Barcelona director rules out Turan transfer

Arda Turan will enter the season with Barcelona after the team's sporting director ruled out a summer move for the Turkish midfielder.

After being forced to sit out the first half of the 2015-16 season as part of the transfer embargo placed on the team, Turan, who joined Barca from Atletico Madrid last summer, failed to find regular playing time under manager Luis Enrique and was primarily used as a substitute for the final month as Barca worked to secure the Liga title.

The recent arrival of Andre Gomes has also led to speculation about Turan's future, but sporting director Robert Fernandez has insisted that the 29-year-old continues to have a future at the Camp Nou.

"We expect a lot from Arda, his performances," Fernandez said, as translated by ESPNFC. "He had a difficult year, we must not forget he had the issue of the FIFA ban. And it is not easy to play for Barca. But we are convinced his performances this year will be very good. We are sure that we will see the Arda from Atletico Madrid."

Turan, who appeared in 18 matches and scored two goals, will get an opportunity to revive his Barcelona career when the Catalan begin their title defence Aug. 20 against Real Betis.