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The Seville side are insisting on a permanent deal for the Moroccan
Real Betis and Barcelona are in negotiations for a deal that would send Ez Abde to the Seville side on a permanent deal, according to Fabrizio Romano and multiple reports from Spanish media.
Abde has always been open to a move away if he wasn’t guaranteed a big role at Barça this season, and after not being used as a substitute against Villarreal he decided to explore his future following a chat with manager Xavi Hernández.
Betis, according to reports, want a permanent deal but can’t meet Barça’s €20 million asking price, so the club from Seville have offered €10 million for 50% of the player’s rights. That essentially means Barça would have the option of buying Abde back at a fixed, low price to regain his full rights, or earn 50% of a future sale if the Moroccan gets a big move elsewhere.
Xavi does not want to part ways with another attacking option following Ansu Fati’s departure to Brighton, but Abde’s desire to play regular minutes and Barça’s financial situation might just get this deal over the line on Deadline Day.
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The Catalans are close to a deal with Atlético Madrid
Barcelona continue to work on two marquee signings before the end of the summer transfer window, and we now have a big update on one of them as the ever reliable Matteo Moretto of Relevo reports the Blaugrana are “very optimistic” about the arrival of João Félix on loan from Atlético Madrid.
En el Barça a esta hora de la noche hay mucho optimismo de que João Félix llegue mañana. @relevo
Félix made his desire to sign for Barça public and blew up the market last July, and has been patiently waiting for the Blaugrana to sort out through their other transfer business and getting the green light from manager Xavi Hernández to make a deal for the Portugal international.
The two clubs are discussing a loan deal which includes a loan fee and a buy option, and final key details are being sorted before an agreement is reached. The expected departures of Ansu Fati and Ez Abde will open up the minutes up front for Félix to get a bigger role, and his fit in Xavi’s system will be fascinating to watch if his arrival indeed materializes.
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A very winnable group
When consideration is give to who Barcelona could’ve been paired with in the Champions League group stage, the Catalans have to be happy with how the draw went on Thursday evening.
With no disrespect intended to any of their three opponents, if Barca are on their game this season, they should qualify from Group H if not win it comfortably.
Of course, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp will all have something to say about that, and complacency could be Barca’s biggest enemy ahead of each game.
It’s Royal Antwerp’s first foray into the competition and many will have them down as the whipping boys, but it’s important to factor in that they have nothing to lose and to that end, the freedom with which they can play their football might see a few surprises sprung.
Football fans know only too well that the occasional David v Goliath fixture can still go the way of the minnows, so if nothing else Xavi must ensure the Blaugranes are completely professional throughout the group stage.
Under normal circumstances, a trip to a cold and frosty Donetsk would be a long-haul trip that Barca could do without, however, Lady Luck appears to be on their side in this regard too.
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
However, the Ukrainian side are expected to play their Champions League games this season at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion, so no long away trips during the group stage is a huge bonus for the club.
On paper, the game against Porto will be expected to be the toughest, and the Portuguese side have certainly started their domestic campaign well, winning all three games so far.
The match-up will also see Barcelona come up against a familiar face. Nico Gonzalez swapped Barca for Porto over the summer but is set for a swift reunion with his former side.
For any number of reasons, the draw couldn’t have worked out better for Xavi and the squad, and if they can’t qualify into the knockout stages - which is arguably where they belong - then there’ll be more than a Spanish inquisition looking into the reasons why.
Ahead of their next La Liga game, this news will have given everyone a huge lift.
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Barça finally avoid a Group of Death and have a real chance to advance to the knockout stage
Barcelona will face FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp in Group H of the 2023/24 Champions League after the group stage draw was made on Thursday evening in Monaco. Barça have finally avoided a Group of Death and have a real chance to top the group and advance to the knockout stage for the first time under Xavi Hernández.
But this doesn’t mean it will necessarily be an easy group. FC Porto are a very good defensive team and have eliminated big clubs in the Champions League knockouts in recent seasons, and former Barça midfielder Nico González will return to Catalonia just a couple of months after being sold to the Portuguese side.
Shakhtar Donetsk are a fixture of Champions League play and are always a very tough opponent, especially in Ukraine and with the extreme circumstances the country is living nunder that make football an escape and a chance to dream for the nation’s biggest club.
Royal Antwerp are making their Champions League group stage debut, and have made history thanks to a heroic victory over favorites AEK in Athens in the group stage playoff.
This really is the best-case scenario every Barça fan would have dreamed of. They have avoided every single European giant in Pot 2 and got the most favorable draws in Pots 3 and 4, and there really is no excuse for not winning the group comfortably and clinching a spot in the Round of 16 with a game or two to spare.
Here is the full group stage draw:
Group A: Bayern Munich, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray
Group B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens
Group C: Napoli, Real Madrid, SC Braga, Union Berlin
Group D: Benfica, Inter Milan, RB Salzburg, Real Sociedad
Group E: Feyenoord, Atlético Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
Group F: Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle United
Group G: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
Group H: Barcelona, FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
What do you think of our draw, Barça fans? And which of the other groups are you most looking forward to? Comment below!
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Join us to follow and comment all the action as Barça find out their Champions League group!
WELCOME TO MONACO!!! One of the most beautiful places in the world is the site of this year’s Champions League group stage draw for the 2023/24 season of the European Cup, and we will find out which three teams Barcelona will face starting in September as they look to reach the knockout stages for the first time under Xavi Hernández and avoid a third straight season in the Europa League.
As the defending La Liga champions the Blaugrana are back in Pot 1 for the draw which helps them avoid the real heavyweights in the continent, but that doesn’t mean the Catalans will automatically get an easy draw. Barça have often been put into the Group of Death in recent seasons, and with a stack field of 32 teams this year they could easily find themselves in another brutal draw.
Here are the four pots:
POT 1: Manchester City, Sevilla, Barcelona, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Feyenoord
POT 2: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid, RB Leipzig, FC Porto, Arsenal
POT 3: Shakhtar Donetsk, RB Salzburg, AC Milan, SC Braga, PSV Eindhoven, Lazio, Red Star Belgrade, FC Copenhagen
POT 4: Young Boys, Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, Celtic, Newcastle, Union Berlin, Royal Antwerp, RC Lens
It seems almost impossible for Barça to avoid an European giant from Pot 2 unless they are really lucky to get Porto, and if things also don’t go their way they could get two of Milan, PSV and Newcastle from Pots 3 and 4. Maybe luck will be on our side this time, but the draw hasn’t been a big Barça fan in recent years so we might very well have to brace for six brutal group stage games.
And this is the place for you to follow and comment all the action. Normal match thread rules apply, so remember to be nice to each other. VISCA EL BARÇA!
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Yet it appears Fati is ready to move on after starting the first three games of the season on the bench for Barcelona.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Fati had a chat with Xavi yesterday on the phone which helped make his mind up to mind.
Xavi told the forward that he can’t guarantee him any more minutes right now. The coach’s argument is that with the system he plays, and the competition for places at Barcelona, there’s just no way of guaranteeing Fati a more prominent role.
Robert Lewandowski is clearly Xavi’s first choice in attack, while Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and an in-form Ferran Torres all appear to be ahead of Fati in the pecking order.
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images
The forward now looks set to head away in a bid to play regular football and attempt to rediscover the form that made him such an exciting prospect at Barcelona.
But why Brighton? Tottenham appeared set to land Fati before the Seagulls made their move in what was a shock development. Relevo also reckon that Sevilla were “inches away” from convincing Fati before he ultimately decided on Brighton.
Reports reckon that manager Roberto De Zerbi is “in love with Fati” and has “seduced him with his attractive project.” The Italian wants to make Fati his “franchise player” and feels his arrival can help Brighton take a big step forward in quality.
Certainly Brighton have won plenty of plaudits for their attacking play and are punching above their weight. They finished sixth last season in the league and will play European football in the 2023-24 campaign.
Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
The Seagulls have also been willing to place their trust in youngsters, with players such as Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma and Leandro Trossard alll earning big-money moves after impressing on the south coast.
Fati now looks set for a key role with Brighton, a major reason in his decision to leave Barcelona, and it will be fascinating to see how he fares in the Premier League with De Zerbi’s side.
As for Barcelona, they will surely be hoping Fati can get back to his best. There’s no purchase option in the deal, meaning he is due to return to the club at the end of the campaign.
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The Athletic are also reporting it’s a done deal and make it clear there is no purchase option for Fati in the transfer. He is due to undergo a medical on Thursday before putting pen to paper on his move.
Fati’s move presents the youngster with the chance to try and get back on track after a couple of difficult seasons due to injury and lack of minutes.
The youngster is eager to play regular football this season and will be hoping he can shine as part of Roberto De Zerbi’s impressive team at the Amex Stadium.
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Champions League 2023/24: Dates for your diary - FC Barcelona
Barça will be one of the top seeded teams in the draw for the 2023/24 Champions League as champions of la Liga. That will help to ensure a hopefully easier route for the Catalans, who failed to make it past the group stage in the last two editions. On Monaco this Thursday, we'll be finding out which three teams will be sharing a group with the five-time winners of the coveted trophy.
América 0-2 FC Barcelona: Azteca victory - FC Barcelona
The Azteca Stadium was the venue on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning in Europe) as the Barça women defeated Club América 2-0 with goals in the final instants of each half.
Barcelona forward set for Brighton and Hove Albion move after Tottenham Hotspur U-turn - Football España
Several clubs have reportedly been interested in signing Fati, with teams in both Spain and England keen. However, it has appeared that Fati will be heading to Tottenham Hotspur – against the wishes of his father, who wanted his son to join Sevilla. However, Fabrizio Romano has now reported that Fati has chosen to join Brighton and Hove Albion instead, rejected Spurs in the process.
Joao Felix "very close" to joining Barcelona from Atletico Madrid - Football España
Barcelona are in store for a very busy final 48 hours of the summer transfer window. Multiple players have been strong linked with leaving, while Joao Cancelo is set to join on loan from Manchester City. Cancelo could be joined by his fellow Portuguese international Joao Felix, who has been heavily linked with Barcelona for the last few weeks. With Ansu Fati close to joining Tottenham Hotspur on loan, it opens the door for Felix to make the move from Atletico Madrid.
But there could still be late drama. Mundo Deportivo are reporting that an “important” Spanish club are also keen on Fati and could make a late play.
The unnamed club are apparently trying to convince Fati that his best option is to continue in La Liga rather than try for a new challenge in the Premier League.
Brighton still appear to be heavy favorites to land Fati before the window closes but there certainly appears to be plenty of other interest in the youngster.
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Mundo Deportivo have an update on the situation and report that Fati has told Sevilla that he wants to play for Spurs this season.
Fati’s father had been eager to see his son move to Sevilla, but the Barcelona forward has decided he’d be better off in the Premier League instead.
Barcelona and Tottenham now need to agree a deal before the transfer window closes, with Fati expected to move on a season-long loan.
Fabrizio Romano also reports that Spurs and Barca are continuing to talk about Fati, although the north Londoners also want Brennan Johnson in a permanent deal.
The two departures could help Barca register players. The Catalans still need to register Inaki Pena and Inigo Martinez and also want to bring in Joao Cancelo on on loan.
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A move for Petterson Novaes has failed at the 11th hour
FC Barcelona’s move for Petterson Novaes has collapsed almost at the last moment, after reports had made it clear he would sign from Flamengo.
According to a Brazilian reporter, “the loan proposal, which was accepted by Flamengo, underwent ‘changes in some clauses,’ and the deal fell through.”
The deal would have been a loan, with a purchase clause rated at €3-4 million that Barcelona could execute at the end of the season.
Novaes, who is 19, had been performing for Flamengo’s U-20 side and was set to join Barcelona Atletic.
MLS side Chicago Fire made an offer of $6 million for him, but Flamengo turned it down.
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Both players are facing uncertain futures
Barcelona are expected to do some business in the final days of the transfer window with an exit for Ansu Fati rumored to be on the cards along with a move for Joao Felix.
Tottenham and Chelsea are both being linked with Fati currently, and it seems he now has a big decision to make on where he plays his football this season.
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Midfielders with an eye for goal - FC Barcelona
Great goalscoring from midfield for Barça this season. Xavi Hernández' side have scored 6 goals so far this season, 2 against Cádiz and 4 against Villarreal, and half of those goals were scored by midfielders Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong.
FC Barcelona opens Barça Academy in Kyrgyzstan - FC Barcelona
President Joan Laporta, together with the president of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, and the president of Jalgroup Asia, Aibek Alybaev, opened on Tuesday a Barça Academy in the city of Jalal-Abad.
Fermín López, blaugrana until 2027 - FC Barcelona
The player Fermín López has reached an agreement with FC Barcelona to extend his contract until 30 June 2027. The Andalusian midfielder signed his contract on Tuesday in the presence of the board member responsible for youth football, Joan Soler, the Club's sporting director, Anderson Luis de Souza 'Deco' and the director of youth football, José Ramón Alexanco at the offices at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The buy out clause is set at 400 million euros.
Barça president Laporta prepares personal guarantee for registrations & Cancelo - SPORT
FC Barcelona are due to receive €40 million from German fund Libero, €20m of which should be paid by Thursday 31 August at the latest. The expected €20m would be used for the pending registrations and the loan without option to buy for Joao Cancelo. But whether this amount is finally received or not, the club is looking for an alternative and this would be in the form of a personal guarantee from Joan Laporta and Ferran Olivé. It is not ruled out that other directors could also be involved.
Eric Garcia tells Barcelona coach Xavi he would like to go out on loan - SPORT
Eric García's future is attracting a lot of attention at the end of the transfer window. The Barcelona centre-back is not playing a leading role and, given this situation, wants to go out on loan in search of playing time. SPORT have learned that the defender has spoken to coach Xavi Hernandez in the last few hours to tell him of his intention to move. At least for one season.
Jorge Vilda is on the ropes and the Spain coach could be sacked imminently - SPORT
Jorge Vilda, coach of the Spanish women's national team, could be dismissed in the next few hours, SPORT have leanred. The acting president of the RFEF, Pedro Rocha, who is occupying the position on an interim basis, has the power to dismiss the coach and all indications are that he will end up dispensing with Vilda's services, possibly on Wednesday.
Osasuna tracking Abde situation with winger open to leaving Barça still - SPORT
A busy end to the transfer window awaits Abde Ezzalzouli. FC Barcelona's sporting management and Xavi Hernandez's coaching staff want the Moroccan winger to be part of the squad for the 2023/24 season and this is what they told him last week, but the lack of minutes against Villarreal has raised doubts among the player's camp.
Clement Lenglet latest: Lyon, Sevilla & contract termination all on the table - SPORT
Barcelona have offered Clément Lenglet the possibility of mutual termination of his contract to speed up his departure from the club, although the player has so far rejected the offer. Lenglet is expected to be paid a hefty salary this season -- between €12 and 16 million euros -- due to deferrals from previous seasons. The club, however, wants to expedite the French defender's case as soon as possible, among other reasons to free up space on their wage bill.
There’s no indication yet of whether Fati is interested in Spurs. The north Londoners are not in Europe this season and went out of the League Cup yesterday after defeat to Fulham.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s side have made a bright start to the Premier League season. Spurs have beaten Manchester United and Bournemouth and Brentford.
The team are also playing attractive football, despite the loss of Harry Kane, and will be hoping to improve on a poor season last time out when the finished down in eighth.
Joan Laporta has asked about Fati at the weekend before Barcelona’s clash with Villarreal and offered up the following.
“Ansu is extraordinary, we are all in love,” he said. “It was Xavi’s decision to bring him in and he is just another member of the squad, who we want to improve. We are very happy that he is still with us.”
Yet there now seems real doubt as to whether he will still be at Barcelona after the window closes.
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Eric Garcia is reportedly open to a move to Girona but it seems that a deal may not go through as Xavi wants to keep the defender at Barcelona.
Relevo are reporting that Garcia would be willing to head to Girona for the season as he know he’ll be able to play regularly.
Yet the report also claims that Xavi doesn’t really want Eric to go even though he’s being Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Inigo Martinez and Jules Kounde in the pecking order.
Diario Sport reckon that Eric has actually spoken to Xavi and told him he wants to move on loan in search of minutes.
Another problem for Barcelona with Eric is that if he does leave it doesn’t really generate much financial fair play for the club.
Girona are expected to sell defender Santi Bueno which could see them step up their efforts to land Eric.
It’s not clear what will happen next but it is not ruled out that Eric could move before the window closes.
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Barcelona aren’t done making moves this summer. Sport is reporting that Barca are close to making a move for Petterson Novaes, a striker currently tearing it up for Flamengo’s U-20 side.
The deal would initially be a loan deal with the option to buy coming in around €3-4 million at the end of the season. The 19-year-old Novaes has scored seven goals in his fifteen appearances in 2023 and will join Barcelona Atletic.
The great thing about Novaes is his flexibility. The attacker can play up top as a striker but is also keen to start from the left and be a winger. Barcelona love youth and love youth that can play a variety of positions, seems like the Brazilian would fit right in.
Gerard Romeo reports that Petterson is due to fly to Barcelona tomorrow to link up with his new team. Rafa Marquez’s side are due back in action at the weekend on Sunday against Real Union.
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Clement Lenglet is reportedly set to leave Barcelona before the transfer window closes and will return to the Premier League.
The defender is heading back to England, after spending last season on loan at Tottenham, but won’t be re-joining the north Londoners.
Gerard Romero reports that Lenglet will definitely play in England again, although he hasn’t said where. The only detail he mentions is that it’s definitely not Spurs.
So it’s over to Fabrizio Romano who reckons Aston Villa are the club who want Lenglet after losing Tyrone Mings to a long-term injury.
Unai Emery’s side are said to be considering a move for the center-half before the window closes and Romano reckons there are other options for the Frenchman too.
EXCL: Aston Villa weighing up a move for Clement Lenglet as option on the table for the final days of the window
There are multiple options available but Barcelona aware of Aston Villa interest, waiting for developments.
Villa could be an attractive option for Lenglet. The team will play European football this season and have added to the squad in the summer by bringing in Youri Tielemans, Moussa Diaby, Nicolo Zaniolo and Pau Torres
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Barcelona have reportedly received an offer from Saudi Arabia for winger Ez Abde which is thought to be around €20m.
Gerard Romero says the bid has arrived in the final days of the window and includes a salary of around €13 million a year.
However, Abde has apparently rejected the offer and it seems he’s not too interested in playing in the Middle East.
If Abde is to leave Barcelona before the window closes he wants to stay in La Liga, the problem is that clubs in Spain can’t afford to sign him permanently.
Sevilla are also thought to be keen, if Lucas Ocampos leaves, but would only be able to offer a loan which is not what Barcelona want.
Abde’s future has become uncertain again after he was left out of Sunday’s win at Villarreal despite Barcelona being without Raphinha due to suspension.
“The player Fermín López has reached an agreement with FC Barcelona for the renewal of his contract, which will tie him to the Club until June 30, 2027,” read a statement.
“The Andalusian midfielder signed his new contract this Tuesday morning in an event with the manager responsible for Training Football, Joan Soler; the Club’s sports director, Anderson Luis de Souza “Deco; and the director of Training Football, José Ramón Alexanco, at the offices of Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The termination clause will be 400 million euros.”
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Recovery session after the win at Villarreal - FC Barcelona
Anew week begins at Barça and the first team carried out a recovery session following the 4-3 away win at Villarreal on Sunday. With back to back victories in the bag, the blaugranes returned to work to prepare for their next fixture in La Liga which is another away trip, this time to Osasuna with kick off 9pm CEST on Sunday.
Huge response as FC Barcelona arrive in Kyrgyzstan - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona, led by president Joan Laporta, has arrived in Kyrgyzstan this Monsay, with huge expectation in the Central Asian country for the club's first official visit. The goal is to launch the Barça Experience, which includes two Barça Academies, one Barça Café and a Barça Store, the opening of which is to be celebrated by a game between the Barça Legends and the Legends de Asia.
Mapi León and Alexia join the tour in Mexico - FC Barcelona
Two top quality players have joined the Barça Women pre-season touring party in Mexico, namely Mapi León and Alexia Putellas, the first World Cup winner to return to work. Both players arrived together to meet up with coach Jonatan Giráldez and the squad, and have now completed their first training session on Mexican soil, in preparation for the games against América and Tigres on 29 August and 1 September respectively.
Chelsea interesting in signing Barca duo Ferran Torres and Raphinha - SPORT
The news at Camp Barça shows no signs of stopping. Amid all the rumors surrounding Cancelo and Joao Félix as potential signings, two unexpected figures have entered the fray in this transfer window: Ferran Torres and Raphinha are now on Chelsea's radar to bolster their attacking options. Approaches could be made in the coming hours.
Girona make move for Barcelona defender Eric Garcia - SPORT
The final days of the summer 2023 transfer window promise to be frantic in FC Barcelona's offices. There are several players on the verge of leaving, and also some on the verge of entering, as confirmed by president Joan Laporta just minutes before the match against Villarreal at La Cerámica stadium.
Spain or Morocco... Lamine Yamal has chosen his national team - SPORT
Lamine Yamal is set to become the youngest player to debut for the Spanish national team. The 16-year-old rising star had the choice between Spain, where he was born and developed his career, or Morocco, his father's country. Ultimately, the Barcelona prodigy has opted for La Roja.
Man United ask Barca to loan Marcos Alonso - SPORT
The transfer market is entering its final phase, and in addition to working on new signings, Barcelona are also looking to offload several players. Initially, Marcos Alonso wasn't among the players earmarked for departure, and he expressed his interest in staying. However, the market is in motion, and a formal offer has now been presented to the club, suggesting that the player could be loaned out to the Premier League.
The details revealed of the Inigo Martinez exit clause - SPORT
One of the matters that Barça must address as soon as possible is the registration of Iñigo Martínez. The Basque center-back, along with Iñaki Peña, are the only players in the squad who have not been listed on LaLiga's website. However, the case of the former Athletic Club player has a particularity, namely an escape clause included in the contract he signed in early July, valid until 2025.
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The summer transfer window is due to close at the end of the week, and Barcelona are expected to do a fair bit of business in the next few days,
Much depends on the club’s financial situation, although there have been reports that a cash injection from German firm Libero is imminent.
Departures may also be needed - so let’s take a look at what to expect.
Ins
Photo by Lexy Ilsley - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images
Joan Laporta has said he expects two signings and it seems fairly certain now that Joao Cancelo will definitely be one.
The defender will arrive on loan from Manchester City with conflicting rumors about whether a purchase option will be included in the deal.
Cancelo’s arrival will give Xavi a much-needed right-back, and the Portugal international will have a point to prove after tough spells at Bayern and Manchester City.
But who else could arrive? Joao Felix’s name continues to pop up even though it’s believed Xavi does not see him as a priority.
The Barca boss has already demonstrated his faith in Lamine Yamal, while there’s hope that Vitor Roque could arrive in January, meaning it’s hard to justify a move for Felix.
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
And this is where it gets interesting. Barcelona simply have to offload some players but, as usual, nobody really wants to leave the Camp Nou.
There do appear to be four names who could be off, with Clement Lenglet the mostly likely departure.
Lenglet is thought to be wanted by Sevilla and Real Betis, and the latest updates suggest a two-year loan could be on the cards after a permanent deal was ruled out.
Eric Garcia could follow him out of the exit door, with Girona a possible option, while Ez Abde’s future looks uncertain following Yamal’s emergence.
Alonso will have to play back-up to Alejandro Balde if he stays, while the arrival of Cancelo (who can play on either flank) means his exit could be sanctioned if he wants to go.
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Fermin Lopez made his first-team debut for Barcelona against Villarreal after coming off the bench in the 4-3 win over the Yellow Submarine.
The midfielder is enjoying life at Barcelona after impressing in pre-season and now playing for the senior side for the first time.
Here’s what he’s made of it all:
“I’m really happy, it’s a dream I’ve had since I was younger. I’ve worked really hard to get here. I just want to thank the boss for giving me confidence and the team helped me a lot,” he told the club’s media.
“I was a bit nervous because of the state of the game but when I got on the pitch I was a bit more relaxed. It’s a dream but I’m still taking it all in and I just want to do my best and help the team.
“I’m really happy because we’ve shared a lot of moments together. Ansu, Balde, Gavi and our dream was to be in the first team and now we’re here.”
There are likely to be more chances for Lopez in the coming weeks. Pedri’s injury has opened up a spot in midfield and the youngster will be hoping he can make the most of hit team-mate’s absence.
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But where has the nickname come from and why is Ferran now known as the shark?
Apparently it all comes from a summer where the forward put in a lot of work in a bid to get his Barca career back on track.
Ferran spent time in the USA with UFC fighter Ilia Topuria who showed him how to learn from defeat and “manage the mental side of sport,” according to The Athletic.
The forward has revealed previously he’s worked with a psychologist and felt like he hit “rock bottom” at Barcelona after struggling for form.
His team-mates came up with the nickname after his trip to the US with a dressing room source explaining why. “This comes from him saying one day that he wanted to have a predator mentality.”
Ferran has certainly shown a stronger cutting edge so far this season. The big question now is can he maintain this early-season form?
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He will become the youngest player to debut with the Spanish NT
Lamine Yamal has reportedly chosen Spain ahead of Morocco, after both countries made their cases for signing the young star.
Yamal had conversations with Walid Regragui, the manager of the African side which finished fourth at last year’s FIFA World Cup, and two representatives of the European side that won the latest UEFA Nations League.
The FC Barcelona player has represented Spain at youth level, and it seems he will continue to do so at senior level.
Regragui is expected to give out his list of players without Yamal soon. Meanwhile, Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente has already included Yamal on the provisional list to play against Georgia and Cyprus.
There has yet to be an official announcement but reports say he Yamal will be there.
It’s worth noting that in the past, playing even a single competitive match for the national team tied you permanently to that country. Now, there is an exception for players who played less than three matches with one national team, provided they were not in a major tournament. If they go unselected for five years, they are allowed to switch to a new national team. This was the case of another young Barcelona star, Munir El Haddadi, who played one match with Spain but ended up representing Morocco.
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The Yellow Submarine exposed the visitors’ vulnerabilities
La Ceramica was rocking, and putting on a show of attacking football.
Facing an opponent with the courage to open up the game is a rarity for Barcelona.
The forwards and attacking midfielders had the time of their lives. Lamine Yamal continued to dazzle, and the midfield quartet were able to make music.
Robert Lewandowski was able to poach home a much-needed goal to gain confidence, while Ferran Torres entered beast mode with an astonishing display of determination.
With the game so open, Pedri’s absence was barely noticed. Frenkie de Jong and Ilkay Gundogan were an impressive tandem, covering lots of space, leaving the opponent to question who’s coming and who’s going.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
But defensively, the team looked weak without the presence of Ronald Araujo.
Villarreal under Quique Setien relishes giving Barcelona the very thing they lament never seeing.
It was enjoyable to see a proper game of football in the aftermath of the anti-football that Getafe and Cadiz were happy to serve up.
In a game like this, Barcelona should expect to win in style. They have superior talent, and when allowed to play, they should come out on top every time.
But defense is part of the game too, and when it comes to the Champions League, getting this part right, in terms of tactics and player selection, will make the difference.
As things currently stand, the team is without Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, and possibly Andreas Christensen if the discomfort becomes something bigger.
Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
If this was supposed to be a tryout for Marcos Alonso and Sergi Roberto, they once again were the weakest links on the field.
Within five minutes, Alonso was targeted with a ball in behind that Alexander Sorloth easily ran onto and slotted home.
Villarreal were confident in their game plan to attack the back line, and they looked destined for success.
Against the run of play, Barcelona turned things around with quick goals in succession from Gavi and Frenkie de Jong.
At the end of the day, the Blaugrana took advantage of the end to end game, and produced 21 shots, 11 of which were on target.
But going up 2-0, you have to be able to shut things down defensively, or if it’s more of the Barcelona way, take the sting out of the game with calm possession.
Instead, Villarreal never seemed worried that the comeback was possible, and were able to level things up at 2-2 by half-time.
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Off a corner kick in the 25th minute, full-back target Juan Foyth lost Sergi Roberto, and then rose above Marcos Alonso, with a strong header to reduce the lead.
For goal number two, a counter attack that caught the entire team off guard, ended with a ball slipped in behind Sergi Roberto for an easy tap in across the box.
For the goal that sent Villarreal ahead, Roberto had his worst moment of the game, being caught out completely in the midfield, and getting skipped past by Alfonso Pedraza, who got the assist after making it all the way into the box.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
What confuses me is how harsh Xavi was with Sergino Dest, a player who also was defensively vulnerable, but at least was capable of providing a threat in the attack, and versatile enough to play on both sides of the field. Roberto and Alonso offer less on both counts. Shouldn’t they be held to the same standard?
So where does this leave Barcelona with five days left in the transfer window?
Joan Laporta has promised at least two new signings, and there are rumors of interest for Marcos Alonso in the Premier League, with Manchester United in particular looking to strengthen at left full-back.
If Barcelona can sign Joao Cancelo, it’s a big boost, as he can play either side of the field in case of injury, or for tactical purposes.
But most concerning of all may be the situation with the center-backs.
Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
We all love Araujo, but he struggles to stay healthy. Christensen is another one who spends a good deal of time on the sideline. We’ve yet to see Inigo Martinez.
None of us want a repeat of last year’s group stage. The team needs to stay healthy in the early going, and Xavi needs to manage the season so that he can put out his strongest team in the most important group stage games.
We can’t have Marcos Alonso featuring as a full-back, or a backup center-back for that matter, in critical matches. Eric Garcia seems to be losing confidence as time goes on as well.
Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Barca needs to get serious about its priorities.
With the emergence of Lamine Yamal, and the promise of other young attacking players like Ez Abde and Fermin Lopez, there’s no need to focus anywhere else this week than on strengthening the defense.
Cancelo won’t be enough if Barcelona wants to win titles this season.
What we saw from the Yellow Submarine was a wake-up call.
Barca needs defensive depth, and they need to keep up with the trends across Europe, and find players who can provide physicality.
That means an ability to defend set pieces, and to have the speed and strength to go up against dangerous wingers.
If they don’t get this right, they are an injury away from losing control of the season.
There’s still time on the clock, and Laporta needs to get busy.
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The news will be a big boost to Barcelona in the final week of the transfer window. The lack of a right-back has been a real issue and Cancelo should go straight into the team.
Roberto had a poor game at right-back and came in for some harsh criticism from the boss who came down to the dressing room at the interval, according to AS.
Xavi was “visibly upset” by his team’s defending after allowing Villarreal to come back from 2-0 down to level before half-time.
Roberto was criticised for leaving Barca exposed and making “childlish mistakes.” Xavi even got out his whiteboard to point out his errors and urge him to be more careful.
The Barcelona coach also hit out at his team’s defending after the win at La Ceramica.
“It was a crazy game, which was our fault,” he said. We were dominating at 2-0, although Villarreal had started well early on. From there, though, the game was ours; then we give up too much.
“Their first goal is our fault, they can’t score like that from a corner. The second goal is avoidable. The third is a counterattack ...
“In the end, I think we could have scored two or three more. I am satisfied, above all with the second half and how we attacked, but we have to improve defensively.”
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Villarreal 3-4 FC Barcelona: Rollercoaster ride to victory - FC Barcelona
It’s been a decade and a half since FC Barcelona lost away to Villarreal and the record holds following a simply tremendous seven-goal feast this Sunday. Barça may have taken an early 2-0 lead, but the home side had been playing some fine football of their own, and somehow managed to claw their way back to not only equalise but take the lead.
Lamine Yamal, a diamond in the making - FC Barcelona
Lamine Yamal was just 16 years and 45 days old today when he slipped a dextrous cross onto the head of Gavi to score the first goal of the afternoon at the Estadio de la Cerámica. That makes him the youngest player this century to provide an assist in the Spanish top flight.
Ferran Torres does it again and brings Barca back to life at Villarreal - SPORT
Ferran Torres is outgrowing his role as a game-changer. The Valencia native arrived at La Cerámica in excellent form, and although he wasn't initially named in the starting lineup according to some predictions, there was consensus that he was the most in-form player for altering the course of the game in the second half. And that's exactly what happened.
Joan Laporta believes Barca can make two more signings - SPORT
The last week of the transfer window will be a busy one for FC Barcelona. This was announced by Joan Laporta in statements to Movistar LaLiga just before the match between Villarreal and FC Barcelona. The leader stated that two signings may even arrive.
Barcelona flop Philippe Coutinho could return to Spain - SPORT
Coutinho could return to La Liga. In a surprising move, COPE radio station reports that Real Betis have reportedly turned their attention to the Brazilian midfielder when everyone assumed he would be leaving for Al-Duhail in Qatar.
Barca moving to sign a young Mexican starlet - SPORT
FC Barcelona are interested in signing Heriberto Jurado, a promising young Mexican winger, to reinforce their reserve team. According to the newspaper 'Marca', the club's sporting management is keeping a close eye on the situation of the left winger, who has already played 44 games for the first team of Club Necaxa and has played in all the youth teams of his national team despite being only 18 years old.
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Photo By Ivan Terron/Europa Press via Getty Images
WHAT. A. MATCH.
Barcelona remain unbeaten to start the season and have won their second La Liga game in a row thanks to a wild 4-3 victory away to Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica on Sunday afternoon. What will go down as one of best and craziest games of 2023-24 in Spanish football had Barça going up two goals before a complete collapse at the back that saw them going behind before mounting a comeback of their own to win a thrilling match in one of the most difficult stadiums to visit in the country. WHAT. A. MATCH.
FIRST HALF
From a neutral’s perspective, this was exactly the awesome game between two attacking teams you were hoping to see. Both sides went for it and played some great attacking football throughout the period, and there were four good goals in the game and loads of other chances.
But from a Barça standpoint, it was quite scary to see just how open they were at the back. The first 10 minutes could have been tragic, with the Yellow Submarine creating chance after chance and Barça somehow surviving without conceding a goal thanks to a very narrow offside and a masterful save by Marc-André ter Stegen.
Then in a span of three minutes Barça were somehow two goals up, thanks to a header by Gavi after a brilliant cross by Lamine Yamal and a smart finish from Frenkie de Jong after a deflection inside the box gave the Dutchman a golden opportunity that he didn’t waste.
Barça did play very well after scoring the goal and could have added a third with the quality of football they showed and the openings they found inside the Villarreal defense, but the Blaugrana’s backline cost them dearly towards the end of the period.
It started with Sergi Roberto being bullied off the ball inside the box and allowing Juan Foyth to score a free header to make it 2-1, and Alexander Sorloth got a tap-in to equalize after a beautiful passing sequence from Villarreal that cut open the Barça defense as the Catalans had no idea who to mark in transition.
At the break a wild first half ended with four goals, great attacking play and some awful defending from both sides, and if Barça wanted to leave the game with all three points they needed some serious improvement at the back in the final period.
SECOND HALF
Barça’s defending did not improve at all to start the second half and the Blaugrana conceded another really bad goal: Pedraza easily got past Sergi Roberto and was allowed to carry the ball for over 50 yards before assisting Álex Baena, who had time in space to pick out the far corner and complete Villarreal’s comeback just five minutes into the period.
The Catalans had a very good reaction to going behind, however, with Xavi Hernández making an attacking substitution with Ferran Torres coming on for Oriol Romeu and the Blaugrana continuing to threaten and create real chances with plenty of numbers forward and really good passing combinations to find spaces in the Villarreal backline.
Yamal hit the post with a sensational strike, Marcos Alonso forced a great save from Filip Jörgensen, and the visitors kept going until they completed a comeback of their own: first it was Ferran who made it 3-3 after not giving up on a play he started and scoring a great goal with his left foot, then Robert Lewandowski finally got off the mark for the season just three minutes later after the rebound from a Yamal shot that was saved onto the post by Jörgensen fell perfectly to the Pole for an easy tap-in.
There were still more than 20 minutes left to play, however, so Barça needed to take control of the game and try to guarantee the victory with a fifth goal while also staying organized at the back to avoid conceding again.
The fifth didn’t come thanks in part to Ansu Fati’s poor finishing and decision-making in his brief substitute cameo and Lewandowski missing a one-on-one with the keeper, but the defending was finally good enough to avoid any real trouble despite Villarreal’s late blitz in added time.
The final whistle came after 96 minutes of madness, and Barça somehow got all three points after a truly remarkable game of football in Vila-real. The defending was terrible for 60 minutes but there are real positives to take from this: the character to come back from 3-2 down away from home, the high level of the attacking play and the passing in midfield, especially without Pedri, and Lamine. Freaking. Yamal. That kid is so very special and his journey has only just begun.
There are things to improve, obviously, but this is a massive win and the offensive display is hugely encouraging. And finally Barça got to play against a team that wanted to play too. Isn’t football fun when both teams try to score goals?
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
The president has offered a transfer update
Barcelona president Joan Laporta says his team will make more than one signing before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
The Catalans have already brought in Inigo Martinez, Oriol Romeu and Ilkay Gundogan, but Laporta says there will be more additions to the team.
“Signings? We will have enough margin to incorporate, there will be more than one,” he told Movistar before Barca’s La Liga clash with Villarreal on Sunday.
It’s not clear yet who else Barcelona could sign, although the club continue to be linked with several players as always.
Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix remains keen to leave Diego Simeone’s side and join Barcelona, while Xavi is believed to be keen on a move for Giovani Lo Celso.
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The Spaniard does appear to be something of a favorite of Xavi’s at Barca, but he’s unlikely to be first choice with Alejandro Balde around.
It’s not clear if Alonso could be tempted by a return to the Premier League. He left Chelsea on a free transfer to move to Barca, winning the title in his first season with the club.
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WELCOME TO THE ESTADIO DE LA CERÁMICA!!! The beautiful, newly renovated home of Villarreal, forever known as El Madrigal in our hearts, is the site of a big La Liga match between the hosts and Barcelona, who come into this one looking to start a winning streak after their first victory of the campaign last week. But facing the Yellow Submarine away is never easy, and Quique Setien would love to get a big result against his former club. 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: 2023-24 La Liga, Matchday 3
Date/Time: Sunday, August 27, 2023, 5.30pm CET (Barcelona), 4.30pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 11.30am ET, 8.30am PT (USA), 9pm 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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