Darwin Núñez & Guido Rodríguez: Managers speak out on futures of Barcelona-linked pair | OneFootball

The futures of two players linked with summer moves to La Liga giants Barcelona have this weekend been addressed by their respective managers.

The players in question? Guido Rodríguez, and Darwin Núñez.

In the case of the former, it has of course been widely reported across the week to date that midfielder Guido has all but sealed a move to Catalunya’s capital.

As much comes ahead of the expiration of his contract with Real Betis in the summer.

Speaking to Argentine media outlet Clank, as cited by Mundo Deportivo this weekend, the subject of his midfield lynchpin’s future was in turn put to Betis head coach Manuel Pellegrini.

And, making use of the chance to address the plans of fellow Argentine Germán Pezzella, too, Pellegrini went on to reveal his hope that both will ultimately stay put with his squad through next season:

“There is a lot of speculation about the departure of many Betis players. Right now they are part of the squad and we have four very important games left. Let’s not throw them away so quickly, it’s not that easy. We’ll see what happens when the season ends. I hope that be with us next season.”

Turning attentions towards Darwin Núñez, the Liverpool frontman, too, has been hotly tipped to link up with Xavi’s Barcelona squad in the summer.

Amid unrest with his situation at Anfield, the Uruguayan is understood to have been earmarked as a leading Blaugrana target, in the case of Robert Lewandowski being moved on over the months ahead.

Also drawn on the links between his centre-forward and Barcelona, however, Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp wasted little time in shutting them firmly down:

“There is no speculation about his future. That must be outside speculation because I don’t know anything about it. Darwin was not happy to lose that opportunity (a missed goal against Tottenham) and it happens. You help him if you can, but it’s part of a footballer’s career.”

Conor Laird | GSFN