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Top five conclusions: Barcelona's 14-month transfer ban

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Rob Parker
 @ April 2nd, 2014

Barcelona have been given a 14-month transfer ban by FIFA for breaking rules for signing under 18s. They cannot buy any players until the summer 2015 transfer window. We draw some conclusions from that.

1. Jose Pinto could be Barca’s first-choice keeper
If Victor Valdes goes through with his plans to quit the club this summer, it looks like not exactly top drawer understudy Jose Pinto will be the new main man.

2. Javier Mascherano will continue as a starting centre-back
Bizarrely, the former Liverpool holding midfielder could be set for a season as first-choice partner to Gerard Pique at the heart of the Barca defence.

3. Manchester United won’t be signing Cesc Fabregas
If they’re not buying, they’re not likely to be selling. United can kiss goodbye to any hopes of rekindling their interest in Fabregas this summer.

4. It’s bad news for Everton, too
It’s difficult to imagine Gerard Deulofeu being allowed to stay at the Toffees for a second loan season. Here’s probably going to be need back home.

5. It doesn’t look good for Barca
Hot on the heels of the murky Neymar deal, this takes a bit more sheen off the Catalan giants.

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