Barcelona initially wanted to sign another striker instead of Luis Suarez

FC Barcelona were interested in signing Manchester City ace Sergio Aguero before settling for Luis Suarez, revealed their former sporting director Andoni Zubizarretta. Suarez, who has set alight Camp Nou this season, was not the Catalan's first choice. Hard to digest for Barcelona fans, right ?  

Luis Suarez has induced fireworks in European Football this season

Speaking to Spanish Newspaper Marca, Zubizarretta revealed Barcelona's intentions of signing Aguero in 2014 by saying 

"We had some options. The first wasn't Suarez. He knows it. In winter we considered the signing of Aguero, which did not work out"

However, the former director maintained that the controversy was a blessing in disguise, as other giants that were competing for Suarez had doubts, allowing Barcelona to pounce saying

"During the negotiation process, the incidence with Cheillini occurred in the World Cup. The issue created a seed of doubt for other clubs who wanted his services. They questioned his character. I thought it was the perfect time to accelerate the signing process for him".

Sergio Aguero celebrates after scoring against Barcelona in a Champions League fixture

Even though FC Barcelona didn't get their first choice striker, the fans wouldn't be complaining at all with the elegant performances that Suarez has shown this season. 

For those who haven't got a chance to look at his masterclass, here's a brief video of his performance this season.

 

Pep Guardiola's future, swinging like a pendulum.

The genius who gave us the revolutionary 'tiki-taka' style of football is now set for a move to a Premier League club, after spending two successful seasons with the German giants FC Bayern Munchen.

According to BBC Sport, Guardiola is to leave Bayern at the end of the season and will be replace by Carlo Ancelotti.

The Spaniard was appointed Barcelona boss in 2008 and became the Spanish club's most successful manager as he led the Catalan club to 13 trophies in his four-year tenure.

He won three league titles, two Champions Leagues and a Copa del Rey while at the Nou Camp.

The former Spain international took a year-long sabbatical before taking over at Bayern Munich on the back of the German club winning the Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup under Jupp Heynckes.

Where next for Guardiola ?

The former Barcelona player and coach has decided to join a Premier League club following his departure from Germany.

He is expected to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City FC at the end of the season, with Manchester United and Chelsea also showing interest for the Spaniard's services. 

With Louis Van Gaal's philosophy not bringing smiles at Old Trafford, there might be a huge possibility of him being dropped. This would open doors for Pep Guardiola, as it has been proved time and time again that he's a genius on and off the field. 

Pep Guardiola is expected to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City

"I have decided to join a Premier League club as a new challenge for my career. Though my next destination is not yet confirmed," said the Bayern coach in an interview. 

The next destination for the Spaniard has not yet been decided, but regardless of his decision I think it's quite clear that wherever he'll go, the rival clubs would be surely up for a roller coaster ride. 

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid face transfer ban till January 2017

Two of the biggest clubs in World Football, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, have been banned by FIFA from making any signings in the next two transfer windows. Shocker, isn't it ? Well let's see why this happened. 

The Spanish giants have been banned from signing any players in the July 2016 and the January 2017 transfer windows. They can still sign players in the current transfer window, but won't be able to register them to play until after the 2016-17 season. 

"The two clubs were found to have violated several provisions concerning the international transfer and first registration of minor players as well as other relevant provisions with regard to the registration and participation of certain players in competitions," FIFA quoted in a statement. 

Sergio Ramos celebrating the equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the UCL final 2013-14

Both clubs released statements saying they will appeal FIFA's sanction.

"Our club does not agree with the sanctioning ruling from the international football body and is studying the documentation received to lodge an appeal," said Atletico Madrid. 

Real Madrid released a longer statement explaining why it believes FIFA's ban was not justified.

The club said it never used foreign underage players without registering them with the Spanish Soccer Federation, as claimed by FIFA, nor signed them without complying with the required procedures established by the governing body. The club added that it has always informed the local federation about all the players on its youth academy, another alleged breach of regulations by the club, according to FIFA.

"Real Madrid will appeal to all levels of sporting courts because it considers this decision inappropriate," the club said.  

Last year, the club called reports of a possible ban "false" and said it had "always scrupulously adhered to the FIFA regulations." It also mentioned "its absolute commitment to the defense, protection and the correct and healthy development of minors."

Spanish media said that among the youngsters involved in irregular signings by Real Madrid were the sons of former player and now coach Zinedine Zidane.

Madrid was not negotiating any new signings but the ban could force president Florentino Perez to scramble to bring in new players. Atletico Madrid, the Spanish league leader, also was not working to add any players to its squad in this window. Both clubs may negotiate deals to bring back players that were on loan to other clubs. The teams can also sell players if wanted. 

Barcelona served a similar sanction for 2015 after stalling the transfer ban to enable them to sign players in the 2014 window, including Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Claudio Bravo. The Catalan club signed players such as Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal after the ban took effect again, but couldn't register them until this month.

Arda Turan signed for Barcelona on July 6 2015

FIFA said the latest wave of punishments - which include fines of 900,000 Swiss francs ($900,000) for Atletico and 360,000 Swiss francs for Real Madrid, highlight the success of efforts to protect the rights of underage players. 

"The provisions relating to the protection of minors need to be strictly applied," FIFA said. "Opening up the door to exceptions beyond those carefully drafted and included in the regulations would unavoidably lead to cases of circumvention of the rationale for these provisions."
Finally, many of the young players Barcelona signed illegally were persuaded to remain at La Masia to train, even though they were prevented from playing matches until they turned 18. Would Real Madrid and Atletico be able to do the same?