FC Barcelona News: 31 December 2025; Preparations begin for Catalan derby, Pedri set to start against Espanyol
Work continues – FC Barcelona Life may have slowed down for many people in the festive period, but not so at FC Barcelona, where the team are still training hard. This coming Saturday at 9pm CET there is a derby away to Espanyol, and the players need to be ready for what promises to be a tough challenge.
Pedri and Koundé continue at full pace – Mundo Deportivo After the open training session at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Barça continued preparing for the derby against Espanyol with the full-back and midfielder training normally, while Olmo again managed his workload.
Espanyol ban Barcelona colors from stadium for La Liga clash
Espanyol have issued some updates for supporters planning to visit Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated clash between the two sides at the RCDE Stadium.
The game is expected to see be a typically feisty derby affair, particularly as it will see former Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia return to the club for the first time as a Barcelona player.
“Access to the RCDE Stadium with any type of garment, scarf or FC Barcelona identifying symbol is strictly prohibited: No person wearing t-shirts, scarves, caps, flags or any other insignia of the visiting team will be allowed access. This regulation is applicable to all areas of the stadium. Security and access control personnel will ensure strict compliance with this rule. Anyone wearing FC Barcelona symbols will not be able to enter the stadium.”
The club have also confirmed that safety nets have been installed behind both goals to improve safety and prevent objects being hurled onto the pitch. The update read: “We would also like to inform you that a safety net has been installed at both goals of the RCDE Stadium. This action has been taken with the aim of guaranteeing the safety of all attendees and promoting the proper development of the event.”
Barcelona head into the match top of the table in Spain, while Espanyol sit in fifth place.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Denis Suarez reveals the real story behind Gerard Pique’s legendary ‘se queda’ post about Neymar
Former Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez has revealed the story behind Gerard Pique’s now legendary post about Neymar prior to his shock departure from the club.
Pique tweeted a picture of himself with his arm around Neymar and the words ‘Se queda’ (he stays) amid intense speculation about a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
Yet Neymar did indeed heading to France after his €222 million release clause was activated, and Suarez says the players all knew he would be leaving when Pique posted on social media.
“There was a moment when we already knew he was leaving. With the ‘se queda’ photo, we already knew he was out,” he told the Post United.
“We were in preseason and all the commotion surrounding Neymar’s future caught us by surprise. But there was a moment when we already knew he was leaving. We started telling Piqué he didn’t have the balls to post it..and he did.”
Denis also admitted that the players did try to convince Neymar to stay but were unsuccessful, adding: “There were close teammates who tried to convince him to stay, and I also think he should have stayed; he was going to be huge at Barça. He was soon going to be number one.”
FC Barcelona News: 30 December 2025; Ronald Araujo and Dani Olmo return for open training session, Barça make move to sign Dusan Vlahovic as free agent
New faces in a special session – FC Barcelona A slightly different return to work for the blaugranes after the Christmas break with the traditional open door training session at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. Ronald Araujo and Dani Olmo also returned to train with their team mates in a workout that marks the beginning of preparations for the Catalan derby against Espanyol in the New Year.
Barça make a move for Vlahovic – MARCA The Catalan club has already made a move to acquire the services of Dusan Vlahovic, the Serbian striker from Juventus. The former Fiorentina player, whose transfer was one of the most expensive in Serie A history at nearly €80 million, is out of contract in June 2026, and Barça have already made initial contact.
The Uruguay international, who has taken some time out recently, was back with his team-mates as Hansi Flick put his players through a light session at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
Hansi Flick’s side are currently gearing up for a Catalan derby clash with Espanyol on January 3rd and then a trip to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup.
The Spain star is expected to miss out on the game against Espanyol but should make the Super Cup squad.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Espanyol supporters’ group call for calm ahead of visit from Joan Garcia and Barcelona
Barcelona head to Espanyol for their first La Liga game of 2026 in what promises to be a big game for many reasons.
Hansi Flick’s side head into the game on top of the pile in La Liga, but Espanyol have been enjoying a fine season too and currently sit in fifth place in the table.
There’s also the small matter of Joan Garcia returning to his old team for the first time since signing for Barcelona, with home fans now being urged to keep calm.
A supporters’ group has posted a letter ahead of the match, explaining why it would be a good idea for fans not to let their occasion get the better of them when the two teams meet on Saturday at the RCDE Stadium.
“January 3rd is a very special match that all Pericos and Pericas always mark in red on the calendar. In addition, this year’s derby has the added bonus of being his first match at the RCDE Stadium.
“We are aware of the feelings surrounding his return, but it is essential to keep a cool head, as far as possible. There are many external factors watching us closely and eager to attack us. Furthermore, we cannot forget that the stadium is under threat of closure, so we must be aware of what is at stake.
“The first team this season is making us enjoy ourselves like few times before and, as the players themselves admit, it is partly thanks to the support they have when they play at home. For this reason, I ask all supporters to please behave responsibly for the full 90 minutes in a way that doesn’t jeopardize the rest of the season and to cheer the team on relentlessly.”
Espanyol are reportedly installing safety nets behind both goals to prevent any objects thrown from the stands from reaching the pitch. The club have previous been sanctioned for ugly incidents at the RCDE Stadium and fear a repeat could result in severe punishment.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona make move to sign Dusan Vlahovic as Robert Lewandowski’s replacement
Barcelona have reportedly made contact with Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic in a bid to try and sign him in the summer transfer window after his contract expires.
A new report from Marca states that Barcelona have “already made a move to acquire the services of Vlahovic” and are hoping to land the 25-year-old.
He does now look set to move on from Juventus next summer, and it seems Barca see him as a good option on a free transfer.
The Catalans are looking for replacements for Robert Lewandowski, who is also out of contract at the end of the season and unlikely to be offered a new deal.
Lewandowski is thought to have offers from MLS clubs already, while he is also thought to have admirers in the Saudi Pro League.
Would Vlahovic be a good signing for Barca this summer? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 29 December 2025; Hansi Flick asks Barça to keep Marcus Rashford, João Cancelo linked with return to Camp Nou
Barça triumph at the Globe Soccer Awards – FC Barcelona The 2025 Globe Soccer Awards were tinged with blaugrana on Sunday with up to eight awards for FC Barcelona at the gala ceremony which took place in Dubai. Aitana Bonmatí and the Barça Women side were amongst the winners as were Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Hansi Flick after a 2025 filled to the brim with success.
Carles Vilarrubí passes away – FC Barcelona Today, Sunday 28 December, Carles Vilarrubí passed away aged 71 years old. He was FC Barcelona vice president from 2010 to 2017, and was also responsible for the Institutional and International Area for the Club. He had previously worn the blaugrana jersey in a four year spell playing for the ice hockey team.
Cancelo will leave Saudi Arabia and the rumors begin – SPORT Cancelo wants to leave now and is looking for a destination in Europe to arrive at the World Cup in top form. All sorts of rumors are circulating in Saudi Arabia linking him to Barça, although the full-back position is not a priority for them.
Flick prioritizes Rashford’s continuity at Barça – SPORT Hansi Flick wants the Englishman to stay with the project because he is satisfied with his performance, his statistics, and his professionalism. Everything will depend on the financial terms.
The 37-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and the current feeling is that he’s likely to leave on a free transfer.
Several names have been mentioned as a possible replacement already, such as Julian Alvarez, but a new report claims Barcelona are now changing their stance on how to replace their No. 9.
According to Diario AS, Barcelona “are seriously considering not signing a superstar” replacement for Lewandowski if he does move on.
Financial reasons seem to be the most obvious reason why, although AS also claim that Ferran Torres’s form is another reason for Barcelona’s decision.
Ferran ends 2025 with 27 goals in all competitions which has apparently convinced Deco and Joan Laporta that he could take over from Lewandowski.
The report says that Barcelona could still sign another attacker if Lewandowski leaves, lending weight perhaps to reports that Etta Eyong is a target.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen to Girona transfer talk heats up ahead of January window
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future continues to be the subject of speculation ahead of the opening of the January transfer window.
Ter Stegen has lost his place in the team following the arrival of Joan Garcia and has been told he needs to be playing regularly if he wants to be Germany’s No. 1 at World Cup 2026.
Girona have already been mentioned as admirers and, ahead of the opening of the January transfer window, more talk of a move to Michel’s side has appeared.
A new report from Diario Sport claims that Girona are “going to do everything possible” to try and land Ter Stegen on loan for the rest of the season.
Reporter Adria Albets has also talked about the move but warned that Girona can’t afford Ter Stegen’s salary. Yet it’s claimed Barca don’t want to pay it in full for the rest of the campaign either, suggesting some kind of agreement could be reached.
Girona may not be the high-profile club that Ter Stegen had been hoping for, but it would keep him close to his family in Catalunya which has previously been cited as one reason he doesn’t want to move from Barca.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Hansi Flick eager for Barcelona to keep hold of Marcus Rashford
According to Diario Sport, Flick is now hoping that Barcelona can make Rashford’s stay permanent and the club are trying to figure out a way for that to happen.
Barca do have a purchase option on Rashford, but the report suggests that the Manchester United’s star fee and high wages make such a transfer difficult for the club financially.
It’s already been reported that Barca want to try to negotiate a lower fee with United, although whether the Red Devils will be willing to lower their price remains to be seen.
Rashford may also have to take a pay cut to continue his stay, while the possibility of another loan is also mentioned. As for Rashford, he’s already made it clear he wants to stay for as long as possible.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 28 December 2025; Robert Lewandowski talks Barça future, Man City center-back Nathan Aké linked with January move to Camp Nou
Gerard Martín makes his mark in 2025 – FC Barcelona How long and fruitful a Barça career Gerard Martín will have is unknown, but what we do know is that the blaugrana number 18 has had a fantastic 2025. It began with growth and adaptation to having made his mark as a dependable defender in different positions.
Although it’s not been a vintage campaign so far for Barcelona by any means, there have been a handful of positives for Hansi Flick and the board to chew over.
Not least the most surprising of all, the productive form of Marcus Rashford.
The 28-year-old cut a forlorn figure at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, to the point where you wondered if the England international was ever going to rediscover his best form.
However, the structure of the deal always afforded the Catalans a win-win. Perform as expected and Flick could send him packing with a polite ‘thanks but no thanks.’
Exceed expectations, and the club were in pole position to hire Rashford permanently, for below market value.
The latter scenario has most definitely occurred, and to date, in 23 matches in all competitions, the wide man has come up with a more than acceptable seven goals and eight assists.
It isn’t just his output that already means the club could have a real conundrum come the end of the season, either, as he’s certainly given the squad something different.
Where once at United he was lackadaisical in possession or hunting down the opposition, since joining the Blaugranes he has been purposeful, direct and ready to fight for every ball.
He has more than justified his place in the team, whether as a starter or an impact sub, and – at worst – as a back-up to Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, he offers a significant presence.
Don’t forget too that he has played as the main striker at United with reasonable success. If both Ferran and Lewandowski (or any replacement) were to get injured, there’s no reason to think Rashford couldn’t be utilised in the middle of a front three.
There’s just one major sticking point to any permanent move, of course, and the elephant in the room can’t be ignored.
Barcelona do have other priorities in the squad, particularly in defence, and with finances getting better but still not where they need to be, the club may not be able to afford him.
Even for a reported €30m/€35m (£26m/30m) fee, Deco is going to be hard-pressed to factor that into any transfer spend next summer.
Realistically, the two options that the club has are that they try and renegotiate the purchase price, knowing that United don’t want him, or allow him to leave with their good wishes and hope he doesn’t have a sensational World Cup that leaves Barca regretting their decision.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Fermin Lopez reveals how Raphinha’s energy inspires Barcelona
Raphinha has been in sensational form in 2025 and his return to fitness has been a big boost for Hansi Flick’s side.
Lopez says that Raphinha’s intensity and hunger for the game is infectious and helps the other players at Barcelona.
“He has a lot of energy and he transmits that to the team. When he’s on the pitch and you see how he goes under pressure, how he gets unmarked, the intensity he has in every move he makes,” he told Sport.
“It spreads it to our colleagues and we all go with the same energy. And of course it was noticeable when he wasn’t there, he’s a very important player.”
Barcelona are currently top of the table in Spain and hoping to add more titles in 2026. Lopez says he’s hoping for another successful campaign and is dreaming of winning the Champiojns League.
“We are very competitive and we are going to try again,” he added.
“There’s a long way to go and we’re taking it step by step, but we want to be in the final and win it. Hopefully it can be. We have that dream, that goal of winning the Champions League.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Robert Lewandowski reveals all about shock claim Barcelona asked him to stop scoring
Robert Lewandowski has seemingly set the record straight on a recent claim that Barcelona asked him to stop scoring in his first season at Barcelona so as to avoid paying a bonus to Bayern Munich.
Sebastian Staszewski wrote in his biography about Lewandowski that Barca asked him to not score in their final two games of the season otherwise they would have to pay Bayern a €2.5 million bonus.
Lewandowski has now been asked about the situation and had the following to say in a chat with Bogdan Rymanowski on YouTube, per Marca.
“There are some things that I don’t want to speak about. I respect FC Barcelona, and everyone who works there,” he said.
“I was aware of the club situation. Many things had to be resolved for the good of the club. In summary, it was a bonus. At that moment, Barça were looking at every single euro. It was not a small thing.
“For me it didn’t change anything, I had no problems with it, but I kept wondering if I should score or not.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin emerge as Barcelona’s unlikely heroes
There can’t be too many culers, if any at all, that would’ve predicted at the start of the season just how vital Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin would have become for Hansi Flick.
To date, Eric is the only player in the entire squad that has played in every game this season, and his recent contract renewal– and that of Gerard Martin – speaks volumes.
At one point, the former was more out than in at the club, and his brilliant showing whilst on loan at Girona had certainly seen his star ascend.
Perhaps seen as a jack of all trades but master of none at times, there didn’t really appear to be a future for Eric in any position.
And yet, certainly this season and evidently in some of the last, he’s proved his worth to the team.
As solid as they come in a physical sense, he isn’t a player who will shirk any tackle, even if it literally means taking one for the team. The mask he currently has to wear is evidence of that.
His passing has improved immeasurably and, whilst he could time his tackles better on occasions, he represents a fearsome shield in front of the back four.
Not to mention he can fill in at centre-back and right-back as needed, whilst also providing a supplementary attacking presence from set-pieces.
The versatility that was once a potential handicap has now become a godsend for Hansi Flick, who knows he can rely on Eric to give his best in whatever position he’s asked to play.
Flick certainly seems to be moving players around a lot more this season, too, and Gerard Martin’s somewhat surprising conversion to centre-back is a prime example.
Destined to be Alejandro Balde’s back-up in the left-back slot, the 23-year-old has made the position next to Pau Cubarsi his own in a very short space of time.
Andreas Christensen’s future at the club looks increasingly uncertain, and with Ronald Araujo currently unavailable, Martin has looked a calm presence in the heart of backline.
In the club’s hour of need, Martin has stepped up and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Right place, right time, you might say.
Both players have certainly been as important as any other in the club’s recent winning run, and in football you don’t change a winning team…
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Fermin Lopez reveals what Hansi Flick asks of him at Barcelona
The 22-year-old has scored seven goals and contributed four assists so far this season in all competitions, and says Flick wants him to make the most of his attacking attributes.
“Well, he asks me for intensity, pressure, to be vertical, to be calm with the ball, not to lose balls, to step into the box, to shoot… The game I’ve always tried to make. And he gives you that confidence and I’m very comfortable with him,” he said.
Lopez also spoke about how Flick’s calmness and composure really helps the team after matches no matter what the result.
“The coach’s message is very positive and that is fundamental,” he added.
“Whether things are going well or when they are going badly, his message is always one of calm, of following our path and of doing what he asks of us, what we know how to do. Above all, to be united.
“The message in the dressing room is clear and we all feel it that way, we are all going together.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 26 December 2025; Aitana Bonmatí talks injury recovery, Barça interested in center-back Marcos Senesi
The caring side of Marcus Rashford – FC Barcelona Watch the English striker visit two Barça Foundation projects: a socially troubled school in Ciutat Vella and community centre in Zona Franca, both in the city of Barcelona.
Aitana: “My goal is to play again this season” – Mundo Deportivo The best player in the world, currently injured, spoke about her recovery process. The Catalan midfielder emphasized that “I’m trying to take it in a positive way: it’s a break that life has given me to come back better and surely to enjoy time that I didn’t have before.”
Center-back Marcos Senesi is on Barça’s radar – SPORT The 28-year-old left-footed defender could leave in the January transfer window if a transfer fee is paid. He is one of the players Barcelona has been monitoring.
Pedri names his best players in the world and includes two Barcelona team-mates
Pedri has emerged as one of the best players in the planet during his time at Barcelona and has now been asked to name the players he thinks are the very best.
The Barcelona midfielder went for two of his team-mates – Lamine Yamal and Raphinha – as he listed six stars as the world’s best right now.
“Mbappé, Lamine, Salah, Haaland, Raphinha or Julián Álvarez are the best in the world,” he told Esquire magazine.
“I want to play against all of them, except Lamine, who plays with us. Even more so with Haaland and Salah, because I haven’t faced them yet.”
Pedri is set to come up against the best players around next summer when Spain head to World Cup 2026. La Roja will be one of the favorites for glory and Pedri thinks it’s a tag they deserve.
“It’s not an exaggeration, no. Winning a World Cup is always very complicated, there are great teams,” he added.
“Argentina, the current champion, will be there. And also England, Germany, France and Brazil, which are always strong. But so are we.”
Of course the season hasn’t been all smooth sailing and there have been a few bumps along the way.
Yet Hansi Flick has some real quality players in his squad who have helped fire Barca back to the top of the table, so let’s see which stars have been shining brightest so far this season…
Pedri
Barcelona midfielder Pedri has once again been a cut above this season for Hansi Flick’s side. The midfielder simply makes the game look easy and Barca are a completely different side when he is in the team.
His performances mean the plaudits have continued to roll in from far and wide. “Pedri is undoubtedly Harry Potter” said Luis Enrique before the Champions League tie between Barcelona and PSG, while Paul Scholes has admitted the Barca star is his “No. 1.”
Meanwhile, Flick has gone for “fantastic, “incredible” and “top class” when talking about Pedri and may just be rapidly running out of adjectives to describe his midfield star.
Pedri missed the final game of 2025 with a knock but should be back in time for Barca’s next game. One thing’s for certain, if Barca are to win trophies this season they will need Pedri in the team.
Raphinha
Barcelona have been forced to cope without Raphinha for chunks of this season already but it’s been no surprise to see results improve when the Brazilian is in the team.
With Gavi still out injured, Raphinha seems to have taken over the role of being Barcelona’s heart and soul and his seven goals and three assists from just 11 La Liga games once again highlight his importance to the team.
Raphinha’s Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best snubs remain something of a mystery, although Barca fans really don’t need to be told exactly how good their No. 11 is.
No one will really have expected to see Eric Garcia on this list at the start of the season but there’s no doubt he’s been absolutely vital in the first half of the campaign.
We already knew he was one of Hansi Flick’s favourites at Barcelona but he’s backed that status up with some excellent performances in a variety of positions this season.
Garcia has stepped up at right-back, center-back and in midfield and is not even letting a broken nose affect his performances right now.
He’s the only player to feature in every Barcelona game so far this season and has already been rewarded with a new contract with the Catalans.
“He could be captain in the future,” is what Flick has said of his versatile star, although Garcia was quick to play down such talk in typically humble style.
It’s all a far cry from the not-too-distant past when he looked destined to leave. Right now, it seems he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal is another player who has been affected by injury issues this season but he has remained vital to Barcelona’s clause.
Still just 18, he ends the year with 21 goal contributions across all competitions in 2025-26. If you crunch the numbers that comes out at a rate of one for every 83 minutes – impressive stuff.
Yamal has continued to star at a time when his private life is regularly making headlines and tensions between Barcelona and Spain have risen to boiling point over the way he’s been handled by the national team.
Indeed it’s easy to forget sometimes that Yamal is only 18 years of age, still wearing braces on his teeth and just at the very start of his career.
After a year where he finished second in the Ballon d’Or, who knows what 2026 will bring?
Joan Garcia
Joan Garcia didn’t have the smoothest start to his Barcelona career. Swapping Espanyol for Barca was also going to be a controversial move, while nudging Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen towards the exit door has also prompted plenty of debate.
Yet Garcia has adapted to life at his new club with the minimum of fuss and has simply let his football do the talking so far.
A knee injury has disrupted his campaign but he’s since returned and looks like he’s never been away.
Garcia was signed as a “market opportunity” that Barca couldn’t turn down. It’s looking to be a very, very good bit of business so far.
Did I miss anybody out? Tell us which Barcelona players you have been most impressed by so far this season in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 25 December 2025; Merry Christmas!
Lamine Yamal is the king of dribbling – FC Barcelona Lamine Yamal is already, at just 18 years old, one of the key members of the current Barça squad and one of the top players in world football after a spectacular 2025. The calendar year has seen the teenager establish himself as a fundamental pillar of coach Hansi Flick’s system and the statistics back up that appraisal.
Guéhi-Barça: cooled down due to his high price tag – Mundo Deportivo Barça followed him and there were meetings between the club and his agents, but he has very high offers from Bayern and Liverpool. There has been no contact between the two parties for several weeks now, and the center-back doesn’t want to wait much longer to resolve his future.
It’s been a slightly different story in Europe, with Barca down in 15th place in the Champions League and with work to do when domestic action resumes in 2026.
Here’s a look at what we’ve learned from the season so far…
Joan Garcia was a great idea
Barcelona signed Joan Garcia in the summer and there were plenty of raised eyebrows when the club’s interest in the Espanyol stopper was revealed. There was talk about it being a good ‘market opportunity’ and the goalkeeper duly arrived in deal worth €25m.
Garcia has gone on to prove to be a great bit of business for Barca and looks a real snip already. Injury has interrupted his campaign but he’s now back fit and has been given clear backing by Hansi Flick. The Barca boss has made it crystal clear that Garcia is his No. 1 this season and ahead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Wojciech Szczęsny in the pecking order.
Barca’s high line still a problem in Europe
Barcelona may be top of the table in Spain but in Europe it has certainly not be smooth sailing. Indeed Hansi Flick’s side look like they could miss out on automatic qualification to the knockout stages and may have to go through the play-offs instead.
The Champions League has brought some humbling moments for the Catalans. Newcastle were comfortably beaten at St James Park, but Chelsea handed out a lesson, while PSG enjoyed another win over Barca and Club Brugge managed a 3-3 draw in a wild game.
The performances have drawn plenty of criticism with Thierry Henry adamant Barca can’t win in Europe playing this way. Flick’s side may be able to outscore teams in La Liga but it’s not always been the same case in the Champions League this season.
Yet Flick’s not for changing and it will be interesting to see how he approaches the rest of their European fixtures.
Yamal looks good as a No. 10
Lamine Yamal has long been tipped to play as a No. 10 at Barcelona and was given the chance to show what he can do in the role against Real Betis.
It proved to be a masterstroke by Hansi Flick as the Barcelona teenager put in a brilliant performance as Barcelona ran out 5-3 winners in an exciting game.
“We asked him if he would like to play as a ‘10’ and he said yes,” said Flick afterwards. “Everything I saw of Lamine tonight was good. The connection with Roony. The most important thing was his defensive contribution. It was incredible.”
For now Yamal looks set to continue in his usual position on the right of the Barcelona attack, but we’ve certainly been offered a glimpse of Yamal as a 10 and it would be no surprise if he ended up there in the future.
Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin were worth hanging on to
Two of Barcelona’s unlikely heroes this season have been Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin who, let’s face it, have had to put up with plenty of criticism from fans during their time at the club.
Yet both players have managed to turn around their situations and have emerged as really important members of the squad.
The two stars have been fully backed by Flick and have both shown their versatility. Eric’s played across the backline and in midfield, while Martin has moved from left-back to central defence in recent weeks.
Both players have been able to secure contract extensions in 2025 and they’ve shown that, for now at least, they are worth keeping around the Camp Nou.
Rashford makes a strong case to stay
Marcus Rashford made it clear he was desperate to join Barcelona over the summer and was eventually granted his wish after a loan deal was agreed with Manchester United.
There have been plenty of question marks over Rashford since he arrived in Catalunya, but he has certainly posted some decent statistics and delivered a strong case to stay on.
Despite all the speculation about what might happen next with Rashford, it seems logical that Barca won’t make a decision on his future until nearer the end of the season.
Rashford’s had a very decent first half of the campaign but is known for being ‘streaky.’ The big challenge for him in 2026 is to maintain his current form if he is to earn a permanent stay.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘What I want is to stay at Barcelona’ – Marcus Rashford sends transfer message
The England international moved in the summer and has gone on to bag seven goals and eight assists. He says he’s gunning for glory this season and wants to continue past the end of the current campaign.
“Of course what I want is to stay at Barça. It’s an end goal, but it’s not the reason why I’m training hard and giving it my best. The purpose is to win. Barça is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles,” he told Sport.
“I’m adapting very well to the club and the city. From the moment I arrived I felt that everyone welcomed me very well.
“For me, the reason I’m here is to help the team win trophies; Last season was fantastic, but in life everything happens very quickly, things change and the goal is to repeat the successes. I’m totally focused on this. With the staff and the teammates everything is fantastic, I can’t complain.”
Rashford is putting forward a strong case to stay at present but it’s still unclear if he will continue.
FC Barcelona News: 24 December 2025; Barça choose Marc Guehi as center-back target, Robert Lewandowski wanted by multiple MLS clubs
2025 Barça side scores in every LaLiga game, matching the 1943 side – FC Barcelona The year 2025 is coming to an end for FC Barcelona with an historic achievement that sees a direct connection to the past. Hansi Flick’s side have managed to score in every LaLiga game played in the calendar year, a record only achieved once before in 1943.
Best Barça players of the last 25 years – FC Barcelona 2025 is coming to an end, and with it, the first quarter of the 21st century. So, it seems like a good time to take stock and look back at some of the great players who have worn the Barça shirt from 2000 to 2025… through their shirt numbers.
Pedri opens up: what he likes about Flick, a dream with Messi, and the great rivals – Mundo Deportivo “Within the club, in terms of seriousness, many things have changed. He’s given the club a German touch,” the Canary Islander said about the Barça coach. “Of course I’d love to play with Messi again, without a doubt. He’s the best ever and he helped me a lot the year we played together,” he emphasizes.
The center-back Deco likes the most – SPORT Several names are on Deco’s shortlist. They’ve been monitoring Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterberg and Spanish international Pau Torres, who plays for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, but the player the Barça sporting director likes most is Marc Guéhi, the English international from Crystal Palace.
A flood of offers from MLS clubs for Lewandowski to leave Barça – SPORT The Polish striker’s priority is to stay for another year, but he’s aware of the situation and is starting to listen to offers for the future. A few days ago, interest from the Chicago Fire of MLS surfaced, but now an offer from Orlando City has also emerged, as they too want him on their roster.
Monaco have reportedly ruled out signing Ansu Fati in June – SPORT French journalist Romain Molina reveals that Monaco has already decided not to keep the player next season and therefore will not pay the €12 million purchase clause they agreed to when he was loaned out last summer.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona star Pedri names his favorites for the 2025-26 Champions League
Barcelona star Pedri has been quizzed on which teams he thinks have the best chance of winning the Champions League this season.
Hansi Flick’s side will be hoping to lift trophy, after making it to the semi-finals last season, but still have work to do to reach the knockout stages.
Pedri has now shared his thoughts on the competition and thinks there are several teams in contentions to be crowned champions of Europe.
“PSG, the current champions. Arsenal is also a very strong team. And I’d always include City and Real Madrid among the contenders,” he told Esquire magazine.
“One team I see as strong, and that has pleasantly surprised me, is Sporting Lisbon, where my friend Trincão plays. They play good football.”
Barcelona still have two games left to play in the league phase which will take place in 2026. Flick’s side face Slavia Prague first up and then wrap up their group campaign against FC Copenhagen.
Who do you think will win this season’s Champions League? Share your predictions in the comments below!
