Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanić is said to be holding out for a move to Ligue 1 side Nice in the final days of the window, according to a report from France.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international is apparently refusing offers from Middle Eastern clubs and from the MLS in the hope of staying in Europe.
The transfer that Pjanić seems to want is a move to Ligue 1 and specifically with OGC Nice. The midfielder has been offered to Nice on a loan deal but the offer hasn’t been responded to as of yet.
There is certainly interest around the world for Pjanić, just not where he wants. It remains to be seen if a loan move to Ligue 1 falls through what he’ll end up doing. There’s been talk he’s in Xavi’s plans but he hasn’t seen a minute of action yet.
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The Blues are insisting on a swap in which they would pay a transfer fee and send Alonso to the Camp Nou in exchange for the Gabonese striker.
However, Barcelona are equally insistent that they should be separate deals.
Further complicating matters is an attack on Auba by robbers which resulted in a jaw injury. He is expected to be out for about four weeks. That shouldn’t prevent the transfer from going through but it’s something else for Chelsea to think about.
Aubameyang came from Arsenal FC on a free transfer after falling out with his coach, Mikel Arteta. He was the starting striker until Barcelona purchased Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich.
Chelsea are desperate to bolster their attack after a disappointing start to the season.
Alonso’s transfer to Barcelona has long been rumored but has yet to materialize. Barcelona are looking for a left-back to compete with Alejandro Balde and Jordi Alba.
The deal is far from dead, and another meeting is expected in the next hours.
One key detail will be how much money Chelsea are willing to part with for the forward’s services.
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Reports have claimed Aubameyang suffered a broken jaw in the attack and is set to miss the next few weeks, although there has been no official news from Barcelona yet.
Meanwhile, the striker is said to still be in talks with Chelsea over a possible move to the Premier League side.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that the two clubs are “still in direct contact” but have not come to an agreement. The possibility of including Marcos Alonso in the deal appears to be back on the table too.
It’s still not clear if Auba will be playing for Chelsea or Barcelona this season but the most important thing right now is that he’s OK after such an awful incident.
Get well soon, Auba.
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Sergino Dest is reportedly now ready to consider a move to Villarreal. The report comes via Fabrizio Romano and details how the American could be willing to leave Barcelona but stay in La Liga.
This is the first real movement on Dest leaving the Camp Nou and could be a great option for the full-back.
Excl: Sergiño Dest’s now considering a loan proposal from Villarreal, he’s open to discuss about it. Talks on with Barça — it’s up to the player. #FCB
Manchester United manager ten Hag wants Dest, it’s a possibility but it can only happen if Wan-Bissaka will leave. #MUFCpic.twitter.com/7Ofy602amK
The second half of the report details United potentially being interested in Dest if Wan-Bissaka ends up leaving Old Trafford but seems unlikely after Erik ten Hag offered an update at his presser on Wednesday.
The Dutchman basically confirmed Wan-Bissaka is staying and ruled out any further transfers for the Red Devils before the window closes.
“Aaron is in and we will keep, he will stay in,” he said. “So this squad will go from September until the minimum, January. We will play with this squad [for] the season.”
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Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may have suffered a broken jaw after being attacked at home in an armed robbery.
The usually reliable David Ornsten at The Athletic reports “the 33-year-old is believed to have suffered a broken jaw during a struggle with intruders” earlier this week and may even require surgery.
If the report turns out to be true, then it seems like Auba will be out for several weeks, which could also affect his future.
Intensive talks over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona to Chelsea continue today. Complicated by 33yo suffering broken jaw during home robbery - expected to be out for a number of weeks. Loan also being considered @TheAthleticUK#CFC#FCBarcelonahttps://t.co/fdjqvQcoFG
Auba’s been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, and Ornstein reports that “intensive talks” with the Blues are continuing before the window closes.
Talks are said to “have been taking place for a number of weeks” but there is still no agreement between the two clubs over a move and time is running out.
Barca are said to be “holding out for a fee” that is above what Chelsea want to pay. The contract length is “another sticking point” which has made an agreement elusive.
It’s still not clear if Aubameyang will leave Barcelona. Chelsea are in need of a striker but Xavi has also said he’s hoping the former Arsenal man will stay.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Strong start at the back - FC Barcelona
Alot has been said in recent days about Barça's attacking power, and rightly so. Lewandowski, Raphinha, Ansu, Dembélé et al have been one fine form, scoring eight goals in just two games. But it should also be noted than in 270 minutes of football, the Catalans have only let in one goal.
Champions League rivals: Viktoria Plzen - FC Barcelona
Anew edition of the UEFA Champions League is almost upon us with Barça's first game coming at the Spotify Camp Nou on 7 September at 9pm CEST. Their opponents will be Czech side Viktoria Plzen who have made it through no less than three qualifying rounds to make the group stage of the competition.
Osasuna set to procure the loan of Ez Abde from FC Barcelona - SPORT
Barça want to solve Ez Abde's situation before the end of the transfer window. The club want to loan out the 20-year-old Moroccan winger so that he can play regularly at the highest level of Spanish football.
FC Barcelona and Chelsea have a meeting programmed for Wednesday to discuss the transfer of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
There was a meeting earlier today regarding the forward, but no agreement was produced.
Aubameyang came to Barcelona in the winter transfer window on a free transfer from Arsenal after falling out with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
He became Barça’s starting striker and helped the club finish second in La Liga.
However, things changed when the Catalans signed Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich, relegating Auba to the bench. He’s yet to appear this season.
Chelsea are keen on a starting striker after parting with Romelu Lukaku. However, it is said they are not willing to meet Barcelona’s sale price.
Aubameyang’s salary is also an issue as it is higher this season than last. Barcelona do not need to sell him to register Jules Koundé as was once thought, but they do see his sale as a way to free up money for other signings, such as a left-back, a right-back, or Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.
His advanced age for a footballer (33) is also a factor, as his sale value is likely to plummet over the next few years.
Barcelona are interested in bringing a Chelsea player the other way, Marcos Alonso, but it is understood that they will be separate deals rather than any kind of direct swap.
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The Catalans want a right-back
Barcelona are now prioritizing the signing of Thomas Meunier, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo. The Dortmund full-back had been a player Barca were linked with but wasn’t the only defender the club was considering.
Juan Foyth appeared to be the top choice but a combination of a lofty release clause and a fresh knee injury seem to have put paid to any chances of the Villarreal defender moving to the Camp Nou.
Now, according to the report, Meunier has become the singular focus with Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin as a possible backup. Dortmund are rumored to be asking between €15m and €20m for the Belgian and Barca certainly don’t want to spend that.
With a brutal Champions League draw ahead of them, Barca’s lack of depth at the full-back position is going to be a vulnerability. Let’s hope they can get something solved before the window shuts.
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‘Our team is complete’
Miralem Pjanic has been linked with a move to Saudi side Al-Nasr in the final days of the transfer but it seems the rumors may not be all they seem.
The club’s chairman has taken to social media to insist he knows nothing about a Pjanic move and says the club are not planning any more transfers.
“I woke up and got 324 messages on my phone. I swear to God, we have nothing to do with Barcelona, and I swear to God, we have nothing to do with the Pjanic negotiations. Our team is complete and our contracts are based on technical reports.”
صحيت من النوم حصلت في جوالي ٣٢٤ رسالة ..
اقسم بالله ما نيب في برشلونه واقسم بالله ما لنا علاقة بمفاوضات بيانيتش ..
It’s been reported in Spain that Al-Nasr were planning a loan and were willing to pay 70% of Pjanic’s salary but that Barcelona really wanted a permanent transfer.
Pjanic’s former club Lyon have also been linked with a move for the midfielder in the last few days as the rumor mill goes into overdrive before the window shuts on Thursday.
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Barcelona seem to be expecting a very busy end to what’s been an eventful transfer window for the Catalan giants.
The window shuts on Thursday, September 1 and Barca are working hard to finalize a number of exits in the hope of adding a few more new signings.
Gerard Romero, who has been pretty accurate throughout the summer, reckons Barca have told La Liga they are hoping to offload five players and bring in three more.
All of which seems incredibly ambitious but, given what Mateu Alemany and Joan Laporta have managed already, perhaps not completely impossible.
The players on the exit ramp are pretty easy to guess. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Memphis Depay, Sergino Dest, Martin Braithwaite and Ez Abde.
Miralem Pjanic could also go after reportedly receiving late interest from a couple of clubs, although it’s worth noting Xavi has said recently that he expects the midfielder to stay.
Aubameyang looks like he’s going to sign for Chelsea, while Abde is expected to sign a renewal and then head away on a season-long loan.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Martin Braithwaite, if reports are to be believed, is likely to be released as Barcelona want to terminate his contract early.
All of which leaves just Dest and Memphis. There have been whispers of interest in Dest, but nothing concrete, while Memphis has seen a move to Juventus collapse.
Neither player will want to spend the next few months on the bench, particularly with the World Cup starting in November, but it’s not clear if there are any genuine takers.
Barcelona will hope exits can be sealed as they remain desperate for a new right-back. Thomas Meunier seems the favorite, particularly now Juan Foyth is out with a knee injury.
Photo by Ralf Treese/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Convincing Dortmund to let Meunier go this late in the window may take some doing which is probably why Hector Bellerin’s name keeps appearing. The defender wants out of Arsenal and seems to be a possible low-cost (last resort?) option for Barca.
Marcos Alonso also continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona, while Bernardo Silva’s name keeps cropping up despite Pep and Xavi effectively ruling out a move in the last few days.
Quite what will happen is anyone’s guess but it does promise to be another fascinating few days in the world of Barcelona.
Tell us who you would like to see arrive/leave before the window closes in the comments below!
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Record-breaking start for Lewandowski - FC Barcelona
Four goals in three games - how Robert Lewandowski has made his mark with FC Barcelona. The Polish striker has fitted into both the Club and Xavi Hernández' plans perfectly, with a superb display of his goalscoring abilities.
50 games for Gavi with Barça - FC Barcelona
Gavi has now played 50 games in a Barça jersey. Born in August 2003, he has become the first player of his generation to play that many games aged just 18 years and 23 days old.
Champions League tickets on sale to members from Monday 29 August - FC Barcelona
On Monday 29 August at 11am CEST, Champions League tickets go on sale to members only of tickets for the Champions League group stage. There are three games at Spotify Camp Nou, starting against Viktoria Plzen on September 7, then Inter Milan on October 12 and finally Bayern Munich on October 26. Tickets cost between 15 and 99 euros.
U-turn in Pjanic's situation at Barcelona with an exit now possible again - SPORT
One player who be a late addition to the list of departures from Barcelona this summer is Miralem Pjanic. The midfielder appeared to have earned his place in the first team. During preseason he convinced Xavi Hernandez of his worth and an exit was put on ice, but he has still not featured this season in a competitive game.
Chelsea plot deadline day swoop for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Football España
Chelsea are planning a busy end to the Premier League transfer window this week with three potential moves in the pipeline. The Blues are rumoured to be tracking targets from within their domestic league and Barcelona hitman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Barcelona are still expected to sign Marcos Alonso from Chelsea before the transfer window closes later this week.
A deal had seemed close when Alonso was allowed to leave the Chelsea squad and fly out to Barcelona to seemingly finalize his move.
However, the full-back has since returned to west London and there have been suggestions Barca had gone a little cold on the idea of landing the 31-year-old.
Not so, according to Gerard Romero, who is confident that Barcelona will sign Alonso before the transfer deadline.
ESPN are also reporting Barca have “reactivated” the Alonso option and hope to bring him in for around €5 million.
Alonso and Barcelona are also being talked about in AS. President Joan Laporta has reportedly “given his word” to Alonso that Barca will do all they can to sign him after a meeting on Monday.
Interestingly, AS reckon that Alonso’s arrival will not mean that Alejandro Balde leaves, indeed it’s more likely to be bad news for Jordi Alba.
Barca have apparently told interested clubs that Balde is going nowhere this summer, while Xavi “would not object to the departure of Alba” but knows it’s pretty much impossible this late in the window.
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“FC Barcelona and FC Andorra have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Mika Mármol. The Club retains 50% of the rights to the Terrassa central and reserves a buyback option.”
The highly-rated center-back drew plaudits last season for his performances with Barca B and had been tipped to make it into the first team.
However, the arrivals of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen seem to have blocked Marmol’s path and he’s decided to look for a new challenge.
Marmol now joins up with FC Andorra who are managed by Quique Setien’s former assistant Eder Sarabia and owned by Gerard Pique’s Kosmos company.
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Two clubs are keen on the midfielder
Miralem Pjanic’s future is once again the subject of speculation with two clubs keen on the Barcelona midfielder in the final days of the transfer window.
It had seemed that Pjanic would definitely stay at Barcelona after seeming to impress Xavi in pre-season.
Yet the latest reports suggests the midfielder could still move on. Cope reckon that Saudi side Al-Nassr FC remain keen on Pjanic as well as Lyon.
It’s thought a loan is the most likely option for Pjanic, although it’s still not clear if he will depart in the next few days.
Barcelona have already sent Nico out on loan, which seemed to be another indication that Pjanic was staying, but the former Juventus man hasn’t seen a single minute of action yet in La Liga.
Indeed it’s difficult to see Pjanic getting much game time at all in 2022-23 as Barca are well-stocked for midfielders.
Xavi has Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Franck Kessie all available. Pablo Torre is also set to stay and divide his time between Barca Atletic and the first team.
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The new center forward is scoring goals and fitting right in
Being a new center forward at Barcelona isn’t easy, and there’s always the question of how long it will take to adapt, and whether it will work out at all.
Luis Suarez famously needed time for things to click with his teammates, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic was gone after one year.
With Robert Lewandowski, who just turned 34 years old, it felt different from the beginning.
For one, there are no superstars on this team. In fact, we may be living in a post superstar footballing world, with the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar starting to fade from view.
But there will always be room for humble professionals who we can all recognize as the best at their position.
Lewandowski still holds that mantle, and you can see that he is more motivated than ever to keep it that way, especially with the likes of Erling Haaland applying pressure by scoring a hat-trick this weekend, and eager to steal his shine.
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Make no mistake, the Pole will not go gentle into that good night of his career.
He is perfectly fit and as hungry as ever to be the best footballer he can be.
It’s starting to look like forcing an exit from Bayern Munich was a great personal decision. He knew they were moving past him, and that Barcelona was eager to secure his services, and to build their team around him in the short term.
Lewy is betting on himself. Like Pep Guardiola said, this is one of the most professional athletes you will ever meet. No one knows that better than the man himself who puts in the work every day to stay at the top of his game.
He has shown no signs of slowing down and works harder than anyone on the field. It’s amazing to see him check into the midfield to help in the build up, and then immediately sprint down the field to get behind a defender. He never stops moving.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
And in the final third, it’s pure goal scoring instinct.
Consider Lewandowski’s first four goals for Barcelona.
First, against Real Sociedad, he came across and rescued a miscued cross from Alejandro Balde.
Later in the same game, he did the same thing with with a ball that Ansu Fati fought to just keep alive.
Against Real Valladolid, he came flying out of nowhere to get onto Raphinha’s cross, and he didn’t have a millisecond to spare.
Finally, he capitalized on a great run from Dembele, but scored on a final ball that was just behind him, from an impossible angle, with whatever part of the foot that was necessary, while covered by a defender, and with a goalkeeper closing down.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Robert Lewandowski continues to be the real deal, and he is doing more than scoring goals. He’s filling a leadership void.
Last season, the concern was whether Barca was developing a Pedri dependence. Too much was being asked of the young midfielder.
Other players, like Frenkie de Jong and Ousmane Dembele, are world class, but aren’t players you necessarily turn to when your back is against the wall. In the past, there was always Messi who would come to the rescue just when you needed him.
Now, all the other guys can just focus on being excellent players. They don’t need to be our new superstars, at least not right away.
Lewandowski is capable of taking on that pressure. He is a leader on the field and in the locker room, both by his professional example, and by his performances on the pitch.
But even he needs the right players around him, and a system that prioritizes giving him service, although don’t get me wrong, if the ball doesn’t come to him, he will go and find it.
In this case, Lewandowski knows how good he has it to be surrounded on all sides by Pedri, Dembele, Raphinha, and Frenkie. These are players who are more than happy and capable of putting him in positions to succeed in front of goal.
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
I for one appreciated that Xavi went back and simplified his system in this game. From the beginning, the balance was right, and everyone knew their role and quickly overwhelmed Real Valladolid.
They did benefit from playing against a low tier opponent who isn’t afraid to play openly.
Questions will continue to be asked when Barcelona plays a team like Rayo Vallecano who sit deep, waste time, and play anti-football.
But with a center forward like Lewandowski, there is hope that, more times than not, this Barcelona team will find a way.
My wish as the transfer window closes, however, is that Pierre Emerick Aubameyang stays as well. We don’t want to run anyone into the ground, and Lewandowski will need rest to keep him performing at his best.
Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, and Memphis Depay aren’t nearly as effective through the middle, and let’s not even mention Ferran Jutgla’s name given his form with his new club.
Barcelona will need depth and rotation, and if they can wake up on September 1st with most of this roster still intact, they will have what they need to compete for every trophy.
That’s why Lewandowski is here. Anything less is not acceptable.
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Barcelona picked up their first three home points of the new La Liga season against Real Valladolid with an imperious performance at the Camp Nou.
It was the kind of free-flowing, exciting, attacking showing that we had all been looking forward to after the club’s summer spending spree and with Xavi at the helm.
Real Valladolid barely managed a glimpse of Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s goal in the first half, while Barca scored two, hit the woodwork twice and completed 240 passes compared to just 98 by the visitors.
The second half was a similar story with more Barca dominance. Lewandowski added another goal to make the game completely safe and then teed up Roberto for number four but in truth the result was never in doubt.
Barca now head to Sevilla with huge confidence after a superb performance. It’s usually a difficult place to go but Sevilla have started the season horribly, while Barca might just be feeling they are at the start of something special.
Jules Kounde finally makes his Barcelona debut
After being forced to sit out Barcelona’s opening two games of the season because he was not registered, Jules Kounde finally made his competitive debut for the Catalans against Real Valladolid.
Quite how Barca managed to register Kounde is the subject of plenty of speculation, but it’s being reported they used La Liga regulation article 92 which basically means Joan Laporta and Co. have provided a financial guarantee to LaLiga to be able to increase their spending limit.
Back on the pitch we saw Andreas Christensen miss out due to illness which saw Xavi line up with Alejandro Balde once again at left-back and Eric Garcia partnering Ronald Araujo in central defense. Kounde, perhaps surprisingly, started at right-back.
The Frenchman could hardly have asked for a gentler debut with the defender relatively untroubled, although he was called on to make an important goalline clearance in the second half.
Kounde said after the game he’s “comfortable” in both positions but would rather play at center-back. We all know that he, and Ronald Araujo are wasted on the right, but they may not have to play there for much longer if Xavi gets his wish for a new right-back before the transfer window closes.
Lewandowksi already making La Liga history
Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for the hosts with a lunging finish to knock a great cross from Raphinha past former Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip.
The strike was the Poland international’s third in three La Liga games for his new club which means he has already written his name into the history books in Spain.
1 - At 34 years and 7 days, Robert Lewandowski is the oldest player to score three goals in his first three LaLiga games in the 21st century, beating current teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 's record from last season (32 and 247). Experience. pic.twitter.com/3phNXwnYUS
Of course Lewandowski being Lewandowski he didn’t stop at one. The striker added his second of the night after the break to grab another record. He should have had a hat-trick too but somehow hit the post which allowed Sergi Roberto to add the fourth.
4 - Robert Lewandowski is the first player to score four goals in his first three LaLiga games since Radamel Falcao for Atletico Madrid in 2011 and the first to do so for Barcelona in the entire 21st century. Impact. pic.twitter.com/pDLAXvn9uy
Lewandowski has certainly hit the ground running at Barcelona and looks like he’s going to have a very fun campaign, particularly with the likes of Dembele, Raphinha and Ansu Fati providing the service.
How many will Pedri score this season?
Barcelona’s second of the night came from the wonderful right boot of Pedri. The 19-year-old waltzed into the area and curled a gorgeous finish past Masip with some confidence.
Goals were an issue for the teenager for the majority of last season, so much so that Xavi even admitted he’d told the youngster he needs to shoot more, which seemed to help.
Pedri ended the campaign with five goals in all competitions but you suspect he will beat that record and then some in the current campaign.
The midfielder scored two in his last four games of last season, bagged a couple against Pumas in the Gamper Trophy and has now opened his account for 2022-23.
The only criticism that sceptics have managed to level at Pedri during his stellar rise have been his lack of goals but if he can start scoring regularly then the sky really is the limit for this incredible talent.
Xavi tips Eric to be future Barca captain
Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Another young player who thrived against Real Valladolid was Eric Garcia. The arrivals of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen looked bad news for the 21-year-old but he’s played every minute so far and looked in great shape.
Against Real Valladolid it was no different and the Spain international will be hoping he can continue in the starting XI despite the fierce competition for places in the backline.
Eric found it tough going last season after returning from Manchester City but has always had Xavi’s backing and the coach was at it again after the match.
“He had a great game, having him is wonderful, he’s competitive, he gets the ball out, he’s a hell of a professional,” he said. “He could be captain at 21 years old.”
Xavi’s comments come as something of a surprise, particularly as Ronald Araujo has always looked the most likely player to take over the armband next.
However, with Sergio Busquets looking very much like he’s in his last campaign at Barca, it’s a topic that’s likely to provoke plenty of debate this season.
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Jules Kounde makes official debut - FC Barcelona
Jules Kounde was finally registered and able to start for Barça against Valladolid in a 4-0 win at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night. He had already featured in the Gamper against Pumas and the midweek friendly against Manchester City, but this was his first appearance in an official fixture.
Alexia parades UEFA Player of the Year trophy at Spotify Camp Nou - FC Barcelona
Alexia Putellas was at the Spotify Camp Nou before the men's game with Real Valladolid to parade her latest accolade, the UEFA Player of the Year award that has further cemented her reputation as one of the greatest female players ever to grace the game.
Barça Atlètic 3-2 CD Castellón: Winning start for Márquez - FC Barcelona
Barça Atlètic have started their league season in the best possible way. With three points. But it wasn't easy, and Castellón were only downed by a last-minute goal in a reral cracker of a match. Centre back Chadi was the late hero, while Estanis and Ilias Akhomach scored the others.
Barça president Joan Laporta sports black eye for Real Valladolid game - SPORT
Joan Laporta was seated alongside Ronaldo in the presidential box for Barcelona's win over Real Valladolid with a black eye. An image taken by SPORT revealed the Barça president alongside his Valladolid counterpart, the former Barça and Real Madrid striker, with the shiner.
Barcelona remain open to Celta Vigo target Javi Galan - Football España
Barcelona could still make a last minute swoop for Celta Vigo defender Javi Galan. La Blaugrana are still on the hunt for new signings in the final days of the transfer window despite spending over €100m on new players this summer.
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The winger is expected to move on loan
Real Valladolid president Ronaldo has confirmed he’s hoping to sign Ez Abde before the transfer window closes.
Abde has been linked with several La Liga clubs this summer but it looks as though Valladolid could be where he spends the 2022-23 campaign.
The youngster is expected to move on loan after signing a contract renewal at the Camp Nou.
Here’s what Ronaldo’s had to say:
“We want to reinforce ourselves on the far left, I hope that there will be surprises before the transfer market ends,” he said. “Abde is a great player and we are interested in it.”
Real Valladolid coach Pacheta also spoke briefly about Abde after the game.
“Abde is very good, I can tell you that,” he said. “But the rest is a matter of sports management.”
Ronaldo was expected to discuss the transfer after the game with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, but it looks very much as though Abde will go in search of regular minutes.
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Barcelona coach Xavi was full of praise for Robert Lewandowski after seeing his new signing bag a brace in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Real Valladolid.
The Poland international now has four in his first three games in La Liga and his manager is loving having him in his team at the Camp Nou.
“I would also highlight the goals, the perfect timing to receive the ball, his movements, how he protects the ball… He is an extraordinary player. Spectacular,” he said.
“He is a natural leader. It is wonderful to have him. A blessing. He is an example, a born worker. He has humility. He works for the team. He helps the coaching staff. He makes a difference. He feels comfortable. He talks to the youngsters.”
Xavi also admitted he’s already thinking about his team’s next game at Sevilla in La Liga.
“I’m already thinking about the game against Sevilla. This doesn’t stop. Today we played a complete game, but not perfect,” he added.
“Difficult games will come. The season is a challenge. There will be pressure and demand, and we have to take small steps.”
Barcelona are at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium next Saturday and face a home team who are still searching for their first win of the new campaign.
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You should see the other guy....
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has caused a stir all summer with his transfer dealings and caught the attention again on Sunday night.
The club chief was in the crowd to watch Barcelona take on Real Valladolid and you really couldn’t miss the fact he had a pretty impressive black eye.
According to Sport, it seemed Laporta had turned up wearing sunglasses but was happy to take them off when fans asked to have a look at his shiner.
Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images
Of course the internet loved that and speculated how it might have happened.
You can probably guess some of the jokes...but yes Javier Tebas’s name might have been mentioned...and Frenkie de Jong’s agent too...
The truth is probably far less exciting. Indeed Relevo reckon they’ve been told it was simply a “domestic accident.” Make of that what you will.
In any case Laporta does look to have a few busy days ahead of him, with Barca being tipped to indulge in more transfer activity before the transfer window closes later this week.
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Barcelona have won their first home game of the season and remain unbeaten to start the La Liga campaign thanks to a dominant 4-0 victory over Real Valladolid at the Spotify Camp Nou. Barça were dominant and played brilliant attacking football throughout the evening, and scored four very good goals to pick up all three points and send the crowd home happy.
FIRST HALF
The first 45 minutes were about as good as Barça fans could have hoped to see from their team. The Blaugrana were seriously impressive in the opening period, dominating possession and creating loads of chances with great attacking football.
Their defending was also excellent, especially with their high pressing which constantly took the ball away from Valladolid in dangerous positions. Jules Kounde looked comfortable and sharp at right-back in his debut, and Ronald Araujo was dominant in his favorite position at center-back. The midfield was alive, and the front three was unplayable.
And the goals that they fully deserved came in due time: the first was after an excellent cross by Raphinha that was finished at the far post by Robert Lewandowski, and the second came just before halftime when Ousmane Dembélé found Pedri inside the box and the Spaniard found the bottom corner with a beautiful finish.
At halftime, a dominant Barça were up two goals and had the potential to get a big win if they could keep up the good work in the second half.
SECOND HALF
Barça didn’t need to keep playing with so much energy and intensity after getting a two-goal lead, and the played smart football to manage the game, keep the ball and continue attacking without taking unnecessary risks at the other end. Valladolid kept trying to defend as well as they could, but the Blaugrana were just too good.
The third goal took a little while to come after a few very good chances were missed, but it was worth the wait: after another great run and assist from Dembélé, Lewandowski showed his talent and confidence and decided to backheel the ball into the net, with the help of a slight deflection from Joaquín that didn’t take away from the brilliance of the finish. It was finally 3-0 Barça, and the game was over.
Valladolid went forward looking for a consolation goal and almost got it on a wild sequence in which they had three shots on target in less than 30 seconds, but two great saves from Marc André ter Stegen and a goal-line clearance from Kounde kept Barça’s clean sheet intact.
The Blaugrana continued to attack and look for goals in the dying minutes, and found the fourth when Lewandowski’s shot inside the box hit the crossbar but Sergi Roberto was there to score on the rebound. The final whistle came shortly after to give Barça their first three points at home this season.
Barça played this one exactly the way a championship contender does when they face a weaker team at home: serious, professional, attacking from the start and winning with ease. It’s impressive and encouraging, and Xavi Hernández’s fingerprints are all over this team. Do more of this and this season will be a lot of fun.
WELCOME TO THE SPOTIFY CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth in the Catalan capital opens its doors for Barcelona’s third La Liga match of the season as they welcome newly-promoted Real Valladolid for some Sunday evening action. Barça picked up their first win of the campaign away to Real Sociedad last week and now look for their maiden home victory to keep pace with the other title contenders. This should 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 3
Date/Time: Sunday, August 28, 2022, 7.30pm CET (Barcelona), 6.30pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 1.30pm ET, 10.30am PT (USA), 11pm IST (India)
How to watch on TV: Not Available (USA, Spain), TSN 4 (Canada), Premier Sports 1 (UK), MTV (India), SuperSport (Nigeria), others
How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), Premier Player (UK), DAZN La Liga (Spain), others
Matchday Thread Rules
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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Xavi Hernández has called up 24 players for Sunday’s clash
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana welcome Real Valladolid to the Spotify Camp Nou for their third La Liga game of the season, and Xavi Hernández has called up the following 24 players for Sunday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 26. Iñaki Peña, 36. Arnau Tenas
Defenders: 3. Gerard Piqué, 4. Ronald Araujo, 15. Andreas Christensen, 18. Jordi Alba, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric García, 28. Alejandro Balde
The big news for this one is the first inclusion in the squad for new signing Jules Kounde, who has been officially registered and is finally available to make his competitive debut. Other good news include the return of Sergio Busquets, who is back after serving a one-game suspension. As for the absentees, Pablo Torre, Sergiño Dest, Ez Abde and Martin Braithwaite all miss out per the manager’s decision.
Predicted starting XI (4-3-3):
Ter Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, Eric, Balde; De Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Dembélé, Lewandowski, Fati
The match kicks off at 7.30pm CET (Barcelona), 6.30pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 1.30pm ET, 10.30am PT (USA), 11pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
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Photo by Lynne Cameron - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images
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The team were back at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Saturday morning for the last training session ahead of the game at home to Real Valladolid.
PREVIEW: FC Barcelona v Real Valladolid - FC Barcelona
After a 0-0 draw in their opening fixture against Rayo Vallecano, and then a slow start against Real Sociedad in their first away trip, things didn’t get off to the brightest of starts for FC Barcelona in La Liga 2022/23.
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On Sunday, FC Barcelona are back in action in La Liga as they host Real Valladolid, kick-off at 6.30pm CEST. Here's our lowdown on los pucelanos.
Official: Koundé is registered as an FC Barcelona player in LaLiga - SPORT
Finally, Koundé has been registered in LaLiga and will now be available for the match against Valladolid this Sunday at 19:30 at Camp Nou. Xavi Hernández will be relieved, as he was anxious to be able to field the French centre-back as soon as possible.
Ansu Fati sends a warm social media message to Samuel Umtiti - SPORT
Umtiti will play this season on loan at Serie A club Lecce until the end of the season. After he arrived in Italy, messages of support for the French centre-back have been pouring in, including one from Ansu Fati.
Pablo Torre will stay on in Barcelona to learn, comfirm Xavi Hernandez - SPORT
Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona coach, assured that Pablo Torre will not be loaned out and will remain in the Catalan club. The coach revealed that he recently spoke to Torre and conveyed that he still counts on him, and rejected the option of a loan move to Racing.
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How to watch on TV: Not Available (USA, Spain), TSN 4 (Canada), Premier Sports 1 (UK), MTV (India), SuperSport (Nigeria), others
How to watch online: ESPN+ (USA), Premier Player (UK), DAZN La Liga (Spain), others
Following a crucial victory away to Real Sociedad last week and a very good performance in the friendly against Manchester City in midweek, Barcelona return to action on Sunday evening in the Catalan capital when they welcome Real Vallladolid for some La Liga fun at the Greatest Stadium on Earth, Brought To You By Spotify.
Xavi Hernández’s men have put on two strong performances in a row after the slow start in the league opener, and with the Champions League just 10 days away there is very little time to build momentum and start taking form ahead of what is about to become a crazy busy schedule.
The transfer window is still open but Barça aren’t expected to do any major business apart from a couple of exits, so this is pretty much the squad that will fight for everything this season. There is depth and talent in all areas of the pitch, and it’s now up to Xavi to get the best out of his troops.
After the frustrating draw against Rayo Vallecano two weeks ago the Catalans have to get their first home win of the season to keep pace with the other challengers in the early days of the title race. A second straight home match without a triumph would be a nightmare scenario, and newly-promoted Valladolid arrive at Camp Nou confident after a strong performance away to Sevilla last week and will have nothing to lose.
But the Blaugrana are still clear favorites in this one and must pick up all three points without a scare to continue making strides. This is about playing well and dominating the way a true championship team does in these sorts of games. It goes beyond just winning.
Let’s dance.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Araujo, Christensen, Eric, Balde; De Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Dembélé, Lewandowski, Fati
Valladolid were very tough to beat the last time they went to Camp Nou and can be very frustrating to play against, but I’m still backing the home team all the way: 3-0 to the good guys and a strong performance.
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The defender has moved to Lecce
Ansu Fati is a class act both on and off the pitch and has sent a moving goodbye message to Samuel Umtiti after the defender completed a loan move to Lecce.
The teenager took to Instagram stories to thank the center-back for all the help he has given him during his time at Barcelona.
“Good luck Sam! Thanks for looking after me as your little brother, for all the advice and laughs together. I wish you all the best in this new stage, I’ll miss you!!!
Ansu Fati se despediu de Umtiti em seu Instagram:
“Muita sorte Sam! Obrigado por cuidar de mim como um irmão mais novo, por todos os conselhos e risadas juntos. Te desejo tudo de bom nessa nova etapa, sentirei saudades. pic.twitter.com/Dy5QymadVA
Umtiti has also taken to social media to say his farewells and also thank Lecce for the huge welcome he has received since landing in Italy this week from Barcelona.
He wrote, “I’m still taking in everything I experienced yesterday. Thank you for the love with which you received me, I am excited and eager to start competing with this Club. I also want to thank FC Barcelona and all its fans for the great years we have lived together, I wish you the best this season.”
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Barcelona coach Xavi faced the press on Saturday to preview his team’s next game against Real Valladolid on Sunday in La Liga.
The manager spoke about potential transfers, Jules Kounde’s situation, Alejandro Balde and striker Ansu Fati’s fitness.
Here are the best bits:
Xavi on Real Valladolid
I think it will be a very difficult match. They play the ball very well from the back. We want to have a very strong start. We admire Pacheta here. He’s brave and offensive, and tomorrow it will be a difficult game. They drew with Sevilla. We’re up against a Valladolid team that does things very well.
Xavi on Kounde
It’s a negotiation with La Liga. We are pretty sure that Jules can play tomorrow. We are optimistic.
Xavi on Barca’s UCL group
It’s a very difficult group, perhaps the toughest. We’ve made very good signings, invested a lot and we want to go through and fight for the trophies but yes the challenge is massive.
Xavi on full-backs
With Balde, we seem well covered at left-back. On the right, we don’t have a natural option beyond Dest, who knows what his situation is. We will see how the market is but the club’s intention is to strengthen at right-back.
Xavi on Aubameyang and Memphis
I don’t rule out any situation. Neither Aubameyang leaving or Memphis leaving... many things can happen. Let’s see where we are in five days.
Xavi on Balde
Balde’s played very well so far. He’s a young player, he has a lot of personality, potential. He’s very physical, can defend and attack. Last week he was outstanding.
Xavi on Ter Stegen
He’s a different leader. He’s very professional, a serious player. He doesn’t talk too much but when he does he’s a positive man. Last season he saved us several times. I recall many good performances but yes he’s a very good goalkeeper and we are delighted to have him.
Xavi on Bernardo Silva
You never lose hope, but honestly it is going to be difficult. Not an easy situation, there has to be exits on our part. It’s really difficult, really difficult
Xavo on Pablo Torre
I had a word with him. I think he should stay. I think he’s going to have minutes. He could have left and gone to Racing but I think this year will be a learning curve for him. Here he can learn more.
Xavi on transfers
There is a best case scenario, a less good one, and the worst case scenario. Three scenarios and we will see where we are when the market closes on Thursday. All of them are possible. And then we work with the players that are in the squad. Five days left and a lot can happen, in terms of ins and outs.
Xavi on Braithwaite
He has a contract. It’s all down to the negotiations. He knows my position. In May I told him he should leave. It all depends on the market, the options the player has. But he knows. I think I was very clear.
Xavi on Pique
I talked to him. I told him that we were about to sign many players at the back. It’s only two games so far. He will help us for sure. It depends on him as well. Feelings, training sessions. there’s competition at the back for everyone.
Xavi on Ansu Fati
Half an hour is enough for Ansu Fati at the moment. It’s a process, he’s been out for a long time and he needs to go little by little. I see him happy, he makes a difference. He’s fit but it’s a long process to be fully fit.
Xavi on if Barca have given up on Marcos Alonso
All scenarios are possible. Five days to go and then we’ll see. We are waiting for players to leave. I don’t rule out anything.
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Photo by Lukas Schulze - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
The Catalans will face Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen
UEFA have released the full schedule for the 2022-23 Champions League group stage, which will be condensed this season due to the World Cup. The games will begin in the first week of September and end on November 2, and Barcelona now know when and where they’ll play their six group stage matches.
This is Barça’s full schedule, with the kickoff times on Central European Time (CET):
Matchday 1: Barcelona vs Viktoria Plzen, September 7, 9pm CET, Spotify Camp Nou
Matchday 2: Bayern Munich vs Barcelona, September 13, 9pm CET, Allianz Arena
Matchday 3: Inter Milan vs Barcelona, October 4, 9pm CET, San Siro
Matchday 4: Barcelona vs Inter Milan, October 12, 9pm CET, Spotify Camp Nou
Matchday 5: Barcelona vs Bayern Munich, October 26, 9pm CET, Spotify Camp Nou
Matchday 6: Viktoria Plzen vs Barcelona, November 1, 9pm CET, Doosan Arena
The fixtures have lined up quite nicely for Barça who play their first and last games against Viktoria Plzen, which will allow them a strong chance to get off to a fast start as well as getting to the group stage finale knowing exactly what they need to do to qualify against the worst team in the group.
The middle four games aren’t easy, but at least Barça have avoided the nightmare scenario of facing Bayern twice in a row which could have really put them in a rough spot. They now know they’ll face Inter two straight times in a span of eight days, and those two games really do feel like the decisive ones when it comes to the Blaugrana’s fate in the group.
The Catalans do have somewhat of a comfortable La Liga schedule over the next couple of months so they won’t have too many tough league games before and after their European nights, but there are a couple of key dates to look at.
Barça’s opening match comes right after a trip to Sevilla, but because they’re facing Plzen they can afford to go with their best XI to the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán and rotate the squad for the European opener. The second game against Inter Milan comes right before the first El Clásico of the season, and the all-important group stage finale away to Plzen comes three days after the usual trip to hell known as Valencia away.
What do you think of our European schedule, Barça fans? Do your like our chances better after the release of the fixture list?
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History is constantly being made at Barça. The award for the Player of the Year in Europe is once again blaugrana and as such, the FC Barcelona badge harbours a unique achievement in football.
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Real Valladolid - FC Barcelona
La Liga is back at last this Sunday with FC Barcelona entertaining Real Valladolid at Spotify Camp Nou. It's a Sunday 7.30pm start local time and the global guide below shows what that means in selected countries and regions around the world so you can be sure you can catch the action from Camp Nou.
Juventus close the door on Memphis for good by signing Milik - SPORT
Memphis Depay will not play for Juventus this season. The high salary demands of the Dutchman have put off the 'bianconero' team. The Italians grew tired of waiting and have turned to greener pastures with the signing of Arkadiusz Milik.
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