Ex-Real Madrid hero Di Maria set for Barcelona transfer

Suraj Radia

7 Jun 2022 00:29 BST
3 min read

Angel Di Maria, PSG, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Angel Di Maria could be set for a return to Spain with Barcelona after he reportedly told the club he wanted to join them.

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The former Real Madrid winger is a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and was thought to be in advanced talks with Juventus until Barcelona made a last-ditch move.

Di Maria is believed to prefer a move to Spain and only wants a one-year contract, while the club are keen due to the Argentine's experience, versatility and performances.

Barcelona are still chasing Raphinha however, with Leeds refusing to budge on their asking price, Di Maria could be seen as a short-term solution.

Will Di Maria return to La Liga?

Di Maria was often the thorn in Barcelona's side for Real Madrid, where he made 124 league apperances in four years, scoring 22 times.

A big money move to Manchester United followed, however Di Maria left for France after just one season in England, joining PSG for £44 million.

The 34-year-old won 18 trophies in seven seasons in Paris and is still a regular in the Argentina team, leading them to the Copa America last year.

PSG confirmed last month that Di Maria would be leaving upon the expiry of his contract and he was expected to finalise a deal with Juventus after months of talks.

However, the move stalled as Di Maria's family reportedly prioritised a move to Spain, although Juventus have not been ruled out despite Barcelona's approach.

Ángel Di María tells @gastonedul: “We’ll see what happens. I've already been through big clubs, my family supported me and followed me everywhere”. 👀🇦🇷 #transfers

“I will try to find a place where they are happy and I feel happy. I haven’t decided yet”. pic.twitter.com/UU6bww5lgQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 5, 2022

The Italian side were also rumoured to prefer a two-year contract, while Di Maria only wants one season before returning to Argentina where he intends to see out his career.

A 12-month deal would benefit Barcelona too due to their well-documented financial issues and Di Maria would be an experienced replacement for Ousmane Dembele, who is out of contract and set to depart.