Want Backheel Breakfast in your inbox? Sign up for the email version here.
Barcelona cries poverty because they’re mad Manchester United signed Paul Pogba
The system is clearly unfair to Barcelona, who can’t compete financially with the big bad Premier League.
David Ramos/Getty Images
Premier League clubs spent a lot of money this summer. The biggest spenders were Manchester United, who bought Paul Pogba. Barcelona wanted Pogba, but weren’t willing to pay what United were, so they’re throwing their toys out of the crib and pitching a fit about the Premier League’s money.
“UEFA and FIFA have to implement a way of regulating [spending],” club director Albert Soler said. “If it continues like this, with one club able to spend €120m on one player, it’s going to cost more and more all the time to get the best players. Our most expensive recent signing was Luis Suarez and even then the club had to make economic adjustments.”
Poor Barcelona. They’re so broke. UEFA should make rules that prevent clubs from having more money to spend than Barcelona, clearly. Preferably with a maximum threshold of the exact amount of money that Barcelona wants to spend.
Compilation of the day
Lionel Messi is returning for Argentina, so here are all of his goals for his country.
Transfer deadline day wrap-up
Miss anything on Wednesday? Here’s how deadline day went down.
Moussa Sissoko stole the show on deadline day.
Jack Wilshere has gone to Bournemouth. It says a lot about Arsène Wenger and Arsenal.
Mario Balotelli will attempt to resurrect his career at Nice.
David Luiz is going back to Chelsea.
Leicester was able to sign striker Islam Slimani.
In the news
Franz Beckenbauer is under criminal investigation over the 2006 World Cup. (BBC)
Robbie Keane said goodbye to Ireland on Wednesday. (Guardian)
Germany did the same for Bastian Schweinsteiger, then named Manuel Neuer as the new captain. (@DFB_Team)
At a summit of top coaches, Sir Alex Ferguson suggested extra time could be scrapped. (Mirror)
FIFA has revealed that Gianni Infantino will make less than Sepp Blatter, but still a lot of money. (SI)
You should be reading
Taha Hashim on Sporting Bengal United FC promoting inclusion of the Asian community in English soccer. (The Set Pieces)
Jonathan Wilson on Brazil, and what still needs to improve after their gold medal. (Guardian)
Gabriele Marcotti on what to watch for during this international break. (ESPN FC)
What to watch on Thursday (click for listings, all times ET)
Friendlies (from 2:45 p.m.) -- Belgium vs. Spain and Italy vs. France are the good ones you can catch in the USA.
CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying (from 4 p.m.) -- All of South America’s teams play on Thursday.
MLS: NYCFC vs. D.C. United (7 p.m.) -- A big game for playoff position.
See More:
