Thursday’s edition of Sport is very clear, going with a headline saying ‘Adios Mascherano’ with an image of the Barcelona player.
For a couple of weeks or so, Mascherano’s potential Barcelona exit has been covered repeatedly in the Catalan media. The Argentine midfielder turned defender is unhappy at not being first choice and wants to leave Barcelona as soon as possible, with offers from elsewhere including China.
Barcelona were initially against the plan, given they could do with the quality in depth, but it seems the club are coming around to the idea.
Sport believe Barcelona are close to securing a replacement, and as soon as that happens the announcement of Mascherano’s exit will be made.
Mascherano has been assured his departure is a ‘matter of days’ away, and Chinese club Hebei Fortune want a contract signing before Christmas.
Sport make it abundantly clear by adding: ‘There is no way back. Javier Mascherano will not end the season defending the Barça shirt.’
The respect Mascherano has built up at Barcelona is said to be behind the club allowing an exit, despite it being against their initial hopes.
