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Tag: Barcelona

  • Video: Arsene Wenger slams referees decision to award Inter Milan penalty against Barcelona

    Video: Arsene Wenger slams referees decision to award Inter Milan penalty against Barcelona

    FFormer Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger has criticised Polish referee Szymon Marciniak for awarding what he believes was an unfair penalty to Inter Milan during their dramatic second-leg Champions League clash against Barcelona.

    The incident occurred when Inter striker Lautaro Martínez advanced into the box and was challenged by Barça defender Pau Cubarsí, who appeared to slide in and get the ball.

    However, following a VAR review, Marciniak ruled the tackle a foul, concluding that Cubarsí made contact with Martínez’s foot before touching the ball.

    The resulting penalty proved pivotal in Inter’s 4-3 victory.

    Speaking on beIN SPORTS during the post-match analysis, Wenger expressed his frustration with the decision.

    He argued that Cubarsí clearly played the ball first and questioned the reliance on slow-motion replays to determine such calls, noting that they often distort the true nature of a challenge.

    Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, also criticised Martínez’s role in the incident, suggesting the forward exaggerated the contact and that the challenge did not merit a penalty.

    “I’m highly against this kind of penalty, and I’m against using slow motion on normal pace. He’s first on the ball. Why does he touch him? Look what he’s doing, Martinez leans into him [Cubarsi]. He looks for the penalty. He knows he won’t score now because he feels him there.

    “And the referee in this situation shows that he hasn’t made the right decision. Look, he’s first on the ball, and that’s what counts for me. It doesn’t matter if there’s contact. It’s who plays the ball and who wins the ball first. I’m highly against this kind of penalty,” he said.

  • Barcelona unhappy about refree’s officiating, but Inter coach lauds him as ‘one of the best’

    Barcelona unhappy about refree’s officiating, but Inter coach lauds him as ‘one of the best’

    Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and his players were left frustrated and confused by several officiating decisions during their narrow Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan.

    The Spanish giants crashed out of the competition after a dramatic 4-3 loss in the second leg at San Siro, with the Italian side advancing 7-6 on aggregate to reach their second final in three years.

    In the aftermath, both Flick and his squad voiced strong dissatisfaction with Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, accusing him of making multiple questionable calls that influenced the outcome of the game.

    Midfielder Pedri, a standout performer this season, went as far as to call on UEFA to investigate Marciniak’s officiating, reflecting the depth of discontent within the Barcelona camp.

    The match was filled with controversy, particularly around two key VAR interventions. In the first half, Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi was initially believed to have cleanly dispossessed Lautaro Martinez in the box, but VAR overturned the call and awarded Inter a penalty, which Hakan Calhanoglu converted.

    Later in the second half, Barcelona were awarded a penalty after Henrikh Mkhitaryan appeared to foul Lamine Yamal.

    However, after another VAR review, the decision was reversed, with officials determining that the foul occurred just outside the penalty area—despite claims that the contact may have continued into the box.

    The contentious decisions added to the heartbreak for Flick’s side, who now turn their focus to domestic competition after narrowly missing out on a place in the final.

    Flick raised questions over the officiating, claiming that most of the 50-50 calls went against his side. “I know that everyone’s disappointed now that we’re out, but it’s because we invested a lot in this match,” the German head coach told reporters after the game.

    “We came back again (into the game), and I think some decisions, like the 50/50, were always for Inter, but it’s like that, we have to accept it. It’s football.

    “I’m proud of my team, we gave everything, and sometimes you feel like it’s unfair because some decisions the referee made were not for our side, but it’s like that. We have to accept it, and we’ll start again next season.

    Winning the Champions League is one of our goals, because the fans deserve it. We’ll be back next season in the Champions League.”

    In contrast, Inter boss Simone Inzaghi heaped praise on Marciniak. “That’s Barca’s opinion, he’s one of the best referees in Europe and he had a great match,” the Italian told Movistar’s Ricardo Sierra (h/t AS).

  • “We will be back next season” – Flick after painful Champions League exit to Inter

    “We will be back next season” – Flick after painful Champions League exit to Inter

    Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has vowed that his side will return stronger next season following their heartbreaking Champions League elimination at the hands of Inter Milan.

    Despite the narrow 7-6 aggregate loss in a thrilling semi-final encounter, Flick praised his players for their determination and resilience.

    The defeat brought an end to Barcelona’s dream of securing a quadruple in Flick’s debut campaign, but the German tactician remains optimistic about the future.

    “We will be back next season,” Flick said, reflecting on the defeat. “I’m proud of my team, I’m proud of your team, we gave everything, and sometimes it’s like that. We have to accept it, and we start again next season. To win the Champions League, this is one of our goals…”

    Hansi Flick’s remarkable success at Bayern Munich—where he led the club to a historic sextuple—is expected to shape his strategy as he looks to rebuild and strengthen Barcelona next season.

    With their Champions League journey over, the Catalan side now turns its attention to La Liga, where they currently hold a four-point advantage over arch-rivals Real Madrid.

    The two sides are set to clash this Sunday at the Munjua Stadium, with Barcelona aiming to widen the gap at the top to seven points.

    “And of course, La Liga, it will be also a tough match on Sunday but we also give everything,” Flick added. “When they (the players) look in the mirror when they arrive at home at three or four o’clock in the night, or in the morning, I think they can be very proud.”

    In his debut season, Hansi Flick has already guided Barcelona to triumph in both the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey, defeating Real Madrid in the finals of both competitions.

    With only four matches remaining in the season, the reigning La Liga champions are now eyeing a domestic treble—hoping to outclass their fierce rivals once more to cap off a successful campaign.

  • La Liga reveals Barca lack finances to register Olmo, Pau

    La Liga reveals Barca lack finances to register Olmo, Pau

    La Liga has dropped a bombshell on Barcelona, stating that the club doesn’t have the financial capacity to register forwards Dani Olmo and Pau Victor.

    This development comes after Barcelona was granted temporary licenses to register the duo last summer, only to have their registrations revoked in January due to non-compliance with the league’s financial rules.

    The Catalan giants had announced a deal to sell VIP boxes at the Nou Camp stadium, aiming to raise €100m. However, La Liga claims that this deal was not recorded in the accounts submitted by Barcelona for the 2024-25 season. Moreover, the deal was approved by a different auditor, raising eyebrows.

    La Liga’s statement highlighted that “no amount from the [VIP box deal] is ultimately recorded in the profit and loss accounts, contrary to what had been certified by the club and the auditor at the time of said transaction.” The league also announced that they are reporting the auditor to the Accounting and Auditing Institute.

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta responded, calling the league’s letter “an attempt to damage the club’s image and go against FC Barcelona’s interests.” He assured that the club’s legal team would respond “as forcefully as necessary” and questioned the timing of the letter, given their upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

    Laporta maintained that Olmo and Pau Victor’s registrations were carried out correctly, following all requirements demanded by the Spanish Football Federation and La Liga.

    The club’s financial struggles may worsen unless they resolve this dispute, with a definitive ruling on the pair’s registrations expected by April 7.

  • Dani Alves cleared of sexual assault charges, prison sentence overturned after appeal

    Dani Alves cleared of sexual assault charges, prison sentence overturned after appeal

    A Spanish appeals court has overturned the four-and-a-half-year prison sentence of former Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves, acquitting him of sexual assault.

    The 41-year-old had been convicted in February 2024 for an alleged incident at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022. However, he was granted bail in March 2024 as legal proceedings continued.

    The High Court of Justice of Catalonia ruled in favor of Alves’ appeal, with a panel of four judges citing “inaccuracies” in the original conviction.

    The appeals panel consisted of judges Maria Angels Vivas, Roser Bach, Maria Jesus Manzano and Manuel Alvarez, who reasoned the initial ruling contained “a series of gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies and contradictions regarding the facts, the legal assessment and its consequences”.

    The court rejected two separate appeals from the prosecution, one from the public prosecutor’s office, which sought to partially annul the verdict and extend Alves’ sentence to nine years, and another from a private prosecution pushing for a 12-year sentence.

    Alves was granted bail in March after his legal team posted a €1 million ($1.08 million) bond. His release was conditional, requiring him to remain in Spain and surrender both his Spanish and Brazilian passports to authorities while awaiting the appeal’s resolution.

    Prior to securing bail, the former Barcelona defender had spent 14 months in Brians 2 prison in Catalonia. He was initially arrested by local police in January 2023 in connection with an alleged sexual assault at Barcelona’s Sutton nightclub.

    The Spanish public prosecutor’s office accused Alves of assaulting a 23-year-old woman at the venue, though he consistently denied the allegations.

  • Hansi Flick expresses frustration over Barcelona’s packed fixture schedule

    Hansi Flick expresses frustration over Barcelona’s packed fixture schedule

    Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has expressed his frustration about playing against Osasuna on Thursday right after the international break. However, he chose not to dwell too much on the issue.

    The match was originally scheduled for earlier in March but was postponed following the passing of Barça’s first-team doctor, Carles Miñarro, just hours before kickoff.

    Now, Barcelona faces a tough stretch of seven matches in just 20 days. To make matters worse, they will be without Raphinha and Ronald Araújo, who are unavailable due to their participation in World Cup qualifiers in South America.

    “I don’t want to speak about my reaction, I think it’s not good,” Flick said in a news conference when asked for his thoughts on the match being rearranged for this week.

    “Players have played for their national teams, but we have to play this match. We can speak about if it’s the right time to play this tomorrow …

    “We can also speak about playing Leganés away at 9 p.m. [on April 12 before the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Borussia Dortmund]. When we play away, it’s always at 9 p.m., so we arrive back late in the night.

    “It’s to do with recovery for the players. I am not happy with this. When you see other leagues with Champions League teams, it’s different to here.

    “When you play Champions League, it’s not about Real Madrid against Barça, it’s about protecting your Spanish teams. But we play, no excuses

    “We accept this. It’s a task for UEFA, for FIFA that they say after international breaks it’s necessary that players have three days rest. LaLiga say we have to play and we say ‘Yes, we do it.’”

    Flick explained that he canceled two rest days for players who represented Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Poland during the international break to ensure proper preparation for the Osasuna match.

    However, the game comes too soon for Raphinha and Araújo, as they are only returning to Europe on Wednesday. Additionally, Pau Cubarsí will not be fit to start after injuring his ankle while playing for Spain.

    “Rapha and Ronald will not play,” Flick confirmed. “They are out. They have a long flight. It’s not the best way. They have to recover, train.

    “And at centre-back, Eric [García] and Iñigo [Martínez] will start for us. Pau will be on the bench. I hope we won’t need him because also it’s better he has two or three days more. He needs it.”

  • Lamine Yamal responds to Rafael van der Vaart following Spain’s victory

    Lamine Yamal responds to Rafael van der Vaart following Spain’s victory

    Lamine Yamal has responded to Rafael van der Vaart’s “pants down” remark after playing a key role in Spain’s UEFA Nations League quarterfinal win over the Netherlands on Sunday.

    The 17-year-old winger scored Spain’s third goal in an exciting 3-3 draw at Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium. Spain eventually secured victory on penalties, earning a place in the semifinals against France in June.

    Although Yamal missed his spot-kick in the shootout, he later took to social media to reply to Van der Vaart. The former Dutch international had earlier criticized Yamal’s attitude and the way he wore his shorts low before the match.

    “Shorts down, a goal, a missed penalty and INTO THE SEMIFINAL, COME ON SPAIN!” the Barcelona winger wrote on Instagram.
    Yamal’s post included a series of photos, one featuring Van der Vaart’s face alongside an image of him walking off the pitch after the win with his shorts pulled lower than normal.

    “I see things that are starting to bother me a little,” Van der Vaart said about Yamal after the first leg, a 2-2 in Rotterdam last Thursday.

    “Pants a little lower, not making much of an effort, slightly superficial gestures.

    “That’s when I think: if you’re that young, you should be happy with every minute you play for Spain. No matter how good you are, at that age, you have to prove it every minute and in every game.”

    Despite his age, Yamal has never shied away from responding to criticism from senior or retired players.
    He told Adrien Rabiot to “speak now” and “checkmate” after knocking France out of the European Championship last summer following comments made by the midfielder pre-match.

    Yamal had a tense moment during the penalty shootout against the Netherlands when Bart Verbruggen saved his attempt.

    Fortunately for Spain, Unai Simón blocked Donyell Malen’s penalty, and Pedri sealed the victory by scoring the decisive spot kick, sending Spain into the semifinals.

    “I said to him ‘What a s–t penalty,” Barça midfielder Pedri joked of his message to Yamal after his miss.

    “But no, you learn from these situations. He is not affected by pressure and you have to take a penalty to miss one.

    “His calmness has always surprised us. It’s as if pressure doesn’t exist for him when you see the ease with which he dribbles and how he plays. He’s someone we have to take care of and, above all, enjoy.”

  • Barcelona to finish LaLiga, UCL season at Olympic Stadium due to Camp Nou renovation delay

    Barcelona to finish LaLiga, UCL season at Olympic Stadium due to Camp Nou renovation delay

    Barcelona has officially announced that the team will complete the season at the Olympic Stadium, as ongoing renovations at Spotify Camp Nou have been delayed.

    The club had initially planned to return to their home ground sooner, but construction work on the stadium’s second tier has taken longer than expected. Due to these setbacks, all remaining LaLiga and Champions League home matches will be played at the Olympic Stadium.

    Barcelona informed its members of this decision through an email on Thursday. Club president Joan Laporta had previously stated that the team aimed to return to Camp Nou by March, just in time for the Champions League knockout stages. However, UEFA rules prevent teams from changing venues once a knockout round has begun, meaning Barcelona must now finish their European campaign at the Olympic Stadium.

    Following Thursday’s announcement, all of Barcelona’s remaining first-team home matches will be played at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc.

    Barcelona moved out of Camp Nou in 2023 to allow for major renovations, which will expand the stadium’s capacity to about 105,000—the largest in Europe.

    In January, the club extended its lease at the Olympic Stadium until the end of May, ensuring that their highly anticipated match against Real Madrid, scheduled for that month, can take place there.

    The team faces a demanding schedule, with four matches in just nine days when club football resumes next week. They will play Osasuna at home on Thursday, followed by a home match against Girona on Sunday. On Wednesday, they travel to Atlético Madrid for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal before returning home to face Real Betis on Saturday.

    Barcelona will then host Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, travel to Leganés for a LaLiga fixture, and head to Germany for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.

  • Raphina says team win against Benfica an honor to late team doctor Miñarro

    Raphina says team win against Benfica an honor to late team doctor Miñarro

    Barcelona forward Raphinha said the team was even more determined to perform well in their Champions League match against Benfica following the passing of club doctor Carles Miñarro.

    Raphinha, who has now scored 27 goals in all competitions this season, netted twice as Barcelona secured a 3-1 win at the Olympic Stadium, sealing a 4-1 aggregate victory to reach the quarterfinals.

    The match took place just three days after Miñarro’s sudden passing, which led to the postponement of Barcelona’s LaLiga game against Osasuna on Saturday. The 53-year-old’s cause of death has not yet been officially disclosed.

    “We came into this game even more determined to win after the passing of Carles,” Raphinha told reporters after the game.

    Barça coach Hansi Flick also dedicated the success to Miñarro.

    “I said before the match we wanted to honor the memory of Carles,” Flick said in the post game news conference. “After what happened, I think it’s good to win for him. Carles is always with us. It’s like that. He has always a place in our team.”

    To honor Carles Miñarro’s passing, the Spanish, Catalan, and Barcelona flags were flown at half-mast at the stadium, and a minute of silence was held before the match began.

    Barcelona secured their place in the Champions League quarterfinals for the second year in a row with a dominant first-half performance, scoring three goals and extending their unbeaten streak to 17 games in all competitions.

    Raphinha put Barça ahead early, thanks to an assist from Lamine Yamal, but Benfica quickly responded as Nicolás Otamendi equalized from a corner kick.

    Yamal restored Barça’s lead with a stunning individual effort, before Raphinha added the third on the stroke of halftime.
    “I am really happy with that,” Flick said of his team’s display and their control in the second half. “Benfica are a really good team. I knew they make good transitions, but we control the ball, we control the game, we were dominant.

    “This was good to see. I think we could score more goals, but we are happy that we are in the quarterfinal.”

    At 17 years and 241 days old, Lamine Yamal became the second-youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout match, with former Barcelona forward Bojan Krkic still holding the record as the youngest.

    Yamal’s stunning curling shot from the edge of the box marked his 12th goal of the season across all competitions. However, it was his first time scoring in seven games.

    “Great,” Flick added of Yamal ending his mini-drought. “I think everyone was looking for this goal and it’s good for him, it gives him self-confidence.

    “It was at the right time this goal happens. I am happy for him that he scored again.”

    However, despite Yamal’s goal and assist and Raphinha moving on to a tournament high 11 goals in the Champions League this season, midfielder Pedri claimed UEFA’s MVP trophy.

    “He’s 100% fit and it’s good to see what he’s doing with the ball, but also without the ball is unbelievable,” Flick said of Pedri. “He’s in the right position at the moment and, for me, in this position, he’s the best in the world.”

    Barcelona will face either Borussia Dortmund or Lille in the Champions League quarterfinals. They are also leading LaLiga with a game in hand and have secured a spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals.

    Raphinha believes the team has the potential to accomplish great things this season.

    “We are candidates to win every competition,” he said. “We knew that Benfica would come here strong, but we knew what we had to do to win the game and focused on that.

    “We had the result in our favor from the first leg and did really well tonight, it was an especially good first half.”

  • Dani Alves faces €6 million lawsuit from former club Pumas over contract breach

    Dani Alves faces €6 million lawsuit from former club Pumas over contract breach

    Former Barcelona and Sevilla defender Dani Alves is reportedly being sued by his former club, Pumas, for up to €6 million over an alleged breach of their contract’s “code of conduct.”

    The ex-Brazil international is currently awaiting the outcome of an appeal against his rape conviction, handed down in February 2024. Alves spent 13 months in prison following the ruling but has been out on bail for nearly a year.

    Dani Alves

    To secure his release, the 41-year-old paid €1 million in bail and surrendered his passport. He has consistently maintained his innocence and voluntarily turned himself in after learning that his alleged victim had filed an official complaint.

    Alves’ incarceration effectively ended his professional football career. He had joined Mexican side Pumas in the summer of 2023 after a brief return to Barcelona, signing a two-year contract. However, the deal was terminated after just five months in the wake of his legal troubles.

  • Barcelona to conclude LaLiga, UCL campaign at Olympic Stadium over Camp Nou renovation delays

    Barcelona to conclude LaLiga, UCL campaign at Olympic Stadium over Camp Nou renovation delays

    Barcelona has officially announced that the team will complete the season at the Olympic Stadium, as ongoing renovations at Spotify Camp Nou have been delayed.

    The club had initially planned to return to their home ground sooner, but construction work on the stadium’s second tier has taken longer than expected. Due to these setbacks, all remaining LaLiga and Champions League home matches will be played at the Olympic Stadium.

    Barcelona informed its members of this decision through an email on Thursday. Club president Joan Laporta had previously stated that the team aimed to return to Camp Nou by March, just in time for the Champions League knockout stages.

    However, UEFA rules prevent teams from changing venues once a knockout round has begun, meaning Barcelona must now finish their European campaign at the Olympic Stadium.

    Following Thursday’s announcement, all of Barcelona’s remaining first-team home matches will be played at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc.

    Barcelona moved out of Camp Nou in 2023 to allow for major renovations, which will expand the stadium’s capacity to about 105,000—the largest in Europe.

    In January, the club extended its lease at the Olympic Stadium until the end of May, ensuring that their highly anticipated match against Real Madrid, scheduled for that month, can take place there.

    The team faces a demanding schedule, with four matches in just nine days when club football resumes next week. They will play Osasuna at home on Thursday, followed by a home match against Girona on Sunday. On Wednesday, they travel to Atlético Madrid for the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal before returning home to face Real Betis on Saturday.

    Barcelona will then host Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, travel to Leganés for a LaLiga fixture, and head to Germany for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal.

  • Barcelona climb back to top of La Liga after narrowly defeating Rayo Vallecano

    Barcelona climb back to top of La Liga after narrowly defeating Rayo Vallecano

    Barcelona managed to scrape through a tense game against Rayo Vallecano and climb back to the top of La Liga, a position they hadn’t held since December.

    Robert Lewandowski scored a first-half penalty, which turned out to be the game-winning goal. This win pushed Barcelona above their rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, both of whom had 1-1 draws on Saturday.

    Lewandowski’s penalty, his 20th goal of the season, came after a controversial decision by the video assistant referee (VAR). The referee awarded a penalty when Rayo’s Pathe Ciss was accused of pulling down Inigo Martinez, although Martinez was nowhere near the ball.

    Rayo Vallecano was furious when they didn’t get a penalty for a similar incident involving Ciss. The tension heightened when Rayo thought they had scored an equalizer, but the goal was disallowed because Randy Nteka, in an offside position, was considered to have obstructed Martinez.

    Barcelona missed several opportunities to extend their lead in the second half and were lucky not to concede when Jorge de Frutos missed a chance for Rayo Vallecano late in the game.

    With this victory, Barcelona now leads the table with 51 points, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference and one point clear of Atletico Madrid, with 14 games remaining in the season.

  • Don’t argue, disrespect the referee – Hanci Flick advices Barca squad after Bellingham red card

    Don’t argue, disrespect the referee – Hanci Flick advices Barca squad after Bellingham red card

    Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, has urged his players to show respect to referees and avoid arguing with them. His comments come after Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham was sent off for confronting the referee during their 1-1 draw against Osasuna.

    The referee, Jose Luis Munuera Montero, said that Bellingham said “f* you,” which led to his immediate dismissal. However, Bellingham insisted that he actually said “f* off” and that it was directed at himself out of frustration, not the referee.

    After the match, Bellingham insisted he did not insult the referee and called the situation a misunderstanding. The following day, he apologized on social media for putting his team in a difficult situation.

    He wrote: “Enough said about the misunderstanding, just wanted to apologize again for leaving my teammates in such a tough position and thank the fans for their support and understanding. See you at home on Wednesday.”

    Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s home game against Rayo Vallecano on Monday, Flick emphasized that he had reminded his players to stay calm and avoid conflicts with match officials.

    “It’s disrespect. For me, it’s like that. But I don’t have to decide (the punishments),” he told a press conference on Sunday.

    “I don’t like this behaviour and I said this today to my players because it’s very important. It is not good for the team when you do this and get the red card. It’s a weakness and we don’t like that.

    “We have one person on the pitch who is allowed to discuss with the referee and that is the captain. We have to accept that.”

    Third-placed Barca can return to the top of LaLiga with a win over Rayo later on Monday.

  • “No discussion, no price” – Barca’s Deco on Lamine Yamal’s future

    “No discussion, no price” – Barca’s Deco on Lamine Yamal’s future

    Barcelona sporting director Deco has made it clear that teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal is not for sale, emphasizing that no price tag could be placed on the young star.

    At just 17 years old, Yamal has emerged as one of the most promising talents in world football.

    His exceptional performances have already earned him prestigious accolades, including the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award, recognizing him as Europe’s best player under 21.

    “There are key players, and he is [one],” Deco said of Yamal to TV3.

    “There is no discussion, there is no price. There have been no offers because we didn’t even want to talk about it.”

    Barça president Joan Laporta claimed in October that the club had rejected an offer worth €250 million ($270m) for Yamal after the player helped Spain win Euro 2024.

    Since making his first-team debut as a 15-year-old in 2023, Yamal has become a regular for club and country.

    “He will surely be at Barça for many years, like Pedri and Gavi … They will [all] remain here,” Deco said. “The club must do its homework, and he [Yamal] will be here for many years.”

    Barça midfield pair Gavi, 20, and Pedri, 22, recently extended their contracts until 2030. Yamal’s deal expires in June 2026, the maximum allowed by law for minors.

    The Spanish winger, however, revealed earlier this year that he will soon sign a new contract with Barça, “the club of my life.”

    Yamal is expected to put pen to paper on a contract until 2030 when he turns 18 on July 13.

    His talent has drawn praise from five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who believes Yamal will become “the best player of this new generation.”

    Deco, who played with Ronaldo for Portugal and alongside Lionel Messi at Barça, agrees Yamal is special.

    “Yamal is one of the special ones,” Deco said. “Not only does he have talent. He also has a different mental capacity.”

    Yamal has scored 11 goals and set up 14 more in 31 games for Barça this season.

  • “Scandalous, absolute disgrace”! – Barcelona’s Laporta fumes over Getafe refereeing

    “Scandalous, absolute disgrace”! – Barcelona’s Laporta fumes over Getafe refereeing

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has strongly criticized the decision not to give a penalty for Jules Koundé in their 1-1 draw against Getafe on Saturday.

    In the 81st minute, Koundé was brought down by Christantus Uche while trying to reach a cross at the far post. However, the referee and VAR did not consider it a foul.

    Despite Barcelona’s efforts to score a winning goal, they were unable to break through Getafe’s defense. The result extended their winless streak in LaLiga to four games, putting them seven points behind league leaders Real Madrid.

    Laporta also mentioned a similar incident in Real Madrid’s win over Getafe in December, where a penalty was awarded for a challenge by Allan Nyom on Antonio Rüdiger. He questioned why Barcelona didn’t get the same decision.

    “The refereeing in the game against Getafe was an absolute disgrace,” Laporta told reporters on Monday when asked about the Koundé incident.

    “Not giving a penalty for the foul on Koundé is a scandal. A scandal. I think you should watch it back again and again because it’s scandalous.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFwswAe54UM

    While Barça have struggled in LaLiga, their cup performances have been much better. They recently won the Spanish Supercopa with a convincing 5-2 victory over Madrid and have advanced to the Copa del Rey quarterfinals.

    Next, they focus on the Champions League with an upcoming away match against Benfica on Tuesday. A win would help them avoid the knockout round and move directly to the round of 16.

    Off the pitch, the club is working to secure long-term contracts for their young talents. After renewing Ronald Araújo’s deal last week, sources say midfielders Pedri and Gavi are also close to signing new contracts, as their current ones expire in 2026.

    A source revealed that Pedri’s contract extension is expected to be announced by February at the latest, depending on when the club decides to finalize the deal.

    The Spanish midfielder is having a great season after overcoming his recent injury struggles.

    Meanwhile, defender Eric García might still leave Barcelona this month. Girona’s sporting director, Quique Cárcel, has confirmed the club’s interest in bringing him back after his loan spell with them last season.

    “We wanted to sign him in the summer and our intention is to try and bring him in again,” Cárcel told DAZN. “But it depends on Barça’s conditions being realistic for us in terms of what we can do.”

  • World’s best: Lamine Yamal ranks second after Messi – Gavi

    World’s best: Lamine Yamal ranks second after Messi – Gavi

    Barcelona midfielder Gavi has hailed Lamine Yamal as the best player in the world after Lionel Messi, following the teenager’s outstanding performance in the 5-1 Copa del Rey victory against Real Betis on Wednesday.

    Yamal was unstoppable, scoring one goal, assisting two others, and having another ruled out for offside. His efforts helped Barcelona secure a spot in Monday’s quarterfinal draw.

    At just 17 years old, Yamal has already scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in 24 matches this season, cementing his status as one of football’s brightest talents.

    “Yes, he is,” Gavi told reporters when asked if Yamal is already the best player in the game. “Well, after Lionel Messi, he’s the best.”

    Yamal, who helped Spain win the European Championship last summer, had an impressive season last year, finishing eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

    He also won the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award, both recognizing the best young player in the world.

    The young star has cemented his place in Barcelona’s first team, making over 70 appearances so far. On Wednesday night, he was a constant threat to Betis.

    After Gavi scored the opening goal, Yamal delivered a stunning lobbed pass to set up Jules Koundé for Barcelona’s second goal. Yamal created another chance for Koundé, but the goal was disallowed following a lengthy VAR review for offside.

    Later in the match, Yamal thought he had scored Barcelona’s third, but VAR ruled it out for offside once again. However, he showcased his brilliance with a solo run from his own box, leading to Raphinha’s goal.

    Substitute Ferran Torres added a fourth goal before Yamal finally found the net, finishing confidently after receiving a pass from Fermín López. Vitor Roque, on loan from Barcelona to Betis, scored a late penalty for Betis as a consolation.

    “You know, Gavi’s very emotional, so I say yes as well,” Barça coach Hansi Flick said in a news conference when asked if he agreed with Gavi’s take on Yamal. “You can see it. I think in great matches you see big talent and he’s showed it many times. He’s on a really good way. But we have to take care about him.”

  • Video: Ghana’s David Oduro’s thrilling debut for Barcelona’s youth team

    Video: Ghana’s David Oduro’s thrilling debut for Barcelona’s youth team

    Ghanaian youngster David Oduro delivered an impressive performance in his debut game for Barcelona’s youth team against Real Sociedad B on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

    The talented left-back, who joined Barcelona in August, had been sidelined due to documentation issues, finally making his debut last night.

    Coming on for Alexis Olmedo at halftime, Oduro immediately showcased his potential with dynamic runs down the left wing. His maturity and skill on the ball were evident, as he contributed significantly to Barcelona Atletic’s play, both offensively and defensively.

    Oduro demonstrated his versatility by threading intricate passes to create scoring opportunities and making well-timed interventions to protect his team from conceding goals.

    His strong debut performance has already won over Barcelona fans, who are calling for him to serve as backup for Alejandro Balde, the club’s first-choice left-back.

    Despite the delayed debut, Oduro has trained with the first team on several occasions, giving him valuable exposure at the top level.

    Oduro, who signed a three-year contract with Barcelona from Ghanaian club Accra Lions, is now expected to start for Barcelona Atletic in their upcoming match against Lugo this weekend, following his standout debut.

  • Barca thrash Madrid by 4 goals to nil

    Barca thrash Madrid by 4 goals to nil

    Barcelona delivered a dominant performance at the Santiago Bernabeu, thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 to extend their lead at the top of LaLiga by six points.

    Robert Lewandowski scored twice, with additional goals from Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, ensuring a night to forget for the hosts in the Spanish capital.

    Kylian Mbappe, making his El Clasico debut, had a frustrating evening as two of his goals were disallowed for offside. Despite creating chances, Real Madrid failed to capitalize, with both Jude Bellingham and Mbappe missing key opportunities to change the game.

    Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 54th minute, finishing off a brilliant pass from Marc Casado, and netted a second just three minutes later with a powerful header.

    His involvement continued as Yamal converted his first El Clasico goal in the 77th minute, firing a shot past Andriy Lunin. Raphinha capped off the night in the 84th minute, chipping the ball over Lunin to seal the victory.

    Mbappe struggled against Barcelona’s well-organized defense and was repeatedly caught offside, unable to find a breakthrough against goalkeeper Inaki Pena. For Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, it was a night to remember, as his team claimed a comprehensive victory in his first El Clasico, securing a six-point cushion over second-placed Madrid after 11 rounds of the season.

  • Barca’s senior-junior squad’s training – Ghana’s David Oduro tells the big difference

    Barca’s senior-junior squad’s training – Ghana’s David Oduro tells the big difference

    Ghanaian footballer David Oduro has recently shared his experiences of training with both the youth and senior squads of the renowned Spanish club, FC Barcelona.

    After joining the team from Accra Lions in the Ghana Premier League during the summer transfer window, Oduro initially expected to train solely with the youth side.

    However, he had the opportunity to work with the first team, and he has been documenting his journey on TikTok alongside fellow Ghanaian footballers.

    Oduro remarked that training with Barcelona’s first team presents a greater challenge compared to the B team. He explained that the atmosphere with Barcelona B is intense, as many players strive to make a strong impression.

    “Training with the first team is good because there is no pressure. The youth can press you, and I go in hard on them. What I meant is that training with the first team and second team are different,” he said.

    Oduro also opened up about meeting some of Barcelona’s big stars, including the hugely talented Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde.

    He describes the feeling of meeting and training alongside players he watched on television as surreal and unbelievable.

    “Yamal has a beautiful skin colour. I was like, These are the guys I have been watching on TV and now playing with them,” he said.

  • Hansi Flick to start Barca’s top players in Young Boys’ clash

    Hansi Flick to start Barca’s top players in Young Boys’ clash

    Flick is optimistic about the possibility of midfielder Frenkie de Jong making a return as Barcelona aims to recover from two defeats in just 10 days, including losses to Monaco in the Champions League and Osasuna in La Liga.

    The German coach has been dealing with an injury crisis, with key players such as Dani Olmo, Ronald Araujo, Gavi, and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen unavailable.

    In Saturday’s 4-2 loss to Osasuna, he opted to rest regular starters Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, prioritising the upcoming Champions League match.

    De Jong, who has been sidelined since April with an ankle injury, also missed the European Championship while focussing on his recovery.

    “We will play with the team we believe to be the best in order to beat Young Boys. The first game (at Monaco) we lost, yes. But we must not be depressed,” Flick told reporters.

    “We have to recover our balance after the defeat at Osasuna. We have to build the game with fewer mistakes. Responsibilities must be assumed.

    “We need fresh legs, and Frenkie’s return is great news. Even if it’s just for five or 10 minutes. If he gets the chance, he’ll play.”

    Flick previously said his choice to rest key starters affected the team in their first domestic loss of the season at Osasuna, ending a seven-game winning streak.

    Young Boys will arrive in Spain following a 3-0 defeat by Aston Villa in their opening Champions League match at home.

    Asked if the five-times European Cup winners have lost respect after their defeat at Monaco, Flick said: “I am positive we can win… we play good football – entertaining football. And if we need to gain the respect of our opponents once again, we’re going to work hard on that.”

  • Barcelona slapped with ticket ban following racist behavior by fans

    Barcelona slapped with ticket ban following racist behavior by fans

    Barcelona have been prohibited from selling tickets for their Champions League away match against Red Star Belgrade in November due to racist actions by some of their fans.

    UEFA imposed a fine of 10,000 euros (£8,330) on the Spanish club following the racist behaviour observed during their 2-1 loss to Monaco on 19 September.

    The specific details of the behaviour were not disclosed.

    This is not the first instance of such punishment for Barcelona.

    The club previously faced a ban on selling away tickets for a UEFA competition after a Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint-Germain last season, although that penalty was suspended for a year.

    Three Barcelona fans were arrested after the PSG match for using racist slurs and allegedly making Nazi salutes.

    As a result of the current ban, Barcelona will be without their travelling supporters when they face Red Star Belgrade on 6 November.

    Despite this controversy, Barcelona remains in strong form, with Hansi Flick’s side winning all seven of their La Liga games so far, putting them at the top of the league.

  • Ghana’s Aziz Issah poses with Barca’s young star Lamine Yamal

    Ghana’s Aziz Issah poses with Barca’s young star Lamine Yamal

    Ghanaian footballer Abdul Aziz Issah recently had the opportunity to meet his idol, Lamine Yamal, after training with Barcelona’s first team for the first time.

    Issah, who is currently on a season-long loan with Barca Atletic from Dreams FC, trained alongside fellow Ghanaian David Oduro.

    Prior to being invited by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, Issah had expressed admiration for Yamal’s style of play, which he has tried to emulate.

    The 2024 CAF Confederation Cup standout hopes to make a lasting impression at Barcelona and secure a permanent move.

    Issah had the chance to meet and train with his idol, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, at Barcelona’s training facility.

    The promising forward, a key player for Ghana’s U20 African Games-winning squad, is currently on loan to Barcelona’s reserve side, Barca Atletic, and aims to secure a permanent move.

    Though he has yet to make his Barcelona B debut, his performance during first-team training has increased his chances of earning opportunities in the senior team as the season progresses.

  • Arsenal’s world-record bid for Walsh turned down by Barca

    Arsenal’s world-record bid for Walsh turned down by Barca

    Arsenal’s late attempt to sign England midfielder Keira Walsh from Barcelona, in what would have been a world-record deal, has been rejected by the European champions.

    The 27-year-old, who has one year left on her contract, remains a pivotal part of Barcelona’s squad despite indicating she does not intend to renew her contract next summer.

    According to reports from Spanish media, Arsenal‘s bid was valued at £930,000, a figure that would have surpassed the current world record for a women’s transfer.

    However, Barcelona were not prepared to let go of the England international, leaving Arsenal without their target as the Women’s Super League (WSL) transfer window closed at 23:00 BST on Friday.

    Barcelona, who still had until Monday to secure a replacement if they had accepted the bid, made it clear that Walsh remains integral to their plans for the season.

    Barca head coach Pere Romeu underscored Walsh’s importance, saying, “There’s no case for Keira leaving. She’s been with us throughout pre-season and is a key player for us. She totally gets our style of play, is super professional, and has shown an amazing attitude and commitment from day one. So, we’re definitely counting on her this season.”

    Walsh, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City in 2022 for a then-world record fee of £400,000, has been instrumental in the club’s recent success, helping them secure back-to-back league and European titles. She has already played a crucial role this season, providing an assist in Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Friday.

    Despite Walsh’s decision not to renew her contract, Barcelona appear confident in keeping her for the remainder of the season. Without a contract extension, Walsh would likely leave on a free transfer next summer unless the club can convince her otherwise.

    Arsenal’s pursuit of Walsh was part of their bid to strengthen their squad, and if successful, it would have marked the most expensive transfer in women’s football. The current record for a women’s player is held by Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji, who transferred to Bay FC from Madrid CFF for £685,000 in February.

    As the transfer window closes, Walsh’s immediate future lies with Barcelona, where she will continue to contribute to their ambitious campaign for more domestic and European silverware.

  • This is why Barca didn’t go ahead with Nico Williams’ signing

    This is why Barca didn’t go ahead with Nico Williams’ signing

    Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco, has shed light on why the club chose not to sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams during the recent transfer window, despite the young star being one of the most coveted attackers.

    Williams, who boasts Ghanaian roots, attracted interest from top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, following a standout season.

    The winger featured in 31 La Liga matches, netting 5 goals and providing 11 assists, while also playing a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.

    Despite his rising profile, Deco revealed that Barcelona decided against pursuing Williams, citing the club’s already strong lineup of attacking players as the primary reason.

    “We didn’t sign Nico Williams as we have Raphinha, Ferran, Ansu, Lamine, plus Fermin and Olmo to help there,” he said.

    Sporting Director Deco further highlighted that Dani Olmo’s versatility lessened the need for Barcelona to sign another winger. “Dani Olmo offers us more flexibility, making it unnecessary to bring in another wide player,” he explained.

    Although Williams was on Barcelona’s radar, the talented winger ultimately stayed with Athletic Bilbao, where he is under contract until 2027.

    His release clause, reportedly around €63 million (£53 million), may have also influenced Barcelona’s decision to hold back from making a move for the 22-year-old.

  • Marc Bernal signs new deal with Barca amid ACL injury – Sources

    Marc Bernal signs new deal with Barca amid ACL injury – Sources

    Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal has secured a contract extension with the club, despite being sidelined for the season due to an ACL tear.

    The 17-year-old will sign a deal that runs until 2026, with the option to extend for another three years when he turns 18.

    This new contract includes a significant pay raise and an increase in his release clause, which had been set at €20 million.

    The club moved quickly to protect Bernal from interest by other teams, especially after losing striker Marc Guiu to Chelsea earlier in the year.

    Bernal had been a key player in Barcelona’s opening three matches before suffering the ACL injury in a victory over Rayo Vallecano. He is set to undergo surgery this week.

    Despite his injury, Barcelona is showing their commitment to him, speeding up contract negotiations during this challenging period.

    joined the club’s academy in 2014, Bernal rose through the ranks alongside teammates Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, making his first-team debut against Valencia in August.

  • Barca’s Laporta insists the club would make some signings in January

    Barca’s Laporta insists the club would make some signings in January

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has assured that the club will be able to sign players “normally” during the January transfer window, despite the challenges they faced over the summer with player registrations.

    Barça secured Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig for €55 million, but he was unable to participate in the first two games of the season because he had not been registered with LaLiga. The delay was due to the club exceeding their league-imposed spending limit.

    Olmo’s registration was eventually completed after Ilkay Gündogan returned to Manchester City and defender Andreas Christensen was sidelined long-term with an Achilles injury, freeing up the necessary salary space.

    Laporta remains confident that Barcelona will be on stable financial ground by January, allowing for a smoother transfer process.

    “Yes [we will be able to sign players normally in January], because we plan to arrive at LaLiga’s 1:1 rule before then,” Laporta said in a news conference on Tuesday. “When you say sign, we can sign players, the problem is the registration with the league. It will be easier once we reach the 1:1 rule.

    “For now, though, we’re not thinking of any players [for January] because we are happy with the squad we have. But [sporting director] Deco and his team are working hard to analyse what’s needed medium- and long-term.

    “We are satisfied with what we have. Dani Olmo was the priority and we have signed him. I said we could make a big signing, and that has proven true.”

  • Video: Ghana’s Abdul Aziz’s display as he moves from Dreams FC to Barcelona

    Video: Ghana’s Abdul Aziz’s display as he moves from Dreams FC to Barcelona

    Black Satellites standout Abdul Aziz Issah has finalised a deadline-day transfer from Ghanaian club Dreams FC to Barcelona.

    Although an official confirmation from Barcelona is still awaited, reports suggest that Aziz will join Barcelona B.

    Dreams FC shared the news on X, confirming that the 18-year-old has successfully secured a move to the Catalan giants.

    “Dreams FC announces the transfer of Abdul Aziz Issah to Spanish giants FC Barcelona. The 18-year-old finalised his move on transfer deadline day,” the club wrote.

    Abdul Aziz emerged as the standout talent in the 2023/2024 Ghana Premier League season, making an impressive debut at just 17 years old.

    The young forward played a crucial role in Dreams FC’s remarkable journey to the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

    Aziz showcased his skills by netting four goals and providing two assists in 10 appearances, making him one of the competition’s leading scorers.

    He is now the second player to secure a transfer to Barcelona during the recently concluded transfer window, following in the footsteps of David Oduro.

  • Barca’s youngster Marc Bernal suffers ACL injury, likely to miss many

    Barca’s youngster Marc Bernal suffers ACL injury, likely to miss many

    Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal (17) is set to miss the majority of the season after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the LaLiga club announced on Wednesday. ‘

    The injury occurred during Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday, forcing Bernal to leave the pitch in the final minutes.

    Bernal, who made his debut in Barcelona’s opening-day victory against Valencia, also sustained damage to the external meniscus in his left knee.

    “He will undergo surgical treatment in the coming days,” Barcelona said in a statement.

    Barcelona face Real Valladolid next in La Liga on Saturday.

  • Talks underway for former Man City’s captain, Gundogan’s return – Reports

    Talks underway for former Man City’s captain, Gundogan’s return – Reports

    Manchester City is exploring the possibility of re-signing Ilkay Gundogan, who left the club for Barcelona in 2023 after a successful stint where he led the team to a historic Treble.

    Gundogan’s potential return comes amid financial difficulties at Barcelona, which have impacted their ability to register new players, including Dani Olmo.

    Barcelona’s ongoing financial troubles are a result of the club’s strict economic regulations, which cap spending on player wages and other expenses based on the club’s earnings and outstanding financial obligations.

    These rules, implemented by La Liga to ensure financial stability, are affecting Barcelona’s ability to finalize transfers and register new signings.

    City’s interest in Gundogan is partly driven by their current squad issues.

    The team is dealing with the high-profile departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and an injury to Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb, who may be sidelined for up to four months.

    Gundogan’s experience and familiarity with the club could provide an immediate solution without the need for an adjustment period.

    Gundogan, who previously joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund for £20 million in 2016, has enjoyed a highly successful tenure at the club, making 304 appearances and scoring 60 goals.

    During his seven years at the Etihad, he won numerous titles, including five Premier League trophies, one Champions League, and four Carabao Cups.

    At Barcelona, Gundogan featured in 51 matches last season and scored five goals.

    However, the financial constraints at Barcelona are forcing them to consider selling players to balance their squad cost limit, a measure aimed at maintaining fiscal discipline within the league

  • Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes joins Burnley after Barcelona exit

    Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes joins Burnley after Barcelona exit

    Son of Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho, Joao Mendes, has departed Barcelona to sign a contract with Championship side Burnley.

    According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Mendes traveled to England earlier this week to finalize the deal, which was swiftly completed with the assistance of his agents, Marcelo Sander and Marcelo Marchese.

    Following the formalities, Mendes was photographed holding a Burnley shirt, flanked by his representatives.

    Mendes’ stint at Barcelona was brief. He joined the Catalan club’s Under-19 team in 2023 after a successful trial, which was arranged by his father.

    Prior to his time in Spain, Mendes spent four years developing his skills at Cruzeiro’s youth academy in Brazil.

    Despite showing promise, Mendes did not make any appearances for Barcelona’s senior team, and his 12-month contract with the club expired in June 2024.

    Despite his father’s efforts to help shape his career, Mendes and Barcelona could not agree on an extension.

    Unlike his father, who was known for his brilliance as an attacking midfielder, Mendes plays as a left-footed winger, bringing his own unique style to the field.

    Burnley supporters are eager to see how the young Brazilian will adapt to the demands of the Championship and what impact he might have in the upcoming season.

    Burnley began their Championship campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over Luton.

    Their next match is against Cardiff City on Saturday at Turf Moor, where Mendes will hope to make a strong debut for his new club.

  • Lamine Yamal’s father hospitalised after multiple stabs

    Lamine Yamal’s father hospitalised after multiple stabs

    Lamine Yamal’s father, Mounir Nasraoui, was reportedly stabbed multiple times in a car park near Barcelona and was subsequently rushed to the hospital.

    According to La Vanguardia, the 36-year-old Nasraoui was attacked on Wednesday evening in a car park in the town of Mataro, located along the coast from Barcelona.

    The altercation, which started as a fight, escalated into a stabbing, leaving Nasraoui in serious condition.

    He required immediate medical attention but is now believed to be in stable condition. Local sources confirmed that emergency services quickly responded to the scene, transporting Nasraoui to the nearby Can Ruti hospital.

    Despite some reports suggesting he had been discharged, Mundo Deportivo claims that Nasraoui remains under observation at the medical facility.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO71BjicOUc

    The police in Mataro have initiated an investigation into the incident, with reports indicating that three arrests have already been made.

    The stabbing is thought to have stemmed from an earlier confrontation, though the exact cause remains unclear.

    Later that evening, Yamal posted a photo of himself with his father on social media, accompanied by heart emojis, but he later deleted the post.

    Yamal has frequently spoken about the significant influence his father has had on his life and football career. Nasraoui’s support has been crucial in Yamal’s rise as one of Europe’s most promising young talents.

    Following this incident, there are now concerns about whether Yamal will be able to play for Barcelona against Valencia at Mestalla in La Liga on Saturday.

  • Barcelona eye move for Kanté

    Barcelona eye move for Kanté

    Barcelona are exploring the possibility of signing French midfielder N’Golo Kanté this summer, according to Diario Sport.

    Kanté, 33, transferred to Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad last summer on a free transfer after leaving Chelsea.

    Despite his move to the Middle East, Kanté has expressed a desire to return to European football, attracting interest from several clubs, including Barcelona, West Ham, and Atletico Madrid.

    Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has long admired Kanté, who was a standout performer for France at Euro 2024.

    A potential transfer could align with Barcelona’s financial plans.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oZVQMO05t6g
  • Spain playmaker Olmo joins Barca in £51m deal

    Spain playmaker Olmo joins Barca in £51m deal

    Barcelona have secured the signing of Spanish playmaker Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig for a reported fee of 60 million euros (£51 million).

    The 26-year-old returns to his former club, where he spent his youth career before making a move to Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia back in 2014.

    Olmo has committed to a six-year contract with Barcelona, which includes a substantial release clause set at 500 million euros (£429 million).

    After helping Spain clinch their fourth European Championship title at Euro 2024, where he was one of the tournament’s joint top-scorers with three goals, Barcelona praised his versatility and goal-scoring ability.

    “Olmo is a player who shines wherever he is on the pitch, known for his individual flair and his excellent link-up play,” Barcelona stated. “He has an eye for goal, both from inside and outside the penalty area, as he demonstrated during Euro 2024.”

    During his time at RB Leipzig, Olmo contributed to the club’s success by winning two German Cups after joining in 2020. Reflecting on his time in Germany, Olmo shared his sentiments on X: “A young club, a young player. We grew up together, won our first trophies, and made history. Thank you, RB Leipzig—you will always hold a special place in my heart.”

  • RB Leipzig’s Olmo to move to Barca after clubs reach agreement – Source

    RB Leipzig’s Olmo to move to Barca after clubs reach agreement – Source

    Barcelona have reached a preliminary agreement with RB Leipzig for the transfer of midfielder Dani Olmo, according to sources.

    The transfer is subject to finalizing details and Olmo passing a medical exam on Thursday.

    Currently in Barcelona with his agent, Olmo is expected to join his new Barça teammates for training on Friday.

    Barcelona’s sporting director Deco met with Leipzig representatives on Tuesday morning to finalize the transfer, which is valued at approximately €60 million.

    Although the deal isn’t fully concluded, sources suggest that Barcelona, who have not yet made any summer signings, are likely to accept Leipzig’s terms for Olmo.

  • “I’m back”! – Nico Williams to stay at Athletic Bilbao amid Barca, PSG interests

    “I’m back”! – Nico Williams to stay at Athletic Bilbao amid Barca, PSG interests

    Spain international Nico Williams, of Ghanaian heritage, is expected to remain with Athletic Bilbao despite significant interest from top clubs like Barcelona.

    Barcelona has been actively pursuing Williams during the current transfer window, attracted by his impressive performances for both his club and national team.

    However, it seems the talented winger will stay with Athletic Bilbao.

    In addition to Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain has also shown interest in Williams. Nevertheless, reports from Spain indicate that he is not keen on joining PSG.

    Despite the attention from major clubs, Williams has continued his preseason training with his Athletic Bilbao teammates, eagerly preparing for the upcoming season and aiming to make a notable impact.

    “I’m back! I’m really looking forward to this season. Vamos, Athletic!” he told Athletic Club channels.

    During the 2023/24 La Liga season, Nico Williams made 31 appearances, netting five goals and providing 11 assists.

    He was a key contributor to Spain’s triumph in the 2024 Euro Championship, playing a significant role in their victory over England in the final last month.

  • KiDi tours Europe ahead of upcoming music project

    KiDi tours Europe ahead of upcoming music project

    Renowned singer KiDi is set to captivate his European fans this summer with an exciting new project.

    On Saturday, July 27, he will make his debut performance in Catalonia’s capital, Barcelona, headlining a concert at Vic, the city’s premier venue.

    This performance follows a series of successful shows across Europe.

    KiDi kicked off his summer tour in Norway on June 1 with a standout appearance at Øvre Slottsgate in Oslo.

    He then brought his vibrant energy to London on July 13 as a headliner at the Party In The Park held at Oak Hill Park.

    His recent tour stop was in Modena, Italy, on July 20, where he thrilled fans in the city’s renowned concert venue.

    As KiDi prepares for his much-anticipated show in Spain, fans are eagerly awaiting announcements about the next leg of his European tour.

    The 2022 Ghana Music Awards ‘Artiste of the Year’ is expected to reveal additional cities soon.

  • Nico Williams’ family, close associates advise him against Barca move – Reports

    Nico Williams’ future is in limbo as the talented winger ponders his next move following his recent Euro Cup victory with the Spanish national team.

    The 22-year-old is currently enjoying a well-deserved break and weighing two main options: remaining with Athletic Club or transferring to Barcelona.

    Barcelona has expressed strong interest in acquiring Williams, with Deco meeting his agent, Félix Tainta, in Zaragoza this Wednesday to negotiate a potential transfer.

    The meeting, strategically held between Barcelona and Bilbao, focused on discussing and potentially finalizing the terms of Williams’ contract with the Blaugrana.

    Despite this, Williams is under pressure from his family and close associates to stay at Athletic Club.

    According to David Ibañez on the ElDesmarque Twitch channel, his entourage is advocating for him to remain, especially since Athletic Club will host the Europa League final at San Mamés next year.

    Moreover, Barcelona’s financial difficulties, which might hinder their ability to register new players, add another layer of complexity to Williams’ decision.

  • Nico to Barca: Club’s sporting director Deco meets Spain & Athletic Club’s agent

    Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has taken steps to secure the signing of forward Nico Williams, meeting with his agent, Felix Tainta, in Zaragoza on Wednesday.

    The Blaugrana aim to finalize the transfer ahead of rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

    Reports from Jijantes highlight that discussions between Deco and Tainta revolved around contract terms for the Athletic Club attacker, who has been on Barcelona’s radar for some time.

    Earlier in the week, The Athletic noted that both Arsenal and Chelsea remain interested in the young Spanish winger, who played a pivotal role in Spain’s recent European Championship victory, their fourth title in history.

    Barcelona supporters are optimistic that Williams, alongside Lamine Yamal, will bring their successful international partnership to club level in the upcoming 2024-25 season.

    Hansi Flick’s squad has already kicked off their pre-season preparations and is set to travel to the US for friendly matches against prominent clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid later this month.

  • Athletico issues statement over ‘bombardment’ of questions on Nico’s future with club

    Athletico issues statement over ‘bombardment’ of questions on Nico’s future with club

    Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams has sparked speculation about his future, prompting a firm response from Athletic Club.

    Williams has emerged as a standout performer at Euro 2024 alongside his Spain teammate Lamine Yamal, attracting interest from several clubs, with Barcelona leading the pack.

    Despite repeatedly stating his commitment to the Athletic Club until summer 2027, Williams has faced numerous inquiries from the media regarding his plans.

    In response to the persistent queries, Athletic Club’s president Jon Uriarte has issued a statement addressing the intense scrutiny surrounding Williams’ future.

    The statement from Uriarte was released on Athletic’s social media. It read: “Nico, a footballer very committed to the Athletic Club, has been subjected to a bombardment of questions about his future in an excessive and uncontrolled way when he is concentrating on competing in the Eurocopa for the Spanish Football Federation, which he has not been able to protect.

    “Respect between all the characters that make up football is a fundamental basis, or so we conceive it from the Athletic Club, which does not have the formula to submit to public pressure players with contracts in other clubs to try to incorporate them.

    “Athletic aspires to the maximum, without limits. We are demonstrating that we have an attractive and winning project for our football players and trainers. The proof is that we have recently renewed two of our internationals, Simón (2029) and Vivian (2031).

    Nico signed last year until 2027, and he also committed himself there during several seasons to coveted players like Sancet, Prados, Julen Agirrezabala, and Paredes, to give some examples.

    “The Athletic Club is capable economically, socially and sportingly of maintaining in its structure footballers of the size of those named, including Nico Williams.”

    Barcelona has identified a left-winger and a midfielder as their top targets for this summer transfer window. President Joan Laporta has already publicly acknowledged their interest in Nico Williams, signalling him as a likely addition for Hansi Flick’s inaugural season at the club.

    Laporta emphasised that Barcelona has streamlined its financial framework to facilitate Williams’ potential signing this summer.

    However, Williams’ immediate focus remains on preparing for Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England at the Olympastadion in Berlin on Sunday, July 14. The 21-year-old winger will only contemplate his club’s future after this crucial match.

  • Laporta confident Barca “could commit to the signing of Nico Williams”

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that the club has the funds to sign Spain and Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, who has impressed at Euro 2024 in Germany.

    Williams, 21, renewed his contract with Athletic last year, which includes a release clause of approximately €58 million ($63m).

    Despite currently exceeding their annual LaLiga spending limit and being unable to register new signings, Laporta remains optimistic that Barcelona will soon resolve their financial issues and be in a position to acquire players like Williams.

    “Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams,” Laporta told Catalunya Radio on Monday.

    “Nico’s a player I like — I like him a lot. We are working with [new coach Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave [sporting director] Deco to close the operations we are working on.

    “Shortly we will be able to announce some good news with regard to the financial [issues] and we will be back within LaLiga’s Fair Play limits. And that will allow further good news in terms of [signings].”

    Barcelona is eyeing Nico Williams to bolster their attack, particularly after his standout performance at Euro 2024. Williams, 21, has seen his reputation soar as he played a pivotal role in Spain’s journey to the semifinals.

    At the Euros, Williams set up the decisive goal against Italy, earning the MVP title for that match, and contributed a goal and an assist in Spain’s 4-1 victory over Georgia in the round of 16.

    During his time in Germany, Williams, along with Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri, has been frequently asked about the potential of joining Barça next season. Yamal and Pedri, both of whom have grown close to Williams while playing for Spain, have expressed their desire for him to join the Catalan club.

    Williams, however, has maintained his focus on the Euros, stating his primary goal is to help Spain secure their fourth European Championship. The Athletic forward, who plays alongside his brother Iñaki Williams at the club, will next take the field for Spain on Tuesday in the semifinal against France in Munich.

  • Barcelona removes farewell post to Félix, Cancelo over intended bid for duo’s stay – Source

    Barcelona removes farewell post to Félix, Cancelo over intended bid for duo’s stay – Source

    Barcelona deleted a farewell statement for João Félix and João Cancelo, as they still hope to re-sign the Portuguese duo, a source has revealed

    On Sunday, Barça initially thanked Marcos Alonso, Félix, and Cancelo for their time with the club as their respective deals concluded.

    Alonso’s contract has expired, making him a free agent, while Félix and Cancelo’s loans from Atlético Madrid and Manchester City, respectively, ended on June 30.

    However, the club later removed Félix and Cancelo’s names from the statement and social media posts.

    A source explained that the deletions were because Barça intends to extend their stays, and the original statement suggested their departures were final.

    Félix, who netted 10 goals in 44 appearances for Barça last season, returns to Atlético, while Cancelo, with 42 appearances, goes back to Manchester City.

    Both players are currently with Portugal at Euro 2024.

    Despite this, Barça remains in ongoing discussions with the duo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, while awaiting clarity on the club’s financial situation this summer.

  • Barcelona still in race for Athletico’s Nico Williams

    Barcelona still in race for Athletico’s Nico Williams

    Barcelona is among the prominent clubs showing interest in Athletic Club and Spain winger Nico Williams, according to Mundo Deportivo.

    The 21-year-old has garnered admiration from various European clubs, but the Blaugrana are particularly keen on securing his transfer.

    Barça has been notably impressed by Williams’ exceptional one-on-one skills, a trait that has stood out during Euro 2024.

    Williams showcased his talent in group stage victories over Croatia and Italy before being rested for the win against Albania. He made a significant impact in La Roja’s 4-1 round-of-16 victory over Georgia, providing his first tournament goal contributions by assisting Rodri’s equalizer and scoring Spain’s third goal with a brilliant solo effort past Giorgi Gvelesiani.

    Performances like these have further boosted Williams’ reputation, which has already grown this season with eight goals and 19 assists in 39 matches across all competitions at the club level.

    While discussions about Williams’ future will likely continue throughout the summer, his current focus remains on excelling at the Euros as Spain prepares to face hosts Germany in the quarterfinals.

  • “I’ve seen something, but I don’t know anything” – Nico Williams on alleged Barca links

    “I’ve seen something, but I don’t know anything” – Nico Williams on alleged Barca links

    Promising talent from Athletic Bilbao, Nico Williams, has discussed his deep bond with the club amidst swirling speculation linking him to Barcelona.

    Speaking on Onda Cero’s Radio Estadio, Williams reflected on his upbringing surrounded by Athletic Bilbao’s icons and his current dedication to the upcoming Euro Cup.

    He expressed appreciation for the support and mentorship from Athletic Bilbao players who have guided him since his youth.

    Williams fondly recalled moments like visiting the locker room with his brother during his cadet and youth team years, where he met renowned players such as Iker Muniain.

    “Athletic’s stars have seen me grow up and are very proud of me. My brother took me to the locker room when I was in the cadet and youth teams, and that’s where I met many players, like Iker Muniain,” he said.

    Despite the rumors circulating about Barcelona’s interest in him, Williams maintained his focus on the Euro Cup.

    “Barça’s interest?” Onda asked Nico again, who replied, “I’ve seen something, but I don’t know anything. I’m focused on the Euro Cup and nothing else… I’m very happy at Athletic.”

    According to Transfermarkt, Nico Williams’s current market value is €60,000,000.

  • “It’s a closed door” – Pep on return to Barcelona

    “It’s a closed door” – Pep on return to Barcelona

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly ruled out the possibility of returning to Barcelona at any point in the future.

    Guardiola, whose contract with City ends in June 2025, previously hinted in May that the upcoming season might be his last at the Etihad.

    When asked on Monday about the potential of a return to Barça, where he guided the club to 14 honours during his four seasons in charge, Guardiola stated, “It’s a door that is closed.”

    The 53-year-old made these remarks during a press conference at his annual golf tournament, the Legends Trophy, currently underway in Girona, Spain.

    “The Barça bench is one of the most complicated because you have to manage many cases. In Manchester everything we do remains inside and at Barça, everything comes out,” he said.

    The ex-Barça player guided City to a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title, following a remarkable season that also saw his team achieve a historic treble.

    Meanwhile, Barça concluded the 2023–24 season without any silverware and opted for Hansi Flick as the successor to Xavi Hernández in May. Xavi’s tenure ended at the end of the season as the club sought a new direction.

    Xavi assumed leadership of the Spanish team in November 2021 and frequently drew comparisons to Guardiola.

    Guardiola said of those comparisons: “What is certain is that it’s not my fault. That’s for sure. I’ve been 11 or 12 years away from Barcelona. I’m not a suspect in that sense. Ask that to those who have made the comparisons, I haven’t. I wish Xavi the best in finding a new challenge.”

    Regarding Xavi’s replacement, Guardiola expressed confidence in Barça’s choice. Flick, who had been without a job since September 2023 following his dismissal from the Germany national team, previously enjoyed significant success at Bayern Munich.

    Flick secured the Champions League as part of a treble in 2020 before transitioning to the Germany national team role in the summer of 2021.

    “I wish him the best of luck in the world,” Guardiola said.

    “When you arrive at a new club, you always need help. You have to try to get help from within and have total support. You have to go little by little. You can’t be a champion in September or October.

    “Hansi is an extraordinary person who has a lot of desire. A lot. But he needs his time. What he did at Bayern was extraordinary; he won everything.”

    Barça finished runners-up to Real Madrid in La Liga, with their rivals adding France star Kylian Mbappé to their already strong roster.

    “With or without Mbappé, they are always strong,” Guardiola said.

    “It’s the rival to beat in the Champions [League], without a doubt. Everyone knows that. For all of us that are behind them, it’s motivation to try to beat them.

    Madrid has always been very strong and they are adding up front a player that has a lot of strength.”

  • Barcelona Laporta escapes criminal prosecution after clearance in Negreira case

    Barcelona Laporta escapes criminal prosecution after clearance in Negreira case

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been cleared of involvement in the Negreira referee scandal, as reported by Marca.

    The court ruled in Laporta’s favor, dismissing claims that he and his board made payments to Jose María Enriquez Negreira, former vice president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA), between 2008 and 2010.

    However, former Barcelona president Sandro Rosell did not receive the same outcome.

    His appeal was rejected by the court, leaving him implicated in the alleged payments alongside former presidents Maria Bartomeu, Oscar Grau, and Albert Soler.

    Barcelona are yet to comment on the decision regarding Laporta but did release the following statement on the matter last week: “FCB is satisfied with today’s ruling by the Barcelona High Court insofar as it confirms the approach defended by the Club and rules out the hypothesis of the alleged crime of bribery.

    We maintain our conviction that through the courts we will be able to definitively clarify the facts that are the subject of the complaint and prove the Club’s absolute innocence.”

    Laporta can now focus on his presidential duties, striving to restore Barcelona’s competitiveness both domestically and in Europe.

    He has consistently emphasized that Barcelona has not engaged in any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings.

  • Barcelona’s financial problems impeding registration of Hansi Flick, his staff

    Barcelona’s financial problems impeding registration of Hansi Flick, his staff

    Barcelona’s financial woes persist as they encounter hurdles in registering Hansi Flick and his coaching staff with La Liga.

    Despite Flick’s recent appointment as the club’s new manager, paperwork delays highlight the severity of Barcelona’s financial struggles.

    The situation echoes past instances where the club faced challenges in registering players due to financial constraints.

    To address the crisis, Barcelona previously sold a portion of ‘Barca Studios’ to investors, but the anticipated payments from these deals are yet to materialize fully.

    Moreover, the club must navigate wage bill reductions to comply with La Liga regulations, further complicating their financial predicament.

    Xavi’s departure and Flick’s arrival mark a transition fraught with challenges, as Barcelona grapples with balancing fiscal responsibility and on-field competitiveness.

  • Barca officially announces Hansi Flick as new manager

    Barcelona has officially appointed Hansi Flick as their new manager, marking the beginning of a new chapter at Camp Nou.

    The former Bayern Munich boss inked a two-year contract with the Catalan club, solidifying his role in leading the team until 2026.

    Flick finalized the deal at Barcelona’s club offices on Wednesday after engaging in several rounds of discussions with sporting director Deco and club president Joan Laporta.

    According to BBC Sport, Barcelona began talks with Flick “at least two months ago,” and an agreement had been in place for some time.

    This timeline indicates that the Blaugrana were already in contact with Flick when they convinced Xavi to extend his tenure at the club until 2025 in late April.

    Barca have released an official statement confirming Flick’s appointment, which reads: “FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick have reached an agreement for the German to become men’s first team football coach until 30 June 2026.

    The new coach has signed a contract at the Club’s offices accompanied by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta; first vice president responsible for the sporting area, Rafa Yuste and the Club’s sporting director, Anderson Luís de Souza, Deco.

    By bringing Hansi Flick as coach, FC Barcelona have chosen a man well known for his teams’ high pressing, intense and daring style of play which has brought him great success at club level and international level, winning pretty much all there is to win in the world of football.”

    After achieving a historic treble with Bayern Munich in 2020, securing the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League titles, Hansi Flick’s subsequent tenure with the German national team fell short of expectations.

    Their disappointing exit from the group stages of the 2022 World Cup marked a low point in Flick’s coaching career.

    Now, tasked with revitalizing Barcelona, Flick has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing a “new structure” at the club.

    His mandate includes steering Barcelona towards challenging Real Madrid for supremacy both in Spain and Europe.

    Flick is set to engage in discussions with Deco regarding potential new signings, aiming to assemble a formidable squad capable of reclaiming Barcelona’s position at the pinnacle of football.

  • Hansi Flick reaches Barcelona to seal his coaching deal

    Hansi Flick has arrived in Barcelona, poised to become the new head coach of the Catalan club.

    The German manager is set to replace Xavi Hernández, who managed his final game against Sevilla on Sunday.

    Flick, 59, has been out of a job since being dismissed as Germany’s national team coach last September.

    He arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday with his agent, Pini Zahavi, to finalize the details of his new position.

    According to sources from ESPN, Flick will sign a two-year contract, which will be officially announced once Xavi’s departure is confirmed.

    Barça president Joan Laporta has long admired Flick, having initially considered him to replace Ronald Koeman in 2021.

    However, Flick was then committed to taking over the German national team after his tenure with Bayern Munich.

    Negotiations between Barcelona and Flick resumed earlier this year when Xavi announced in January his intention to step down in

    the summer. Flick’s prospects of securing the position seemed dim in April when Barça stated that Xavi would see out his contract, which lasted until 2025.

    However, the situation took an unexpected turn last week when Laporta decided to part ways with Xavi and seek a new coach.

    Flick, who served as Joachim Low’s assistant with the German national team, achieved significant success at Bayern Munich, including winning the treble in 2020.

    His tenure with the Germany national team was less successful, leading to his dismissal in 2023 following poor results and a group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup.

    In other news, defender Héctor Fort has extended his contract with Barcelona until 2026.

    The 17-year-old has made 10 first-team appearances since his debut earlier this season.

  • It’s a difficult club; Xavi warns next Barça coach

    It’s a difficult club; Xavi warns next Barça coach

    Following his final game as Barcelona coach, a 2-1 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, Xavi Hernández expressed that he feels his contributions have been underappreciated and warned that his successor will face significant challenges.

    Barcelona secured the win with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Fermín López, while Youssef En-Nesyri scored for Sevilla.

    This match concluded Barça’s LaLiga season with a three-point finish, coming just two days after the club announced Xavi’s dismissal at the season’s end.

    “I don’t think the work we have done has been sufficiently valued considering the adverse situation we came into,” Xavi told DAZN after beating Sevilla.

    “Barça were ninth in the table when we arrived at the end of 2021. We finished second. Then, in the first full season [in charge], we won two trophies [LaLiga and the Spanish Supercopa].

    “This year has not been at the level required, but it’s come down to details in several key games. It’s a shame. I am sad, but this is the job of a coach.”

    ESPN has revealed that Hansi Flick will replace Xavi, with the Germán coach’s appointment expected to be announced in the coming days.

    “They have to know it is a difficult situation, because Barcelona is a difficult club, but also because of the adverse financial situation, above all [LaLiga’s] financial fair play rules,” Xavi said when asked if he had any advice for his successor.

    “It won’t be easy at all. They will suffer and they will need patience because it’s a really difficult job. The only thing that can save them is winning, whether they have been part of the club or not [previously].

    “I have been looked at through a magnifying glass and a certain level of expectations were generated, because I was part of Barça’s best-ever era, which has played against me.”

    Xavi initially announced in January that he would step down this summer, but he changed his mind in April. However, he was dismissed in a meeting with club president Joan Laporta on Friday.

    Despite his earlier doubts, Xavi maintained that he wanted to stay in the role and declined to disclose the reasons for his dismissal.
    “It’s not for me to explain the motives, the president has to do that,” Xavi continued. “I just have to accept and respect them. The decision is made and there is no looking back. The club is above any person. I wanted to stay on.

    I get [the decision], I respect it, but it is a shame. The feelings are contradictory because the work has been positive despite not winning trophies this season. I thought we were on a good path and I still think that.


    “But this is football, decisions have to be made. I am happy, proud and satisfied with what we have done: 2.5 years and two trophies in the adverse, difficult situation the club is in, that’s the reality.


    “I have not been able to work with calm. We asked for stability one month ago when we decided to stay. We thought by staying on we had achieved that and we were hungry to work hard, but this is the life of a manager.”


    Xavi said he is “open” to anything in the future regarding the next step in his career, but that in the short-term he needs to “rest and be with my family.”

    The former midfielder, who played over 700 matches for Barcelona, took over from Ronald Koeman in 2021, guiding the team from ninth place to second in his first season. He secured Barcelona’s first LaLiga title since 2019 last season.

    However, this year the team did not maintain that momentum, finishing second in the league and ending the season without any trophies after being eliminated in the quarterfinals of both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

  • Lewandowski, Félix were on Xavi’s exit list at Barcelona – Sources

    Lewandowski, Félix were on Xavi’s exit list at Barcelona – Sources

    Xavi Hernández had ambitious plans for Barcelona, intending to move on Robert Lewandowski, João Félix, João Cancelo, and Vitor Roque if he remained as coach, sources revealed to ESPN.

    Xavi was dismissed by Barça last week, with his final match being a 2-1 victory over Sevilla, leaving the Catalan side second in LaLiga and without a trophy this season. Prior to his departure, Xavi had radical plans to revamp the squad, particularly in attack.

    The coach aimed to rejuvenate the team by offloading top scorer Lewandowski, loanees Félix and Cancelo, and January signing Roque.

    Lewandowski, 35, has two years remaining on his four-year contract, though the final year depends on his game time next season.

    The Polish striker, who has netted 59 goals in 95 appearances since joining from Bayern Munich in 2022, expressed his desire to stay at the club last week. He is represented by Pini Zahavi, who also represents German coach Hansi Flick,

    Xavi’s expected successor according to ESPN sources. Flick previously worked with Lewandowski at Bayern, leading the team to a treble in 2019-20.

    Jorge Mendes, another influential agent at Barça, represents Félix and Cancelo, both of whom spent this season on loan at the LaLiga club.

    Félix is set to return to Atlético Madrid and Cancelo to Manchester City, although they might return to Barcelona this summer.

    However, sources told ESPN that Xavi was not eager to re-sign either player.

    Félix, who started his loan spell strongly, finished the season out of the squad, scoring 10 goals in 44 appearances.

    Cancelo was a regular under Xavi when available, but sources indicated that the coach was content for the Portugal international to return to City.