comes to defense.

Chivu, whose contract is up this summer, has been an object of Barca affection for years, and it’s already been implied by Roma that, despite their desire to resign the player, if he wants the leave they might be willing to sell. (Since Chelsea at one time seemed set to offer €30 million for him, Roma certainly would not be leaving empty-handed.) Though alleged interest in de Rossi and Mexes is fairly new, who isn’t drooling all over Mexes these days? He’s been one of Roma’s most consistent players all season, and is being talked up in France by none other than Lilian Thuram, who is seemingly desperate to have the youngster replace him in the French back line. De Rossi, meanwhile, is said to be much-loved by Barca coach Frank Rijkaard, whose avowed intention to remain at the club long-term is evidently being greeted by a desperate desire to buy him everyone he wants. (The odds this story melting away by June? I dunno, 50 percent? Considering the profile and buying power of Barca, it’s hard to rule any of these moves entirely out, no matter how dubious the report might be.)

Also, speaking of Mexes: The Italian press are in a frenzy today about the fact that he twice turned down a move to Man U when he was a teenager at Auxerre. Despite the Italian freakout, however, the French press (where the story originated) treat it as old news — the question about Man U actually starts with the phrase “it is well-known that …” So the Italian media are up to their old tricks again, creating sensation where none is to be found. (And, yes, we love them for it.)