Luis Enrique insists that new Barcelona signings Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal will not be sent on loan for the first half of the forthcoming season.
The midfield duo, signed this summer from Atletico Madrid and Sevilla respectively, will not be able to make their Barca debuts until January due to the club’s ongoing transfer ban from FIFA.
There have been suggestions that they could be loaned out to maintain match fitness until they are allowed to appear for their new team, with Turkish international Turan linked with his former club Galatasaray.
But manager Enrique kicked off his team’s pre-season tour of the United States by scotching those rumours, saying: “A loan is not being and will not be considered.”
Enrique is particularly keen for Turan to integrate with the squad during their current sojourn in America, adding: “He won’t be able to play until January, which doesn’t do us any favours, but I want him with us until then.”
Enrique also defended his decision to leave Lionel Messi out of the trip to North America, a decision which disappointed sponsors and supporters ahead of tomorrow’s opening game in the International Champions Cup against LA Galaxy.
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Messi’s involvement in the Copa America with Argentina meant that his last competitive game was only just over a fortnight ago, and Enrique would not be swayed in his decision to allow his star man more resting time.
Four more players who competed in Chile – Neymar, Dani Alves, Claudio Bravo and Javier Mascherano – have also been allowed to miss the trip but the focus has inevitably been placed upon Messi’s absence.
“Messi’s season is almost never-ending and he needs to rest,” said Enrique. “He isn’t in the USA bec-ause he needs a holiday and I am not going to change that no matter what commitments there are on tour.”
Indeed, Enrique went even further in dampening any anticipation that US-based fans might have felt by expressing his general distaste for summer trips.
“I prefer not to go on tour,” he admitted. “The drawbacks outweigh the positives.”
Barca will compete for the Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup this year and Enrique made it clear that he expects the team to fight for every piece of silverware.
“I want to win another three trophies in 2015. My only challenge is to make history,” he said.
