Levante Wiretap

La Liga matches can resume behind closed doors starting on June 8th, according to Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez.

La Liga president Javier Tebas recently stated that he wants matches to begin around June 12th.

"Spain has done what it should and now new horizons are opening for everyone. The time has come to bring back many day-to-day activities," said Sanchez.

"From 8 June, La Liga will be back. Spanish football has a huge following but it will not be the only recreational activity that will return."

5 players from La Liga's first and second division have tested positive for COVID-19.

"Between the clubs of [the first and second divisions], five positive cases have been detected among players, all of them asymptomatic and in the final stage of the illness," released the league in a statement.

The players, who are in isolation, will be able to rejoin their teammates when they test negative twice over a span of 72 hours.

Barcelona were one of several clubs to resume training on Friday.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation announced a $540 million bailout for clubs in Spain's first and second division to help cover costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

La Liga suspended their schedule indefinitely due to the severity of the virus in Spain.

"We want to offer La Liga the possibility to sit down and get the financing for first and second division clubs. We have spoken to several banks and are able to offer a credit line worth €500m to first and second division clubs that are struggling and that can be repaid in the next four, five or six years," said Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales also said that a potential May return for the league is impossible given the current state of the country.

"We think it's practically impossible to resume competitions at the beginning of May. We have temporary hospitals being put up in Madrid and the military emergency units [UME] are out on the streets," said Rubiales. 

La Liga president Javier Tebas said he was confident that league would complete its season.

La Liga matchday was suspended two weeks due to fears surrounding COVID-19.

Tebas said he was fearful of the financial ramifications for a lost season.

"We're working on that other virus which is seeing what happens with our contracts around the world. We have 100 different obligations with 100 operators around the world and, if there's no broadcasting, there's no earning. We're working to see if we can fit in some calendars in order to soften the economic blow that will arrive.

"It's difficult for Europe's big clubs too, not just the small ones. They play in Europe and also earn lots [of money]. If the competitions are suspended, everything is revised and revenues are a lot lower. All the budgets of the teams are going to be comprised if the season doesn't get finished, but I'm convinced that it will get finished," said Tebas. 

La Liga suspended its season for the next two matchdays after Real Madrid players went into quarantine.

Real Madrid were quarantined after a basketball player tested positive for coronavirus.

"Given the circumstances that are coming to light this morning, referring to the quarantine established in Real Madrid and the possible cases in players from other clubs, La Liga considers it appropriate to continue to the next phase of the protocol of action against COVID-19. As a result, in accordance with the measures established in Royal Decree 664/1997 of May 12, [La Liga] agrees to postpone at least the next two match days," released the league in a statement.

La Liga matches were previously scheduled to be played behind closed doors.

Ernesto Valverde said that he will not resign following Barcelona's 3-1 loss to Levante.

"Of course I'm not thinking about resigning, it's just a defeat. The players have responded and we have to continue [working]. We have lost a match and that's it; we always react and this time won't be any different," said Valverde following the match.

Valverde chalked up the loss as being part of the game.

"It's true that they have scored three goals, but our attitude was always good. The opponent played their game; sometimes this happens and we just have to accept it. We have nothing to say and we move onto the next thing, as we do in football."

Clubs in La Liga have spent over $1.4 billion in the transfer market since the summer window opened on July 1st. 

Real Madrid lead the spending with $338 million.

Atletico Madrid, lead by the sales of Antoine Griezmann and Rodri, have sold $345 million worth of players this summer.

Leicester City nearly signed Johan Cruyff in 1981.

Jock Wallace wanted an experienced player that could help save his young Leicester City side from relegation.

Cruyff was 33 at the time and had already retired from the Dutch national team, though he was keen on a return for the 1982 World Cup.

Cruyff had spent one season in Los Angeles as part of the 1970s soccer boom and then went to Washington.

Terminating his contract with Washington after just five games of the 1981 NASL season, Cruyff was in good shape.

Levante was fourth in the Segunda Division of Spain and could help the team get promoted while offering him a chance to play near Barcelona.

The Sun even reported in late February that Cruyff was close to a £4,000-per-match deal with Leicester.

“Johan and I have already agreed terms," said Wallace in the paper. 'He has one or two problems to sort out, but I am very hopeful he will join us on Thursday. I would like to think that part of Johan’s interest is down to our personal friendship. I have known him since 1973 when he scored a fabulous goal for Ajax against Rangers when I was at Ibrox in the first European Super Cup. The negotiations have been going on by telephone over the past three to four weeks and now I think I have my man. He would teach my kids so much and be a great advert for Leicester City.”

But Cruyff ended up agreeing with Levante and he struggled with his form and fitness.

Keylor Navas officially completed his transfer from Levante to Real Madrid on Sunday.

Real Madrid triggered Navas' €10 million buyout clause and then signed a six-year deal with the club.

“To be the starter is difficult, I will work with humility," said Navas. "I’m always going to be positive. I’m going to try to do things the best possible way and we’ll see what happens.”

Navas gives Real Madrid a younger option at goalkeeper.

Real Madrid has agreed to meet the €10 million buyout clause in the contract of Keylor Navas.

Navas was most recently with Levante and starred for Costa Rica in the World Cup.

Navas would presumably become Real Madrid's top option at goalkeeper next season.