“Next week, Marcos Alonso is to undergo surgery on the problems in the lumbar region of his back that have kept him sidelined in recent weeks. The club will be making an announcement immediately after to report on how the operation has gone.”
It remains to be seen how much time Alonso will miss. The versatile veteran has only made seven appearances this season in what could be his last campaign with the club.
Alonso’s current contract expires at the end of the season and there’s already been speculation the club are willing to let him leave in the summer.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/gWIkPuZ
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Joyous training session in front of the fans - FC Barcelona
There is no better way to see out the year than witness your heroes training in the flesh. That is exactly the experience enjoyed by thousands of fans on Saturday at the Estadi Johan Cruyff as a crowd heavily populated by younger Barça fans watched Xavi Hernández's team go through their paces in the traditional open doors day over the festive holidays.
2023: The year of Lamine Yamal - FC Barcelona
Life has totally changed for Lamine Yamal in 2023. He started it as one of many promising youngsters at La Masia, and he has ended it as one of the most talked-about teenage footballers on the planet.
Just a few months after Xavi has steered his side to the Spanish league title, Barcelona’s former midfielder is feeling the pressure.
In a sign of how demanding the job remains and arguably why Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique got out early - (both eminently more successful then their contemporary but arguably with far better squads) - a handful of poor performances and results has culers calling for the coach’s head.
Their ire isn’t without foundation, however.
At present, there appears to be little inspiration or direction coming from the bench and the team are winning in spite of Xavi and not because of him.
In the entire time he’s been in situ as coach of the Blaugranes, his modus operandi seemingly hasn’t changed.
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
Subs around the 60 minute mark regardless of how well or badly the team are playing, putting players in wrong positions and with no discernible tactical plan appear to be a couple of odd features of his management style.
If Barca were playing teams off the park and scoring a ton of goals, nobody would raise an eyebrow - but they aren’t. Far from it in fact.
Over the last 11 games in all competitions, the Catalans have lost four matches, drawn two and won only five.
They’ve been beaten by Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp in the Champions League, drawn with Rayo in La Liga, lost El Clasico from a winning position and when dominating the game, squeaked past Almeria and been soundly beaten by Girona in that time.
It’s no wonder then that the heat is on Xavi and his backroom team.
Unless there’s a sea change in performance levels on the pitch, then Barcelona can kiss goodbye to further progression in the Champions League.
That might be almost three months away at the time of writing, however, Xavi’s side have got to find their groove again.
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
Associative play has been disjointed and often predictable, and Xavi no longer has the excuse of not having a decent enough squad to coach.
Cancelo, Felix, Gundogan, De Jong, Lewandowski, Pedri, Araujo... to name just a few players that would get in most teams.
It’s clear that the club as a whole as well as the first-team are a work in progress, and with Xavi’s contract having recently been extended until 2025, it would appear that the club are willing to back him for now.
A title is an absolute must in 2023/24, but unless Xavi can rally the troops significantly La Liga is out of the question.
Another Copa del Rey might just about be classed as acceptable, though if it comes down to just a Spanish Super Cup being the only silverware won this season, Xavi can likely kiss goodbye to the club of his life before they relocate back to the New Camp Nou.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/EPerlu2
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery appears to have ruled out a winter move for Barcelona loanee Clement Lenglet by insisting his club “need” the defender.
Lenglet was linked with a move away after struggling for game time but things do appear to have changed recently.
The Frenchman has started the team’s last three Premier League matches, and Emery has made it clear he wants to keep hold of the defender.
“Lenglet is a very good professional. He even came when the players had a day off to do extra work. I speak to Lenglet and send him a message that I’m very happy with him,” he said.
“I need him, the team needs him now. We agreed a contract between the club and him to help us in the summer. There is nothing in my mind that has changed in this relationship.”
AC Milan and Bayern have both been linkd with Lenglet but it looks as though he will be staying put this winter now.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/c4vzpVP
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Vitor Roque joins first training session - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona couldn't have asked for a better Christmas gift! Vitor Roque is finally here, and after all the formalities and introductions to the club in the last few days, this Friday he got to train with his new team-mates for the very first time.
'Barça was my only option' says Vitor Roque - FC Barcelona
It's 10ºC in Barcelona, by no means the coldest place on the planet right now, but still much chillier than the 30ºC he was enjoying in Brazil until this week. But that hasn't wiped the smile off Vitor Roque's face as he settles into his new surroundings. And his first official interview since arriving in Europe was with FC Barcelona's own media...
RB Leipzig scouting Barcelona teen star Angel Alarcon - Football España
Barcelona could potentially lose another La Masia graduate in 2024 with Angel Alarcon attracting transfer attention. La Blaugrana have been forced to sell certain youth team stars in recent years due to a poor financial situation at the club.
Barcelona unmoved over Sergi Roberto contract extension - Football España
Barcelona will not rush a decision over a contract extension offer for full back Sergi Roberto in 2024. The veteran defender signed a one year extension in Catalonia in 2022 and his current deal will expire at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
Barcelona defender ruled out until March following back injury - Football España
Barcelona are struggling for a reprieve from their injury issues this season, and there will be no let up yet. Veteran left-back Marcos Alonso has been on the fringes this season, but as the Blaugrana enter the busiest stage of the season, they will be without the depth to rotate.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/QCDqYML
Joao Cancelo has opened up on working with Pep Guardiola and revealed how the former Barcelona boss made him “look at football differently.”
The Portugal international was signed by Guardiola and won Premier League titles and the FA Cup before falling out of favour and moving on loan to Bayern and then Barca.
Cancelo still speaks very highly of Guardiola and has revealed what it’s like to work with the coach.
“Pep made me look at football differently. I remember a period where our results weren’t good, we were in 10th or 9th place, I think, and he said: ‘We’re going to play with inverted full-backs,’ and I said: ‘Coach, I don’t know how to play that way. I’ve never done it.’ And he said: ‘I’ll teach you’,” he said.
“After training, I’d stay with him doing basic things that seemed like child’s play, but I’d go into the game, and it all flowed, you know? I think the consistency he has as a coach, the mentality he gives his players, that winning mentality... I’ve always loved winning, I’ve always been very competitive, but I think with him I became much more than I already was.”
Cancelo is still contracted to City until 2027. It’s thought Barca will try to sign him permanently if they can reach an agreement with Guardiola’s side.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/MAsIjKl
Here’s what he’s told the club’s media about what he’s been told to expect at Barcelona from Raphinha.
“Only wonderful things. That Barça is a fantastic club, perfect club, where it is easy to learn and work. But also that here the only things that matter are winning, winning and winning,” he said.
“I am coming here very much looking forward to doing things, learning and enjoying myself. I’ve been preparing for this with my personal coach. Every day we’ve been speaking to make sure I arrive in Barcelona in perfect condition.
“I can’t wait to play with Lewandowski. And with Raphinha too, of course. That’ll be a dream come true.”
Vitor Roque was also asked about what he can offer the team and told fans what they can expect from their new signing.
“A fighter who never gives up any ball as lost. And I also know that my job is to score as many goals as possible,” he said.
The arrival of Vitor Roque gives Xavi another option in attack for the second half of the season. Xavi has tried to play down expectations around Vitor Roque but Barca fans will be hoping he can make an instant impact.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/Vav0JtU
Photo by Omar Arnau/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
The wonderkid knows what he wants
Brazilian sensation Messinho is reportedly waiting to see if Barcelona come calling before making a call on his future.
The youngster is in demand and has clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG pushing hard for his signature, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The interest from the European giants mean that Palmeiras are also keen for Messinho to make a decision on his future as they eye a big payday.
However, it seems that Barcelona are the youngster’s top choice and he’s hoping the club will be able to make an approach.
Finances, as always, are the club’s problem when it comes to Messinho. He has a 60 million euro termination clause and he’s hoping Barca can match it.
That seems difficult right now, unless the club can find some kind of agreement with Palmeiras. MD add that Messinho’s agent Andre Cury is set to meet Deco and Joan Laporta to discuss the youngster soon.
Messinho is still only 16 which means he can’t move yet and any transfer won’t take place until 2025 when he’s turned 18.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/Bk1IUPh
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
FC Barcelona's first Brazilian player - FC Barcelona
Vitor Roque is the latest of a long series of players from one of the biggest hotbeds of footballing talent in the world. Here's the story of Lucidio da Silva, 'Cabeçao', the very first Brazilian to play competitively for the club.
Lewandowski returns early to training - Mundo Deportivo
Robert Lewandowski seems to be hungry to vindicate himself after a three-month period below his usual standards. One day before his teammates returned to training, he posted a picture on the training pitch at the club facilities.
Getafe's president reveals they want Oriol Romeu - Mundo Deportivo
Getafe president Ángel Torres made it clear they are tracking the market to reinforce the midfield position after the injury to Arambarri, and that his two targets are Oriol Romeu and former Blaugrana Ilaix Moriba.
Getafe president Angel Torres has hinted that his club could make a surprise move for Oriol Romeu in the January window.
Romeu has been linked with a move away from Barcelona already, possibly to former club Girona, after falling out of favor with Xavi’s side.
Getafe want a new midfielder after losing Mauro Arambarri to injury and Torres offered up the following response when asked about possible interest in Romeu.
“Nothing is impossible in football. I have told many times about Messi. I was able to bring him in when I was 16. In football, there are difficult things but not impossible. We are working on four or five very advanced things,
“We are waiting for the coach to come tomorrow or the day after tomorrow and give his agreement. One or two reinforcements will come as long as the coach agrees.”
Getafe have also been linked with former Barca midfielder Ilaix Moriba. The 20-year-old was once one of the club’s brightest young stars but has struggled since leaving Catalunya and may be on the move yet again.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/YUKuC3O
Kounde has now joined in with the praise and thinks the youngster has a bright future ahead of him.
“I had the opportunity to get to know him a lot in the preseason and to see him a little recently as well. I think he has a lot of talent. He is very, very explosive, very dynamic, very aggressive, very good with the ball, he has a good left foot,” he said.
“He recently arrived in a new country with a new language and I think he is doing very well, I have heard him speak a little Spanish already. I see someone who wants to work and I think he has a bright future ahead.”
Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
He would cost around 60 million euro
FC Barcelona sporting director Deco has one name at the top of the list in the search for a new defensive midfielder: Douglas Luiz.
The decision has not fully been made but reports say the Brazilian is at the moment the #1 target. Having bought Oriol Romeu as a stopgap solution to the exit of Sergio Busquets, to middling at best results to this point, Barcelona do not want to repeat that experiment. They want a player who’s ready to go and be a starter for some time.
Douglas Luiz, who is 25, is having a great season for Aston Villa and has many of the things the blaugrana are looking for. He’s good with the ball, defends well, and is tactically astute. They think he’s grown a lot under Unai Emery and is ready to make the jump.
Barcelona think they could buy him for around 60 million euro, but there are whispers that the Villans will ask much more for him, even 100 million.
Deco has been to England more than once to scout him out, and reports say he’s very pleased with the midfielder.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/wEt6xdy
The change could come as soon as the 2025-26 season
Barcelona and Nike have had a long-standing relationship, with the American company manufacturing the Catalan club’s uniforms for 25 years, but that partnership may soon be coming to an end thanks to Puma.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who are reporting that the German company that sponsors teams like Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and AC Milan and have high-profile deals with players like Neymar and Antoine Griezmann are making a “serious charge” to replace Nike as Barça’s main shirt sponsor, and that the prospect of the Blaugrana moving away from Nike has already become a topic of discussion in the dressing room.
MD says sources at Barça didn’t deny Puma’s interest but preferred not to discuss the theme as it’s a “complicated issue” within the club’s decision makers, thanks in large part to what has become a rapidly deteriorating relationship between Barça and Nike, who have had serious disagreements over the last few years.
Barça have complained about Nike not making enough products, with repeated shortages in stock at the club’s facilities in recent times. Nike also tried to renegotiate their deal during the pandemic to pay Barça less, while the Blaugrana argued they should be paid more as they are one of Nike’s largest sources of income.
The two sides very much don’t see each other eye to eye, and a renewal of their contract seems like the last possible option. And with Puma making a real push to take over and offer Barça a deal at the very top of the market as soon as the 2025-26 season, there is a real possibility that the 2024-25 campaign will be the last with the famous ‘Swoosh’ in the Barça shirt.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/atpUfLs
Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Vitor Roque arrives in Barcelona - FC Barcelona
He's here. Vitor Roque landed in Barcelona early on Wednesday morning and is enjoying his first few hours as a Barça player in the Catalan capital. The Brazilian striker, who is signing a contract until 30 June 2031, has a buyout clause set at 500 million euros.
Vitor Roque's first day in Barcelona - FC Barcelona
Vitor Roque is in town! The 18-year-old Brazilian international forward, who has joined FC Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense, has had a pleasant but busy first day as a Barça player in the Catalan capital.
Alexia procedure successful - FC Barcelona
First-team FC Barcelona Women player Alexia Putellas has had an arthroscopy to examine her left knee. Doctor Joan Carles Monllau performed the procedure at Hospital de Barcelona, with supervision by the Club's Medical Services. She is unavailable for selection and her recovery will determine her return.
Vitor Roque's number at Barcelona - SPORT
The Brazilian has many options to choose from, with numbers 10, 12, 16, 19, 24 and 25 all available. His placement in the dressing room right next to Marcos Alonso could provide a definitive clue.
Bernardo Silva has leapt to the defence of Portugal team-mate Joao Felix and says he’s more suited to Barcelona than Atletico.
Felix signed for Atletico in a club-record deal but failed to shine with Diego Simeone’s side and was shipped out on loan to Chelsea and then Barcelona.
Bernardo says that Felix simply isn’t suited to Atletico’s style of play but thinks he’s a lot happier now with Xavi’s side.
“I arrived at a club like Manchester City to which my qualities adapted, but Joao Félix did not. And it is not a criticism of Atlético. He went to the wrong place. I, perhaps, would not have succeeded at Atlético either. I would have tried to adapt and followed the coach’s idea. But it would not have been ideal for me.
“Now I am happy because I see him happy in Barcelona and in an environment more in line with his game. He is much stronger than a few years ago.”
Source | A Bola
Felix is believed to be keen to make his loan move to Barcelona permanent, but it remains to be seen if it will happen. Atletico will demand a huge fee for the forward which may price Barca out of a move.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/0QjYJDy
Pena, who had offers to move elsewhere in the summer, reveals why he decided to stay at Camp Nou despite having Ter Stegen ahead of him in the pecking order.
“When Xavi arrived I’d been in the reserves for several years and was the first team’s third choice keeper. He felt I had the potential to play for the first team and he wanted to me to get playing time somewhere else.
“He helped me to get the loan deal with Galatasaray. He thought I did well and when I returned he told me he thought I was ready to compete with Marc. That’s why I signed a new contract last season.”
Pena will have to drop back down to the bench when Ter Stegen returns from injury but does have his eye on the German’s spot in the team.
“We all want to play. That’s why we train. If you are happy being a second choice goalkeeper than that is what you will always be,” he added.
“I know my place in this team, but if one day I become the first choice, so much the better.”
Barcelona have confirmed that Alexia Putellas has undergone knee surgery to assess an ongoing issue.
Alexia hasn’t played for six weeks because of the issue and is now set for a further spell on the sidelines after an operation to try and assess the problem.
Here’s the club’s official statement:
“Women’s first team player Alexia Putellas has undergone revision arthroscopy on her left knee. This intervention was carried out by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, under the supervision of the Club’s Medical Services, at the Barcelona Hospital. She is out and her evolution will mark her availability.”
There’s no indication of how long Alexia will be out for but hopefully she will be able to return to full fitness soon.
The Barca star missed Euro 2022 due to an ACL tear but did return in time for Spain’s World Cup triumph in the summer.
Alexia also came off the bench in Barca’s Champions League win over Wolfsburg but has struggled this season with her knee problem.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/awZzYJi
The club will also confirm which number the attacker will wear and there are a few available right now. Ansu Fati’s No. 10, the 12, 16, 19 and 24 are all currently free at Barca.
Vitor Roque wore the No. 9 most recently at Athletico Paranaense but also took on the 27 and 39 before then.
Barcelona’s No. 9 shirt is currently worn by Robert Lewandowski, meaning Vitor Roque will have to change at his new club.
The most likely option seems to be the No. 19. Indeed Gerard Romero seems pretty convinced that it’s a done deal already and Vitor Roque will take on the shirt this season.
Vitor Roque will join his team-mates for training on December 29th when Xavi and his players get back to work after the festive break.
The players are gearing up for the return of La Liga and a clash with Las Palmas on January 4. It’s thought Vitor Roque could potentially debut in the game.
Xavi has already urged patience with the club’s latest signing due to his tender years and the fact he’s moving to a new country and a new league, but there’s no doubt his arrival is exciting and fans will be eager to see him in action as soon as possible.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/I2F79Gz
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
FC Barcelona 2023 by the numbers - FC Barcelona
Another year over and a new one about to begin. There have been ups and downs for Xavi Hernández and his team over the last few months, but the Liga title and the amazing number of clean sheets are what 2023 will probably be remembered for the most. Let's take a numerical look back at the year.
Iñaki Peña: 'I was always ready to play' - FC Barcelona
Marc-André ter Stegen's injury has meant that Iñaki Peña (Alicante, 02/03/1999) has taken his place for the time being as the regular first team goalie at FC Barcelona. And he has certainly shown that he is more than capable of assuming the responsibility. Here he is to tell us all about it.
Alexia to undergo surgery - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona women's football star Alexia Putellas is undergoing this Wednesday 27 December an arthroscopy on her left knee. The club will be making an official medical announcement once the operation has concluded.
Vitor Roque on his way to Barcelona - Mundo Deportivo
Vitor Roque and his family are already on their way to Barcelona, where the Brazilian forward will begin his time as a Barça player. The youngster arrived at the Curitiba airport along with his parents, his sister, his wife and her family to make a connection in São Paulo before arriving in Spain.
Pessimism with Pedri ahead of the Supercup - Mundo Deportivo
The muscle injury in the same area as the previous ones is not as minor as initially thought, and patience is advised. The coaching staff is already planning without the Canarian for the upcoming tournament in Saudi Arabia. The hope is to have him fully healthy at the end of January for the critical games in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/Ms6hmQK
Diario Sport reckon that Riad’s return means Barcelona could sell one of Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde or Andreas Christensen.
The club know they need to make a big sale in 2024, for financial reasons, and will listen to offers for their center-backs.
Inigo Martinez won’t be sold as he won’t command a high transfer fee due to his age, which means Araujo, Kounde or Christensen could be on the move.
Selling Araujo would be a surprise move by Barca. The defender is one of the first names on the teamsheet and there’s been speculation Barca want to extend his deal.
Sport reckon that out of Kounde or Christensen it’s more likely the Dane will go. He’s lost prominence this season and has admirers back in the Premier League.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/XzFkatq
Mundo Deportivo are now reporting that the injury is “not as minor” as first feared and Barca fear he won’t play again until the end of January.
Barca return to action against Las Palmas at the start of January and then play Barbastro in the Copa del Rey before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.
It had initially been assumed that Pedri would be back in time for the Supercopa but that no longer seems to be the case.
Barca don’t want to risk losing Pedri again and think it’s essential he’s fit for February when there are even more crucial fixtures to play.
Xavi’s side face Alaves, Granada, Celta Vigo and Getafe in La Liga but also play the first leg of their Champions League clash 16 tie with Napoli.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/gBtIYS6
João Félix, waterproof through all the ups and downs - SPORT
Joao Félix is used to having his name dragged through the mud or praised from time to time. The forward, who has three goals in the Champions League, lives day to day and doesn't listen to any noise.
No one has more points than Barça in 2023 - SPORT
The Blaugrana have regained the competitive character and the numbers demonstrate it. As part of their rebuild, Xavi's men now face the challenge of improving their game in 2024.
Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso set to leave Barça in June - SPORT
The club will communicate their decision in January to allow them to leave if they can't agree a new contract. The left-back already knows he will leave while the Blaugrana captain would be willing to make one last financial effort to stay.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/dbouCXw
Barcelona have already made a new signing for the 2024-25 season: the club have made the decision to activate the €7 million buy-back clause and will bring back 20-year-old center-back Chadi Riad from Real Betis next summer, according to Diario SPORT. The club have already communicated both the player and Betis about their decision, and are expected to wrap up the deal in the next couple of months.
Barça sold Riad to Betis for €3.5 million last summer and had been carefully watching as the young defender blossomed into a very productive, full-time starter for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. Riad has impressed with his physical skills as well as his ability to play from the back, and the Catalans are keen to have the youngster back as part of the first team next season.
Riad’s performances have already attracted interest from many clubs around Europe, and Barça decided to act quickly to bring the player back to Camp Nou before Betis have the chance to sell him somewhere else.
The Blaugrana trust Riad’s potential so much that they are willing to sell a center-back next summer, hoping that one of Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric García or maybe even Ronald Araujo can command a massive fee to help their financial situation.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/U1Zu0Sc
The women’s team is bringing some important profit
Barcelona’s all-conquering women’s team has arrived at the Christmas break with a perfect record, winning all 16 of their matches in domestic and European competition and guaranteeing a spot in the Champions League Round of 16 with two games to spare. Winning is nothing new for Jonatan Giráldez and Barça Femení, and their continued success brings much-needed financial relief during the club’s ongoing economic crisis.
While the men’s team lost two games in their European group that forced the club to book a friendly in Dallas three days before Christmas just to make up for the lack of income from their Champions League results, the women’s team’s perfect start to their continental campaign has already brought in 760,000 euros in prize money, according to Mundo Deportivo.
With two wins in the final two group games Barça Femení will qualify in first place with a perfect record which would bring in an extra 120 grand. Going all the way back to the Final for a fourth consecutive season would nearly double the current pool of prize money, and a successful defense of their European crown would mean nearly 2 million euros of profit from the ladies’ greatness.
The prize money in the Women’s Champions League is nowhere near as impactful as that of the men’s version, but in Barça’s financial situation every euro of profit is greatly appreciated. And while the boys might struggle, you can always count on Barça’s women to win games and make money.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/2Pau5pC
Forwards out of contract in 2024: The free agent options for Barça - Mundo Deportivo
FC Barcelona's economic situation continues to impact the operations the club can make both in the winter market and in the summer in 2024, and if they want to reinforce the forward areas they will have to be very focused on the options in the market that will cost nothing.
Fermín: "We are going for all the titles" - Mundo Deportivo
Fermín López (20 years old) is one of Barça's young assets, and one that Xavi Hernández counts on. After a successful year on loan at Linares, where he shined in a tough Third Division, he is now a regular in the Blaugrana first team.
Barcelona Femení, the only perfect team in Europe - SPORT
Barcelona's women's team has arrived at the Christmas break as the most in-form team in the five big leagues in Europe. Jonatan Giráldez's players have won every game they've played, both in domestic competition (12 league wins) and in the Champions League (4 wins in the group stage). Lyon, the only other perfect team in Europe until last week, drew 2-2 in their last European game against Brann.
Rafa Márquez's Barça Atlètic improves from one year to the next - SPORT
The Blaugrana affiliate has three points more compared to last Christmas despite playing in a tougher group in the Third Division. The most significant improvement is the scoring ability of the team coached by Rafa Márquez.
João Cancelo, the big decision - SPORT
The Portuguese is second in the squad in minutes and the only Barça player in the Champions League group stage's Best XI. Manchester City will make it tough for him to stay at Barça, but there's serious debate at the club because he's finally brought stability to a disgraced position in the last few years.
Lewandowski is no longer untouchable - SPORT
FC Barcelona might swear publicly that the Polish striker won't leave next summer, but the reality is another. Part of the club's directive is increasingly discontent with the player's performances.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/5GZ8vWH
All of which is likely to spell bad news for Barcelona. The Catalans are struggling to sign players due to Financial Fair Play and certainly can’t match the spending power of the two Premier League clubs right now.
Echeverri has a release clause set at 20 million euros in his current contract but could also be available as a free agent at the end of the year if he does not extend his existing deal at River Plate.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/KAWhR9c
The latest update on the situation comes from Germany, and a report that Bayern have been told Araujo won’t move this winter but aren’t giving up hope of landing the defender.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg says Bayern would have been willing to pay a “mega fee” for Araujo and that he remains a “dream target” for Tuchel.
It’s also claimed that Bayern believe they have a “small chance” of landing Araujo in the summer transfer window.
FC Bayern informed now, that Ronald #Araujo wants to stay at Barcelona in winter. Bayern would have been willing to pay a mega transfer fee.
➡️ However, despite his potential contract extension beyond 2026, there seems to be a small chance in the summer.
It’s thought that Barcelona could look to hand Araujo a contract extension at the club in a bid to keep hold of the defender and fend off interest in his services.
Araujo is contracted to the Catalan giants until 2026 and has a release clause set at a whopping €1 billion.
There’s no suggestion that Araujo is interested in leaving Barcelona, but the club’s financial situation means huge offers for key stars may have to be entertained next summer.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/rsDTSEw
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Barça Women back in training on 28 December - FC Barcelona
After the heavy 7-0 defeat of Rosengård in the Champions league, Barça Women now have some deserved days off from today 22 December. The last game of the year was the icing on cake on what was a very sweet 2023. Last season's Champions League win will come to mind immediately, but there are many more stats to highlight what this team does week after week.
Barça on track to keep João Félix - SPORT
The Blaugrana club, through the player's agent, is advancing on a one-year loan with a buy option. Atlético demanded a permanent transfer and even talked about a player swap, but everything points to a loan that could be agreed in January.
Barça want to renew with Marc Guiu - SPORT
The forward from Sant Celoni has a contract until 30 June 2025 but Barça want to extend their agreement with the number 9 from La Masia. The striker from the Barça academy has been a Blaugrana since the age of 6 and wants to stay for many years at the club of his dreams.
Lenglet's situation takes a turn - SPORT
The Frenchman had been playing very little for Unai Emery at Aston Villa and there had been talks of a new loan in the winter market, with AC Milan interested in signing him for the rest of the season.
Barça not aware of a possible sanction by UEFA - SPORT
A new report claims that Barça could be banned from the Champions League for alleged violations of UEFA's financial rules. The report caused surprise at Barça because in the accounts from the last few seasons, which were approved by La Liga, they have always presented positive balances.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/fGnuawz
He still has eight of them and three assists in 16 La Liga games of which two appearances were as a substitute.
A one-in-two ratio is pretty much as good as it gets unless you’re Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, and at 35 years of age too, there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s a decent goalscoring return from the Polish striker.
So why the rancour with the striker?
Could it be down to the amount paid for his services - not his fault of course - which has authored the narrative and expectation levels?
Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Perhaps it’s down to a diminishing amount of movement in and around the box, making him a target that’s harder to find. There’s even an argument that remaining more static makes him an easier target man but that’s a moot point.
His inability to control the ball at this point is nothing short of embarrassing for someone of his supposed level, and his effort has been called into question, but maybe the failures of the team as a whole is easier to pin on him.
One certainly can’t level the accusation at him that he’s come to Barca just for a big pay day. That is a consequence of his move of course, but it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t earned his euros.
Those culers expecting Vitor Roque to come parachuting in at Lewy’s expense and hit the ground running in a much tougher league than he’s been used to too are going to be disappointed.
Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
The Brazilian may well be the future of the club in an attacking sense, but it’s to players like Robert Lewandowski that he will initially look up to during his first few months.
Lewy’s experience will be invaluable to a player who’ll need to be aware of a steep learning curve, and we may find that they work brilliantly as a pair rather than one replacing the other.
Frankly, for the job he is handsomely remunerated for - putting the ball in the back of the net - he can’t be questioned on his current record.
Arguably, he’s being measured against his Bayern Munich goals return, in much the same way as culers routinely expect new coaches to be the next Guardiola and squads to be capable of winning the Champions League. It’s just not realistic at this point.
Should he be dropped though?
To give him a kick up the backside in terms of bringing his work-rate up to scratch possibly, but that’d be the only logical reason.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/QFJai9M
Vitor Roque is set to join Barcelona imminently, and has already been spotted packing his bags for his new club, which means we should be able to see the new signing shortly.
Diario AS have detailed Barca’s plans for the new signing including his presentation date, when he’ll train with his new team-mates for the first time and then make his debut.
The Brazilian is due to land in Barcelona on Wednesday, December 27. He will then train with the team when they return to action after Christmas on Friday the 29th.
Fans will then get a chance to see Vitor Roque for the first time when the club hold their traditional open door training session a day later at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
Vitor Roque will then be officially presented at an event on January 3rd and could then potentially make his debut against Las Palmas on January 4.
The report claims the club are “convinced” he can go straight into the team and are also keen for him to adapt to life at Barca as soon as possible.
Photo by Nesimages/Michael Bulder/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Five more debuts in the Dallas friendly - FC Barcelona
That's it for first team games for FC Barcelona in 2023. After the win against Almería, the blaugranes travelled to Dallas for a friendly against Club América. A very open game ended 2-3 in the Mexican side's favour that saw Xavi Hernández give debuts to another five players.
The January schedule will put this Barça to the test - SPORT
Xavi has given his players one week's rest after the friendly against Club América in Dallas and will return to work on Friday, December 29 in the afternoon. Starting then, the calendar becomes very demanding for the team, which could play as many as seven games in 27 days and three diferent competitions in January.
2024 will bring a tougher Xavi - SPORT
Xavi's squad has arrived at Christmas under certain tension. Aware of the need to press a button, the coach brought out the passion against Almería. That was the start of what will be, as of right now, a new version of Xavi. No more sugar on top.
Barça rubbing their hands with Sergiño Dest - SPORT
Sergiño Dest has returned to the level that made him a Barça player in 2020. The American full-back is playing very well at PSV Eindhoven, who are yet to drop points in the Eredivisie and that has reached the Champions League Round of 16. Dest's good performances have made many clubs interested in his situation.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/vxeBEdo
However, Emery says he wants to keep hold of the Frenchman for the rest of the season and has been happy with his summer signing.
“I am very happy with him. His commitment in every training session is amazing. He is a very good professional and always ready to play. The last matches he was sick. He was with us in Zrinjski,” he said.
“He was better at Brentford but still a little bit sick. Other players maybe wouldn’t be with the squad if they were feeling like he was.
“Tomorrow, if everything is going well, I think he is going to play. I am wishing to see him and am really very excited about how he will help us tomorrow and in the next matches.
“I want to keep him because we need players for the challenges we are going to face this season.”
Lenglet hadn’t managed a single minute of Premier League action for Villa up until that point, but Emery was as good as his word and started him against Sheffield United on Friday.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/9yZt2Sn
Felix has managed six goals and three assists for Barcelona so far this season but has struggled for consistency and comes with a lofty price tag.
Barca know that doing a deal with Atletico next summer will be difficult, and it seems Felix still has work to do to convince the club he’s worth the effort.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/d3qDCuL
Josep Maria Bartomeu had left the club on its knees and whomever came in to tidy up his mess was going to find things tough.
Decisions were going to have to be made from time to time that went against the ethos of the club simply for it to survive. Undoubtedly a risky strategy but also a necessary one.
With his swarthy good looks and salesman’s charm, Laporta has, thus far, steered the club through very choppy waters whilst retaining support from the vast majority of culers.
His decision to pocket in the region of €5m for the club for a meaningless friendly in Dallas, coming directly after a Spanish top-flight game and squeezing every last drop of energy out of certain players wasn’t the wisest choice, however.
Just like the mid-season trip to Mamelodi Sundowns which could arguably be used as the excuse as to why the club didn’t complete its first ever unbeaten season under Ernesto Valverde, so the friendly against Club America may end up being looked at as a step too far, despite a number of first-team players being rested.
The air miles and jet lag alone can have a marked effect.
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
In any event, the game itself wasn’t much to write home about.
Lamine Yamal and Marc Guiu getting on the scoresheet will have been a minor plus for Xavi, as will the debuts of Astralaga, Kochen, Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Mbacke, though the inability to hold onto the lead in both instances - even in a meaningless friendly - will still grate.
Henry Martin’s late winner for the Mexican side condemned Barça to defeat though in many respects the final score will be seen as a side issue to this sideshow.
He can’t do any worse than the immobile and out of form Polish international and, as he’s shown on three separate occasions already, he can do a lot better.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/osLUlSg
Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Barça 2-3 Club América: Defeat in Dallas - FC Barcelona
The blaugranes went down to a 3-2 defeat against Club América in Dallas despite going ahead on two occasions. The Mexicans came back from behind twice and a late header from Henry Martín gave them the win in a damp Cotton Bowl Stadium in Texas. 2023 comes to a close for Barça and they now return to Europe to enjoy a well earned short break before returning to action in the New Year.
Xavi says Club América game 'good spectacle' in Dallas - FC Barcelona
In the end Barça were unable to round of 2023 with a victory after going down to a 3-2 defeat against Mexican side Club América in Dallas. Nevertheless, after the game coach Xavi Hernández was able to take positives from the game in the USA which saw several young players given an opportunity with the first team.
Sergi Roberto: leading by example and grabbing goals - FC Barcelona
Blaugrana captain Sergi Roberto played a key role when FC Barcelona beat Almeria (3-2). Starting the game and playing the full 90 minutes, his brace helped to earn three much-needed points in the final LaLiga game of the year.
Barça 7-0 Rosengård: Big win in Europe to end a wonderful year (7-0) - FC Barcelona
This Barça team has such a hunger and hardly ever fails to live up to expectations, and this game was no exception. After winning 0-6 against Rosengård just over a week ago, Jonatan Giráldez' side put on another show to beat the same side, this time 7-0.
María León, blaugrana until 2026 - FC Barcelona
María León will be a blaugrana until at least 30 June 2026. The Club and 28-year-old central defender have an agreed a contract extension for a further two years. Mapi's contract was set to end on 30 June 2024, and she will have been a blaugrana for nine seasons when the current one comes to an end.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/jGzkqXa
Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
The Catalans were beaten in Dallas
Barcelona coach Xavi spoke out after the team’s friendly defeat to Club America and admitted some of his players had been tired.
The team flew straight out after beating Almeria in La Liga which saw Xavi field a youthful-looking team for the game.
However, Barcelona went on to lose 3-2 to the Mexican side, with Xavi still insisting there were plenty of positives to take from the friendly.
“Today we played a great game. Both Club América and Barça created great chances. Many young players played with us, that is a positive. Our starters were tired, yesterday they played against Almería and today some players were tired,” he said.
“This type of match is positive for Barcelona. The club is in a situation in which we have to adapt, in the end we offer ourselves to the fans of the United States. They always receive us with affection.
“They are a very good team, intense, technically very good. It’s no coincidence that they have won the championship.
“Club América work the way we work. An attacking team, they press high. I like their coach’s approach. They have great players, like Mexican players throughout history.”
Barcelona will now head home and enjoy a little time off over the festive period. The first game back is against Las Palmas in La Liga on January 4.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/VZDxsBk
It was another teenager, Lamine Yamal, who opened the scoring after just six minutes. The youngster raced upfield and beat goalkeeper Angel Malagon to make it 1-0.
Club America were quick to respond to going behind. Julian Quiñones levelled it up with a backheel just six minutes later.
Yet Barcelona went ahead again before the half-hour mark. Marc Guiu scored again for the first team, sliding home a finish after good work from Hector Fort.
However, that was about as good as it got for Barca. Quiñones bagged his second of the game just after half-time to make it 2-2.
The second half saw a raft of substitutions as Xavi sent on the likes of Ferran Torres, Oriol Romeu, Joao Cancelo and Robert Lewandowski.
But it was Club America who found a winner late on in the game. Striker Henry Martin headed past Diego Kochen in the Barcelona goal to score to seal a 3-2 victory.
Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
A win that didn’t feel like a win
Embarrassing end to the year for Barca
Barcelona played their final La Liga game of 2023 against Almeria and while it ended in a 3-2 win for the hosts it felt more like a defeat such was the level of performance by Xavi’s side.
The Barca boss would have been hoping for a comfortable win against La Liga’s only winless side to get his team back on track after defeats to Girona in La Liga and Antwerp in the Champions League and a bore draw with Valencia.
Instead Barcelona served up another incoherent mess of a match with the players looking utterly confused. There was more shambolic defending, some impressive misses but somehow they kept going and ground out the win.
İLKAY GÜNDOĞAN MISSES AN OPEN GOAL TO GIVE BARCELONA THE LEAD AGAINST LAST PLACE ALMERIA
One of the biggest positives of the night was the fact that Barca will now get a break over the festive period and have a chance to reset. Vitor Roque will also arrive between now and Barca’s next game which will hopefully give the team a much-needed boost.
Barca gift Almeria Christmas presents
Almeria had only ever scored two goals away at Barcelona in their entire history before last night but managed to bag a double, thanks largely to the hosts’ defense.
The usually reliable Ronald Araujo made an error for the visitors’ first goal and then jumped into Inaki Pena, which saw the goalkeeper drop the ball, as Almeria grabbed a second.
What’s perhaps more worrying is that Almeria also had plenty of other chances to score.
2 - Since at least 2007/08 season, #Barcelona have made two errors that ended in goals in the same @LaLigaEn game for only the fifth time in the competition, the first since May 2019 v Eibar. Disorder.
Xavi seemed surprised after the game and was not at all happy with his team when he spoke to reporters.
“We suffered much more than I expected,” he said. “We had 30 shots and gifted them two goals. The first half is unacceptable. As a coach you can’t accept that — I told [the players] that at half-time.”
Barcelona have now conceded 21 goals in La Liga this season, that’s more than the whole of the previous campaign when Xavi’s side shipped only 20 on the way to the title.
The two goals Barca conceded against Almeria were self-inflicted, as has been the story so often this season, but there seems little signs of the situation improving right now.
Sergi Roberto is the unlikely hero
In the end Barcelona had none other than Sergi Roberto thank for the three points. The captain, who has barely featured since taking the armband this season, bagged a brace for the first time in his career to secure the win.
The first was a fine flicked header from a Raphinha corner to put Barcelona 2-1 up. Yet Almeria equalised again which left Barca needing their captain to step up once more.
And step up he did. This time Robert Lewandowki, who once again missed a host of chances, was involved by teeing up the captain late on in the game.
Roberto then popped up with a great touch and finish to finally put Almeira away. He nearly bagged a hat-trick shortly afterwards too but his effort hit the woodwork.
It was a vital contribution from the captain and one that rather summed up Barca’s night. Despite all the superstars and big-money signings on show it was the academy graduate, much-maligned these days and tipped to leave in the summer, who showed the spirit needed to get the win.
from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts https://ift.tt/l1mf7Mk
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25183113/1874954891.jpg)
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25183114/1873687741.jpg)
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25183107/1872923025.jpg)
Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25183106/1414332798.jpg)
Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25180928/1873663234.jpg)
Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images
