Barcelona will be without Jordi Alba for next weekend’s La Liga clash against Atletico Madrid due to suspension.
The left-back was sent off in the 1-1 draw against Espanyol on New Year’s Eve after picking up two yellow cards.
Alba’s first came after an encounter with Vinicius Souza which saw both men handed the yellow card by Mateu Lahoz.
The Barca left-back then earned a second booking for something he said to Lahoz after the referee had awarded a foul against him.
It was, as you might expect, another chaotic refereeing display from Lahoz who handed out 15 yellow cards and two reds to make La Liga history.
All of which means Alba will have to sit out the match against Diego Simeone’s side, with Alejandro Balde the man likely to replace the left-back in the starting XI.
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Jordi Alba admitted he was pretty baffled at being sent off for Barcelona against Espanyol on Saturday at the Camp Nou.
The left-back was shown the red card after picking up two bookings late on but says he has no idea why he was handed his marching orders.
“I don’t understand the expulsion, I just told him with respect that it seemed to me that Joselu was a foul on Christensen,” he said.
“He warned me because he thought it was the first yellow card. Sometimes I make a mistake and I have to control myself more, but this time it’s not the case. I’m very surprised.”
Sergi Roberto claimed after the game that Mateu Lahoz had “forgotten” he had already booked Alba and that he was also surprised to see his team-mate go.
Lahoz was back in action after being sent home from the World Cup after another eye-catching performance during Netherlands’ clash against Argentina which was branded “scandalous” by Frenkie de Jong.
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Xavi was full of praise for referee Mateu Lahoz ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Espanyol but, unsurprisingly, had changed his tune after Saturday’s 1-1 draw.
Lahoz stole the show at the Camp Nou, handing out yellow cards for fun in a chaotic game, and Xavi made it clear what he thought of the match official after the win.
“The game got away from him today. He was giving out cards without any reason and lost control of the match,” he said.
“But it’s not his fault we drew, it’s our fault we dropped points. I told him that he had lost control of the game. ‘Do you think?’ he said to me.
“But we keep coming back to the referee and I can’t control the officials. They should come out and speak, explain their decisions and say what they said to the players. I can’t do anything.”
Xavi also admitted his own team were to blame for the result, not just Lahoz.
“It’s down to us. When you have so many chances, get forward so many times, but aren’t clinical, it is your fault,” he added.
“We had an excellent first 30 minutes, but we didn’t know how to kill the game off. In the second half, we weren’t at the rhythm or intensity required.
“We end the year top of the league with Real Madrid, but it’s two points dropped today and it’s our fault.”
Barcelona are still top of the table but have seen their two-point advantage over Real Madrid wiped out. It was great to see the team back in action after the World Cup but undoubtedly a disappointing result.
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Two points dropped and a poor second half, but the referee unfortunately is the story
Barcelona’s first game after the World Cup and their last in 2022 ended with a 1-1 draw against Espanyol in a highly controversial Catalan Derby at Camp Nou on Saturday afternoon. The Blaugrana made a strong start but couldn’t score more than one goal, and gave their rivals a chance to come back in the game in a second half dominated by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz, who had one of the worst officiating performances of all time and became the story in what was otherwise a competitive game between two rivals.
FIRST HALF
Barça made a very good start to the game and imposed their will on their rivals from the opening kickoff: they were quick, sharp, always playing at a high pace and moving the ball well between the lines to create spaces and chances.
They got an early goal which always helps, which came from a corner that ended with an Andreas Christensen assist and a Marcos Alonso header in the seventh minute. Barça continued to attack and had at least three big opportunities before the 20th minute, but they were wasteful in front of goal and couldn’t find a second.
Their levels dropped a bit and they started missing easy passes in midfield which led to a few dangerous attacks from Espanyol, but Marc-André ter Stegen was never truly in trouble in goal. Barça started dominating again towards the end of the half, but a few poor decisions in the final third kept them from creating a real chance to double their lead.
At halftime, a good performance had Barça in the lead but the lack of precision in front of goal meant they still had work to be done in the second half to secure the three points.
SECOND HALF
Barça were very apathetic to start the second half, not playing with the same urgency and intensity shown in the first 30 minutes and playing slow, predictable attacking football. Their best chance was a missed header by Robert Lewandowski after a cross by Alonso, and that was the only good moment they had in the first 25 minutes of the period.
Espanyol continued to slow the pace down with physical play and look for an opportunity on the counter, and they got a golden chance when Joselu went down inside the box after an accidental step on his foot by Alonso and the referee pointed to the spot. Joselu himself scored the penalty, and the Derby somehow was all square.
Referee Mateu Lahoz continued to steal the show with bad foul calls and unnecessary yellow cards, and he decided to book Jordi Alba twice in two minutes for apparent dissent and sent off the full-back in the 77th minute. Lahoz was still not done with his personal show and gave a red card to Espanyol midfielder Vinicius Souza, leaving the visitors with 10 men going into the final five minutes plus stoppage time.
Barça had very little time to rescue a winner, and goalkeeper Fernández made two huge saves on efforts by Christensen and Lewandowski and somehow kept Barça from scoring.
Lahoz added 9 minutes to the game and the Blaugrana continued to attack and look for the winner in stoppage time, but couldn’t find a second and the final whistle came to end a hard-fought, highly controversial Derby.
Barça have themselves to blame for a poor performance in the second half, but the referee’s impact on the result is undeniable. A point is enough to keep Barça top of the table, but after Real Madrid received their usual help from the referees on Friday, they are now equal on points with a Barça side that just can’t catch a break with the officials. What a surprise!
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto (Kounde 82’), Christensen, Alonso, Alba; Gavi (Busquets 52’), De Jong (Balde 82’), Pedri; Raphinha (Dembélé 62’), Lewandowski, Fati (Ferran 62’)
Lewandowski can play against Espanyol - FC Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski can play in the derby after all! The dispute settlement court in Madrid issued a precautionary measure against the suspension imposed by the court of arbitration for sport, meaning the Polish international will be able to line up against Espanyol in the 2pm CET kick-off at Spotify Camp Nou.
Araujo and Lewandowski in derby squad - FC Barcelona
Xavi has recovered the services of the injured Ronald Araujo, who was declared back to full fitness on Friday, and can also count on star striker Robert Lewandowski, who was originally suspended until he band was at least temporarily lifted as a precautionary measure by the court of disputes in Madrid.
Ter Stegen becomes new fourth captain - FC Barcelona
Ter Stegen has been named as the new fourth captain of FC Barcelona. The German, now in his ninth season at the club, is taking the place of the retired Gerard Piqué, and thus joins a foursome that also features first captain Sergio Busquets, and his two deputies Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba.
Xavi: We were preparing for Espanyol without Lewandowski - SPORT
Barcelona got the news on Friday that Robert Lewandowski would be available to play. The Polish striker was sent off against Osasuna and in theory was banned to face Espanyol after the sports court rejected an appeal. However a contentious decisions court in Madrid suspended the ban.
Xavi: Lamine Yamal? We have a project for him - SPORT
Barcelona have a raw diamond in their academy in Lamine Yamal, who is 15. The coach has used him in first team training and hailed him ahead of the clash with Espanyol. He believes he has an enormous talent with a big future at Barca.
Chelsea move ahead of Barca in race for Monaco's Badiashile - SPORT
Chelsea are moving quickly in the winter market. After signing Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana, the next player they are after is Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile. The 21-year-old defender could arrive for 35-40 million euros.
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Join us for the final Barcelona adventure of 2022!
WELCOME TO THE SPOTIFY CAMP NOU!!! After two long months, the Greatest Stadium on Earth finally opens its doors for a Barcelona men’s match again as the Catalan giants take on crosstown rivals Espanyol in the final La Liga game of 2022. Barça will play their first game after the World Cup and are looking for three big points to stay top of the table going into 2023, but it won’t be easy as Espanyol know how to make things tough in a derby. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
(Note: the comments will be open only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2022-23 La Liga, Matchday 15
Date/Time: Saturday, December 31, 2022, 2pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 1pm GMT (UK), 8am ET, 5am PT (USA), 6.30pm IST (India)
We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:
Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, watch the swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.
Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!
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In the end, only the team’s officials will boycott the match
RCD Espanyol are very unhappy with news that a court decision would allow Robert Lewandowski the opportunity to play in the upcoming Catalan derby.
Through several press releases, Espanyol have made it quite clear they are very angry that FC Barcelona will be able to field Lewandowski despite the Polish star getting a red card in the previous match.
Lewandowski was given a three match ban following the red, which Barcelona found excessive. They are hoping to reduce it to the traditional one match ban given for red cards. They took their case to a Spanish court, which in an unusual move, decided to freeze the ban until a final decision was made. Thus, Lewandowski can play, until either a one or three match ban is decided upon.
This unusual situation even led Espanyol to consider not turning up at all to play their crosstown rivals, according to Spanish radio. While it seems they will not actually take this drastic step, the fact that it was even considered shows how strongly the club feel about the situation.
Estamos contando en @tjcope. Mañana no habrá representación del Espanyol en el del Camp Nou. Solo irá el equipo...y gracias... porque el #rcde se ha llegado a plantear no presentarse al derbi. #Lewandowskihttps://t.co/mu3klheHbL
How to watch on TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), TSN 5 (Canada), Viaplay Sports 2 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sports18 (India), Movistar LaLiga (Spain), others
How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), LaLigaTV (UK), Movistar+ (Spain), others
Following a seven-week break for the World Cup, Barcelona football is finally back to end 2022 with a bang as the Catalan giants welcome their crosstown rivals Espanyol for the latest edition of the Barcelona Derby at the Greatest Stadium on Earth.
It felt like this day would never come, but we can once again watch Barça play football. The last time we saw them in action, they were down to 10 men and found a way to beat Osasuna on the road to go into the break at the top of the La Liga table in dramatic fashion.
A midseason World Cup has never happened before and the last few days of action around Europe has proven that teams will take a while to settle into their pre-tournament form, so expecting Barça to play at their very best right away is unrealistic. They are also notoriously bad in the first game after an international break, but they’ve never had a seven-week international break before.
These are strange circumstances, and on top of everything there is a Catalan Derby to play. And when it comes to these games, the form goes out the window and Espanyol always bring their nasty, physical best to muck up the game, slow down the pace and frustrate Barça to the maximum.
The fact Espanyol are in the thick of the relegation fight and on a five-game winless streak is irrelevant. They will make it really tough for Barça, and Xavi Hernández will need to come up with a strong gameplan to break down a stubborn Espanyol defense and find enough goals to win even if they’re not playing at their best, which is likely considering these unusual circumstances.
But the good news is that Robert Lewandowski’s ban has been lifted at least for this one, so having the world’s best goalscorer is an easy way to overcome a poor performance. The whole team will have to play well, but the Pole will be asked to be the difference between these two if the game is close. And given how hard the club worked to have him on the pitch, he has to deliver.
This won’t be easy. Forget the table. It’s a Derby. And three big points are on the line to stay ahead of Real Madrid.
Let’s dance.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Balde, Kounde, Christensen, Alba; De Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Dembélé, Lewandowski, Fati
Barça are almost inexplicably bad coming off an international break, but the availability of Lewandowski is a big boost. I expect a tough, physical battle that might be tough to watch at times, but the home team will find a way to win the derby: 3-1 to the good guys.
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Barcelona coach Xavi was back in front of the press on Friday to preview his team’s match against Espanyol this weekend.
The boss spoke about a host of his players, referee Mateu Lahoz and revealed the club’s fourth captain following Gerard Pique’s retirement.
Here are the best bits:
Xavi on Espanyol
We are really motivated after one month without competition. We are top of the league and we are really excited to win the championship. We have all our players available, Lewandowski can also play, Araujo is also in the squad list, so now it’s my moment to select the line-up. This week the team has worked really well but we are facing a tough rival.
Xavi on Lewandowski
We were finishing the training session. We had been trying different options this week, taking into account Robert wasn’t available. But in the end, fantastic news, that we can have Robert. It’s not the best situation to know the day before. He’s happy, he’s surprised, but I have said it plenty of times it was an unfair suspension.
Xavi on Lewandowski’s ban
They told us that in 2-3 days the referees’ committte can also react to the suspension. We don’t really know when we will have Robert available or not. The game was played in November so we should know. We have been training in a different way. I’m happy to have him in the squad but the organisation hasn’t been good. We know tomorrow he can play but we don’t really know after that.
Xavi on Dembele and Kounde
They are in the squad. We still have to see which players can play or not. We have 24 players in the squad. Now we must decide who plays. Some players have trained more. We will have to manage this situation.
Xavi on Busquets
He has a contract until the end of the season and he will stay for sure until then. Then we will have to see how things go. This is a personal decision for Busquets. He still has an important role. For me he is a key player and we will have to see how the season goes. But it’s a personal decision for him. We will try to convince him to continue.
Xavi on transfers
I am very happy with my squad. I expect a calm winter transfer market. We will compete well. We have a good squad. We want to fight for the four trophies remaining. I want all my players to stay and I don’t think we need signings to achieve our objectives.
Xavi on Dembele
He’s happy. Since the first day he came back, he’s happy. He has been at the final of the World Cup, starting all the games, runner-up of the World Cup. In another sport it’s a silver medal. Happy with his World Cup. He’s worked really well for the team. He’s playing at a really high level and he’s going to continue being a key player for us.
Xavi on Araujo
Some trainers were there with him with Uruguay. I was also in contact with Diego [Alonso]. The most important things are feelings from players. This week he wants to train, he always wants to play. We will go step by step. I don’t think he will start tomorrow. But let’s see if he can play some minutes or if not in the following game.
Xavi on Eric Garcia picking up an injury?
Yep we still have to see what happens with Eric but I don’t think it’s anything important so we can count on him.
Xavi on Lamine Yamal
We follow all the youth teams, especially the ones close to the first team. Lamine is a big talent. We have a project for him. He has great skills, he has a fantastic natural talent and we hope he stays here for many more years. It will depend on him but he has talent and in the future we can have a fantastic player.
Xavi on Pele
I want to send my condolences to his family in Brazil. All the world wanted to be Pele, like Maradona and Messi. They are legends. We were together many times. Always had massive respect for him.
Xavi on Espanyol being upset at Lewandowski being available
Yes it was an important absence. We are happy but we don’t really know when the suspension will end. It’s interrupted and we have to wait to see how things end. Let’s see if they reduce the ban.
Xavi on Mateu Lahoz
I like Mateu because he talks, communicates, explains why he whistles. I think that’s positive. He can make mistakes. I’m the ref in training and it’s difficult. Mateu gives his arguments and I like him a lot.
Xavi on fourth captain
This week we decided that the fourth captain will be Marc ter Stegen.
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The striker had been banned for three games
Barcelona have announced that Robert Lewandowski WILL be able to play against Espanyol on Saturday in La Liga after his three-match ban was suspended.
The Poland international had looked certain to sit out the game but is now available and looks certain to start.
Here’s Barcelona’s official statement:
“Robert Lewandowski can play in the derby after all! The dispute settlement court in Madrid issued a precautionary measure against the suspension imposed by the court of arbitration for sport, meaning the Polish international will be able to line up against Espanyol in the 2pm CET kick-off at Spotify Camp Nou.
“He was shown a red card in the last game before the World Cup break, away to Osasuna. SAfter getting booked twice in the first half, his side was left with ten men but still managed to win the game 2-1. He was issued a three-match ban afterwards, a decision that club appealed.”
Lewandowski was sent off and received a one-match ban for his red card and two additional games for the gesture he made as he walked off. The striker said after the match that the gesture was aimed at Xavi and not the match official.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Remembering Pelé at Spotify Camp Nou - FC Barcelona
After the passing away of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known to the world as Pelé, let's remember the three times when the Camp Nou was graced by the presence of 'O Rei'…
Two suspicious potential Barca renewals - SPORT
Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto are two great players, who are sometimes not treated as they deserve. But it's surprising that the duo are close to renewing their contracts, or at least that the club are considering it.
Barcelona set to miss out on N'Golo Kante - Football España
Reports from The Athletic, as per MD, have stated that Kante is now set to remain at Chelsea. They have offered him a two-year deal to stay in West London, with the option of a third. With Barcelona’s financial issues, they are expected to struggle to compete with Chelsea’s offer to a player that currently earns almost £300,000 per week.
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The midfielder could be playing with Cristiano Ronaldo
Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has reportedly been handed a “dizzying” offer from Saudi side Al Nassr ahead of the January transfer window.
Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Al Nassr are hoping to land Busquets this winter and pair him up with Cristiano Ronaldo, following his exit from Manchester United.
The Saudi side are keen to bring in a pivot, and had looked at N’Golo Kante, but are now thinking about throwing a lot of money at Busquets instead.
There is a bit of a Barca connection too apparently. Al Nassr’s sports director is Goran Vucevic who played for Barca B, made his first-team debut under Johan Cruyff and has worked in the club’s scouting department.
Al Nassr can offered the Barcelona captain a much higher salary than the Catalan giants but MD reckon Busquets “does not seem to be up for the task of moving to Saudi Arabia” for now.
Indeed it seems Busquets is still some way from making a decision on his future. Instead he’s thinking about Espanyol right now and getting back to work after the World Cup.
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N’Golo Kante has been linked with Barcelona recently but is now being tipped to sign a new contract at Chelsea.
The Frenchman is out of contract at the end of the season which has prompted speculation he could be on the move.
Barca’s financial situation means they are being linked with a host of free agents, including Kante, but it seems now that the midfielder could continue at Stamford Bridge after all.
David Ornstein at The Athletic is reporting that Chelsea have made “positive progress” on talks over a new deal for Kante and there is “increasing confidence” he will stay.
The deal is not quite done yet with an agreement over the length of Kante’s new contract still yet to be reached. Chelsea have suggested two years but Kante wants a longer deal.
Barcelona signed Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso on free transfers from Chelsea last summer and had been tipped to return to west London in 2023 for Kante.
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Lionel Messi may no longer be a Barcelona player but you can bet he’s still getting under Real Madrid’s skin.
Boss Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the Argentina captain after his World Cup win but really did not want to say that Messi is now the GOAT.
“It’s hard to say, his career continues, whether he’s got a World Cup or not,” he told reporters.
“Is he the best in history? I don’t know, honestly. In each era there have been very strong players, many of them. You won’t hear from me a ‘Messi is the best in history’.
“I enjoy the best, I’ve seen Maradona, Cruyff, I’m coaching the current Ballon d’Or winner. I don’t know who is the best in history.”
Karim Benzema borrowed Leo’s Ballon d’Or trophy this year but the GOAT is already being tipped to win the Golden Ball for a record eighth time in 2023.
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Martin Zubimendi has been asked about speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona and has made it pretty clear he’s not thinking about Xavi’s side.
The midfielder has been tipped to replace Sergio Busquets at the Camp Nou, although his €60 million release clause appears out of Barca’s reach.
Zubimendi spoke about the rumors and the fact his release clause did not increase when he renewed his contract recently at a press conference on Thursday.
“When the market opens, it’s normal for there to be rumours, they’re always there, but I’m lucky to be surrounded by good people who make me focus on La Real and I don’t want to waste energy on other things, I’m clear about what I want for this year and it is Real,” he said.
“The clause did not go up. The truth is that it is a subject that surprised me, because I was very happy for having renewed and I saw that there were many comments about the clause not having gone up. It is a figure that, compared with other colleagues, I thought was balanced, what it had to be.”
Barcelona are expected to try and sign a replacement for Busquets, but the captain’s future plans are still not clear. There have been conflicting rumors regarding whether he will stay or go, but the veteran has said he wants a decision made by February.
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The forward is hoping for better in 2023
Ferran Torres says that he hasn’t shown his best form for Barcelona yet but thinks he’s ready to show supporters the “true Ferran Torres” in 2023.
The Spain international has now been at the club for a year, following his move from Man City and admits he’s learned a lot since arriving at the Camp Nou.
Torres says he’s grown mentally stronger and is hoping to find his top form when La Liga resumes at the weekend after the World Cup break.
“This first year has been a learning curve. There have been some complicated moments, also some great moments. It’s a season in which I’ve learnt, I’ve grown as a football player,” he said.
“I don’t think I’ve shown my best version yet but I’ve become mentally stronger. I think in my second year we will see the true Ferran Torres.
“When you are on the outside you see it differently but when you are here you see the reality - you have to win every game. There is a direct rival you are always fighting against.
“I think right now this is a great moment for us. We are improving, we are growing, we are changing, maturing. I think the results will come.”
Barcelona will need Torres and the rest of the attackers to hit the ground running when the team returns to action as Xavi’s side will be without top scorer Robert Lewandowski for three games due to suspension.
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The versatile veteran is interested in heading to the US
Sergi Roberto has made it clear he wants to stay at Barcelona past the end of the season when his contract expires but is thinking about a future move to the US.
The 30-year-old has also said Xavi wants him to stay but admits contract talks haven’t yet got underway.
Roberto has also looked to the future and is thinking about playing in Major League Soccer, just not for a little while yet.
“Yes, I’ve always said that I’d like to go play in the US, but I think I’m two or three years away. I plan it for when I’m 33 or 34,” he said.
“I don’t know what Leo [Messi] or Sergio [Busquets] will do but now there are many players who would like to go to the US and it’s not because of the economic issue because there are also salary caps there. It is about living the experience. The 2026 World Cup will also further enhance that league.”
Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets have also been linked with a move to the US this season, with Inter Miami believed to be keen on both players, but it’s not clear yet when or if the duo will head to the US.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Kounde back at training - FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona squad are all together again! French international defender Jules Kounde was the last to report back for duty on Wednesday and took part in the morning training session with the rest of his team-mates at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - FC Barcelona
The World Cup is over and we now return to the club season following a much shorter festive break than usual. Barça are back in action in the local derby in a rare New Year's Eve fixture. It's also a much earlier start than we are used to, 2.00pm local time, which means viewers in the Asia-Pacific region will be seeing in 2023 watching their beloved team in action. What could be better!
Memphis Depay's future: The ball is in Xavi's court as LaLiga returns - SPORT
Everything seems destined for Memphis Depay to run down his contract with FC Barcelona. It expires on June 30 and no one is overly willing to do their part to avoid it. The player, if he goes before, wants to do so for free. Whether in January or June.
La Liga to implement eight anti-economic lever rules ahead of transfer window - Football España
Barcelona shocked the world when they went on a remarkable spending spree last summer. Despite their burgeoning €1.3b debts and significant losses, their recruitment passed the €150m-mark, and despite La Liga’s salary and spending limits, it was all managed through what Joan Laporta termed ‘economic levers’.
New Serie A candidate for right-back slot at Barcelona emerges - Football España
Barcelona’s hunt for a right-back is will documented at this point, given their struggles to find a settled option there this season. So far this season, Xavi Hernandez has used five different players in the position, with Sergi Roberto playing 568 minutes there. Through injury, suspension, and technical decision, Xavi Hernandez has rattled through various options. Shortly before the World Cup, it was Alejandro Balde that was being trusted in the spot.
The rumor mill has been clear for some time now that Barcelona MUST make a “major sale” in the summer of 2023 in order to balance the books.
Barca famously used financial levers last summer to ease their financial pressures but are expected to look to the first-team squad this time around to bring in much-needed cash.
So who could go?
Barca obviously won’t want to weaken the squad and there are several players that look to be simply unsellable such as: Pedri, Gavi, Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and Robert Lewandowski.
All of which leaves players such as Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, and maybe even Marc-Andre ter Stegen. All five could command a decent transfer fee which is surely the object of the exercise.
De Jong has been linked with a move away again and again and clearly isn’t interested. However, you also get the sense there’s a simmering resentment about how he’s been treated by Barca and perhaps he could be pushed over the edge if the saga rears its ugly head again.
Dembele is another player who knows all about sagas and will have a big decision to make in the summer. Barca won’t want him to go into the last year of his contract again which may make a summer sale attractive.
And then there’s Ferran Torres and Raphinha. Two wide players who cost a packet and haven’t really lived up to expectations. There’s been whispers of interest from Premier League clubs in both players and potentially a market in the Premier League.
So tell us what YOU think? If Barca have to sell one players in the summer - who should it be? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
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Some big praise from the defender
Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde has been getting excited about starlet Lamine Yamal who has been training with the first team recently.
Yamal is considered to be one of the brightest talents in the club’s academy, and Balde certainly seems impressed with the youngster.
“I give Lamine Yamal a hard time when he comes up to train with us (laughs). He is 15 years old and is very good and has a great future. He is a very good player, with a lot of quality... crazy. The greatest talent from La Masia together with Gavi.”
Balde also spoke about his future amid speculation he is about to sign a contract extension with the Catalan giants.
“Right now I’m leaving everything in the hands of my agent. My intention is to be here, but what may happen in the future I don’t know,” he added.
“Almost a year ago I was between Barça B and the first team and now, six months later, I’ve played a World Cup and many starting games with Barça. It’s been a dream for me.”
Barcelona are thought to be keen to secure Balde’s long-term future after an impressive breakthrough campaign that also see him head to the World Cup with the Spain squad.
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The return of the France international will be welcomed by Xavi who can now finalise his preparations for his team’s first game back after the tournament in Qatar.
Kounde started all of France’s games at the World Cup, apart from the opener against Australia, after recovering from injury.
France coach Didier Deschamps used the Barcelona man at right-back during the tournament, rather than his preferred center-back position.
Kounde has also featured at right-back for Barcelona this season, but it remains to be seen where he will play when Xavi’s side get back to work.
The Barcelona boss does have plenty of options defensively, but right-back remains something of a problem position.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Derby preparations continue - FC Barcelona
On Tuesday the first team were back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper for the second workout of the week, where they trained on pitch number two and were joined by Arnau Tenas, Arnau Rafús, M. Casadó and Chadi Riad of the youth team.
Xavi's four puzzles to solve ahead of Barca vs Espanyol derby - SPORT
For some, time has moved too slowly, an eternal wait. For others, who love the magic of the World Cup, it's flown by. Barcelona are returning this week though, facing Espanyol on Saturday in a Catalan derby. The group is at 100 per cent, with the exception of Jules Kounde who returns on Dec 28.
Mateu Alemany winning the game when it comes to transfer strategy - SPORT
The big meetings that cause news at Barca no longer exist. Instead, the sports direction, led by Mateu Alemany with a lot of power, is in regular, daily contact with Xavi and Joan Laporta, to take on any first team item of business, big or small. Contact is constant, so the planning is crystal clear in all departments.
Sergi Roberto speaks on Barcelona contract talks - Football España
The 30-year-old joined Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2006 from Gimnastic, and he has been at the club ever since. Since making his first team debut in 2010, he has amassed 328 appearances. Having originally came into the first team fold as a midfielder, he now operates as a right back for Barca.
Barcelona's 4th kit for the 2022/23 season leaked - Football España
It’s commonplace for clubs, particularly those in European competition, to have a third kit to go alongside their standard home and away kits. However, in recent years some of Europe’s elite have added a fourth kit to their collection for the season. One of these clubs in Barcelona, who recently adopted one in the 2020/21 season.
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Sergio Busquets’s future keeps on making headlines with the latest update claiming Barcelona aren’t keen on a short-term deal.
There has been speculation recently that Barca could offer Busquets a six-month extension in the summer that would take him up until the end of the year.
Yet Mundo Deportivo reckon that neither Barca nor Busquets are keen on such a plan. Indeed the club think it would just disrupt plans for next season.
Busquets hasn’t yet told the club about his future plans, but Barca are said to be trying to convince him to stay on for another year.
Both Xavi and Joan Laporta have admitted they want the captain to continue, but it’s thought he’s tempted by a move to Major League Soccer.
Busquets has already confirmed his international retirement, the captain now just needs to decide what he wants to do with regards club football.
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Barcelona’s search for a new right-back has seen players including Thomas Meunier, Benjamin Pavard, Josip Juranović, Juan Foyth and Arnau Martinez all linked with a move to the Camp Nou.
Another name has now emerged and can be added to the growing list of potential targets.
Napoli’s Giovanni Di Lorenzo is the man in question, according to Diario Sport. The report reckons the Italian “has it all” and “would fit perfectly” with Barcelona.
But don’t get too excited. Sport also reckon that Barca have asked about Di Lorenzo’s price and have found out “it’s too high” but the club “will see what is possible in the summer.”
Di Lorenzo joined Napoli in 2019 from Empoli and has taken over the captaincy from Lorenzo Insigne.
The defender is contracted to Napoli until 2026. His agent has also hinted he wants a lifetime contract at the Serie A side which suggests he’s pretty happy where he is right now.
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A change in venue
Intercity have confirmed that next week’s Copa del Rey third round tie against Barcelona has been moved to a new venue.
The game will now take place at Hercules’s Jose Rico Perez Stadium which has a capacity of around 29,500. Intercity’s stadium can accommodate just 2,500 fans.
Here’s the club’s official statement:
“CF Intercity and Hércules de Alicante CF have reached an agreement so that the round of 16 tie for the Copa del Rey will be played at the José Rico Pérez stadium and the city of Alicante can host this great event on January 4 at 9:00 p.m. The RFEF has officially communicated to the club its consent for said venue to host this important meeting.”
Barcelona are obviously overwhelming favorites to win the game. Intercity drew 0-0 with Barca Atletic at the start of December in a game which saw youngsters such as Chadi Riad, Victor Barbera, Marc Casado, and Ilias Akhomach all feature.
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Another Senyera kit for Xavi’s side
Barcelona may have already released three kits this season but there’s always room for one more it seems and it’s coming soon.
The always reliable Footy Headlines have a new update and report that Barca will release their new fourth kit for the current campaign in January.
It’s another Senyera inspired jersey which is predominantly yellow but features four red horizontal stripes across the chest.
The Barcelona badge features in the center of the shirt, while the Spotify logo is below and appears in a blue color. The cuffs of the sleeves are blaugrana.
The new kit will take over from the current Senyera offering which was released in 2019 and was only set to be used in ‘big games’ but ended up being worn for the following three years.
What do you think of Barcelona’s latest kit offering? Love it? Hate it? Total meh? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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The defender is backing the striker to get back to his best
Eric Garcia has been talking about his good friend and Barcelona team-mate Ansu Fati and is hopeful the striker can get back to his best form in 2023.
Fati is expected to get a chance in the starting XI when La Liga resumes, as Robert Lewandowski is suspended, and Barca will be hoping he can grasp the opportunity.
The Barca youngster hasn’t played too much for club and country this season, but Eric thinks he saw signs during the World Cup that Fati is ready to shine.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the best Ansu, in the World Cup training sessions I saw him with a different spark,” he said.
“These days too, it’s something special he has. I hope he can show it. We all know what he has. It’s not easy what he’s gone through with injuries, he needs his recovery process. He’s strong mentally and works a lot in the gym. He’ll get his reward.”
Source | Gerard Romero
First up for Fati should be the derby on Saturday when Espanyol visit the Camp Nou. Fati will head into the match hoping to net for the first time since October.
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Will he be able to pull them off?
Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany is reportedly working on three deals for summer 2023, with a big focus on the free agent market.
Diario Sport are reporting that Alemany always knew January signings would be very difficult so has been looking to the future instead.
The club chief has apparently almost tied up deals for center-back Inigo Martinez and N’Golo Kante to strengthen the squad.
Both players are out of contract in the summer and so able to move on free transfers.
The third player who could arrive is Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko, who is also out of contract at the end of the season.
Moukoko is expected to attract interest from a host of clubs across Europe, but it’s thought that he would favor a move to the Camp Nou.
Interestingly, the report states that Barca will also make one major sale. There’s no names mentioned but apparently Alemany is already clear which player must be sacrificed.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Dembélé rejoins the squad - FC Barcelona
Ousmane Dembélé has returned to FC Barcelona after helping France to second place at the World Cup and then enjoying a short Christmas break, which he cut slightly short to ensure he is properly prepared for the return of Liga action this weekend
The five Barcelona players with their futures at stake in January - SPORT
The next few weeks at Barcelona will be exciting and decisive in equal parts. The club are playing for their future in three competitions. While LaLiga will not be settled in the month of January, it will be key for Xavi's team to remain at the top. A bad run, with a rival of the reliability of Real Madrid on the chase, can be fatal.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr set their sights on a Barcelona target - SPORT
Pending making the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo official, Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr have set their sights, according to 'Footmercato', on another European footballer -- one that Barça have considered signing in 2023 as a free agent -- in the Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante.
Barcelona close to Alejandro Balde renewal - Football España
Barcelona are closing in on an agreement to extend Alejandro Balde’s contract at the Camp Nou. La Blaugrana are set for a quiet January transfer window, as they continue to battle against financial uncertainty at the club, with contract renewals a priority. The club hierarchy have been in talks with Balde and his representatives in recent weeks following his rapid rise to first team prominence this season.
Barcelona determined to sell Memphis Depay in January - Football España
Barcelona remain committed to selling Memphis Depay in next month’s transfer window. La Blaugrana are working on a string of player sales at the Camp Nou as they look to balance an ongoing delicate financial situation in Catalonia. Dutch star Depay has been consistently linked with a move away from Barcelona, since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, and he admitted during the World Cup that a departure is on the table.
Aston Villa working on Philippe Coutinho exit a year on from Barcelona move - Football España
Philippe Coutinho’s struggles to recapture his former glory look set to continue in 2023. The Brazilian playmaker started off well at Barcelona for the first six months, before fading into another a mixture of injuries, loan moves and stodgy form for the rest of his time at Camp Nou. After moving to Barcelona for €135m in 2018, he would be sold to Aston Villa for just €20m four years later. A similar story has played out at Villa though, with Coutinho showing plenty of early promise under Steven Gerrard, before subsiding once more.
Barcelona to drop Frenkie de Jong demands in order to improve relationship - Football España
Barcelona are keen to improve relations with Frenkie de Jong, following the trickiest spell between player and club since the Dutchman arrived. After intense speculation that Barcelona were keen to sell him during the summer, de Jong publicly called out the club for the pressure put on him in the media before the World Cup.
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Raphinha is back at Barcelona after the World Cup and is facing a fairly critical time in the second half of the season after a slow start to life with the Catalans.
Relevo are reporting Barca are having “doubts” about the Brazilian and think he is not “fully meeting the expectations generated by his signing.”
Indeed Barca “expected him to have much more prominence” than he’s had so far in his career at the Camp Nou
Barcelona splashed out around €60 million to bring in the winger from Leeds United. He’s scored twice in La Liga and started just six games in the Spanish top flight.
Raphinha did start off fairly brightly but fizzled out at little and ended up being benched fairly regularly before the World Cup. He’s admitted to finding it difficult to adapt and made it clear he really wants to play on the right, rather than the left.
The report reckons Barca know they may have to make a big sale next summer and Raphinha is a possibility, particularly as he would have a market in the Premier League.
Of course there is plenty of time for Raphinha to turn his situation around, and he will be hoping to make an impact at the Camp Nou in 2023.
The forward doesn’t want to move and has asked for “more continuity and more confidence from the coaching staff” as well as a little patience...something that’s not always in abundance at Barca.
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Man Utd continue to be linked
The January transfer window is coming which will bring a host of rumors about players who could arrive at the Camp Nou and a lot of talk about potential exits.
One player whose name is likely to feature is Frenkie de Jong. The midfielder was linked with move all last summer but insisted he wanted to stay and refused to entertain a move away from the club.
Man Utd continue to be linked with the Dutchman, and The Athletic are reporting that De Jong expects the club could try to push him out again.
Here’s an interesting snippet from Dermot Corrigan’s report.
“Even if Manchester United were to come again and try for De Jong in January, they would have no more luck now than last summer,” he said.
“A source who knows the Dutchman — but asked not to be named to protect that relationship — said he expected Barca to make another push to sell him in January, even though De Jong remains as happy as ever in the Catalan capital and has no intention of leaving.”
We all know De Jong doesn’t want to leave, but we also know he’s really not happy with the way things went over the summer. The midfielder has already hit out at “lies” the club told about his contract.
President Joan Laporta has admitted Barca received offers for De Jong but has said publicly the club want to keep hold of the Dutchman. It’s a line no-one really believes though because we all know that selling De Jong could bring in a very healthy transfer fee.
Man Utd could spend in January to strengthen their squad, although it’s thought the priority may be a forward to replace the departed Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Dembele’s return will be a boost for Xavi and means the forward should be in contention to start against Espanyol on New Year’s Eve.
However, Xavi may have some work to do with Dembele after the World Cup. The 24-year-old played every match for France but was hooked in the first half of the final after a poor showing.
Dembele conceded an early penalty to Angel Di Maria and looked all at sea as Argentina took control of the game in the early stages.
Yet Xavi has always made it clear that he has complete faith in Dembele, and the forward will surely take comfort from his manager’s backing as he gets back to work.
From a Barcelona viewpoint, it could even be good news as Dembele may just feel he has something to prove after his nightmare showing in the final in Qatar.
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The goalkeeper has enjoyed a ‘specatacular year’
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been talking about his upturn in form and thinks he know exactly when his fortunes started to change for the better.
The stopper has told TV3 that a save he made from Jaume Costa that preserved a victory against Real Mallorca helped him return to his very best form.
“It’s been a spectacular year for me on a personal level and it started with that stop and that’s why I’m sticking with it,” he said.
“It marked me the whole year and my goal in terms of personal fitness.
“I feel super well and very balanced on a personal level. I feel good, I’m happy. When the team finds itself in difficult situations I like to be there to help.”
Ter Stegen’s save came right at the start of the year. Barca travelled to Mallorca with just 11 first-teamers available, because of injury Covid, and suspension, but ran out 1-0 winners.
The goalkeeper has also looked ahead to the future and has plenty of optimism for the rest of the campaign.
“We always go out to win and we are going to do everything to win as many titles as possible,” he added.
“We have a super good and super healthy team and I have no doubt that this will turn out well.
Barca are back in action on New Year’s Eve against Espanyol at the Camp Nou in La Liga.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
34 years since the last game on New Years Eve - FC Barcelona
Barça will be back in action on December 31 with the first game back after the World Cup break. And it is no less than a local derby against Espanyol. Games on New Years Eve are not a normal thing in Spanish football, and this is the first time it has happened to Barça in 34 years, not since 1988.
Robert Lewandowski names his favourite for 2023 Ballon d'Or - 90min
Robert Lewandowski says Lionel Messi's 2022 World Cup win with Argentina has made him the leading favourite for the next Ballon d'Or. In his final World Cup campaign, Messi led the Albiceleste to glory in Qatar, scoring twice in the final before his side beat Kylian Mbappe and France in the penalty shootout.
Chelsea: £72m star now ‘one to watch’ at Stamford Bridge - GMS
Chelsea could become an option for Frenkie de Jong if he decides to leave Barcelona, Fabrizio Romano has informed GiveMeSport. The transfer expert says the Blues wanted the midfielder in the summer but, despite interest from both them and Manchester United, he ended up staying at the Spotify Camp Nou.
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It’s Christmas Day which also means it’s time to relax, dream and wonder which player would make the perfect Christmas present for Xavi and Barcelona.
The Catalans spent big in the summer bringing in Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha but more big-money buys look unlikely at the moment.
But if Barcelona did have a money tree who should they go for?
The obvious answer for many fans might well by Lionel Messi. The GOAT has just won the World Cup and so what better way to end his career now than return to Barcelona?
Another option would be to look to the future.
Strikers Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe look the most likely players to take over from Messi as the world’s best player - might they be the perfect Christmas present?
Perhaps a player who shone at the World Cup might be the answer? There were plenty of exciting youngsters at the tournament with stars such as Josko Gvardiol, Jude Bellingham, and Enzo Fernandez now seemingly in big demand.
Who would be on the top of your Christmas list for Barca? Let us know in the comments below!
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Barcelona have six players currently thought of as “untouchable.” They are: Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Gavi, Pedri, Ansu Fati, and Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona have failed in their attempts to overturn Robert Lewandowski’s three-match ban which means the striker will sit out the next three La Liga games.
It’s a blow for Xavi obviously as Lewandowski is La Liga’s top scorer so far in 2022-23, and the Barca boss must decide who should come in for the striker.
The Barcelona boss basically has three options when it comes to taking Lewandowski’s place in the starting XI: Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Memphis Depay.
Ansu appears the most likely choice and may just have a point to prove after struggling for game time for club and country this season.
The 20-year-old has three goals and three assists in 14 La Liga games, but only three of those have been a starter.
Memphis Depay is another option and another player who will be keen to stake a claim. The Dutchman barely featured in the first half of the season and has been linked with a move away.
And then there’s Ferran Torres who could also feature in a central role. The Spain international’s finishing has been rightly questioned during his time at Barca, but the team often look more balanced when the former Man City man is in the XI.
So over to you! Who do you think should replace Lewandowski while he is out suspended? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Memphis Depay keeps on being linked with a move away from Barcelona, with the rumor mill claiming interest from Newcastle.
Indeed there was even a rather interesting report from Mundo Deportivo recently claiming Eddie Howe’s side were willing to offer €20 million for the Dutchman.
Given that Memphis will be free at the end of the season it was a curious one.
The latest update on Memphis comes from Fabrizio Romano who reckons there is nothing going on between the Dutchman and Newcastle - for now at least.
Newcastle are not working to sign Memphis Depay, as things stand. There are no negotiations ongoing with player side or with Barcelona. #NUFC
Memphis future will be decided in January, there's still nothing concrete or advanced - he's focused on Barça. pic.twitter.com/kLq6pFvexn
Memphis is back in training with Barcelona after the World Cup and will be hoping to kick on after a tough start to the campaign. The forward has only made two La Liga appearances this season due to injury and competition for places in attack.
Jordi Cruyff hinted recently that Barca won’t sell Memphis and he’ll be needed, particularly in the early weeks of 2023 when Robert Lewandowski will be missing with a three-match ban.
Memphis does still remain one of the most likely players to leave, if Barca want to offload players in January, but it still would not be a surprise if he was still at the club when the transfer window shuts at the end of next month.
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The Frenchman could return to training early
Ousmane Dembele is being tipped to return to Barcelona training ahead of schedule after France’s World Cup exit.
The winger and Jules Kounde have been given some time off after the tournament and are not due back until next Wednesday.
Yet Diario Sport are reporting that Dembele will return on Boxing Day. The Frenchman has had a week off and is now ready to get back into ‘Barca mode.’
If Dembele does come back on Monday then it will allow him to work with the team for several sessions before the game against Espanyol and put him in contention to start.
His availability will surely be a boost for Xavi who needs to change his attack for the match as Robert Lewandowski is suspended.
Xavi does have all of his other attackers fit and available for the match, meaning he has some big decisions to make regarding how he lines up his team.
Ansu Fati is being tipped to start, with Dembele seemingly set to battle for a spot with Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Memphis Depay.
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