Mbacke transferred to St. Louis City – FC Barcelona Club retains a sell-on percentage for any future transfer for the Senegalese defender, who returns to the MLS after two and a half seasons as a Blaugrana.
Joan Laporta not expecting any more January transfers at Barcelona
VILLARREAL, SPAIN - DECEMBER 21: Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona looks on from the stands prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on December 21, 2025 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has told fans not to expect any more no more ins and outs at the club in the January transfer window.
The Catalan giants have had a quiet window so far, adding just Joao Cancelo to the first-team squad, and Laporta isn’t envisaging any more players arriving.
“There are still a few days left, but I don’t want to generate false expectations. In principle, we have already fulfilled what we wanted. We have signed Cancelo, a very versatile defender, and we have renewed Fermín, since we considered it necessary to retouch his contract,” he told La Vanguardia.
“Deco is also working on other issues more related to grassroots football and Barça Atlètic. I think that, for the moment, we are working very well to achieve the objectives that we have set ourselves, which are to do a very good season.”
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has left for Girona, while there’s been speculation about possible January exits for Marc Bernal and Marc Casado.
Both players have said they want to stay at the club and Laporta says they are going nowhere.
“Yeah, yeah. They are ruled out, because they are two players we have. Bernal and Casadó are home-trained footballers. They are part of the formula that we believe works: a mixture of Masia players with other great football talent who come from different cultures. This is what works for us and against Copenhagen it was seen.”
Barcelona are expected to strengthen further in the summer transfer window, although the financial situation will once again have a major impact on the club’s plans for adding to the squad.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Raphinha reveals what he told ‘upset’ Hansi Flick in emotional moment after Barcelona’s win over Alaves
Raphinha has opened up on his relationship with Hansi Flick and what he told the Barcelona manager when the pair shared an emotional moment after the win over Alaves in November.
The Brazilian was spotted consoling Flick, who looked close to tears on the touchline, and Raphinha says he did his best to look at the positives when the pair spoke at the end of the game.
“About that scene… I think he was upset with his assistant, who was sent off. There were two red cards on our bench. He was upset,” he told Sofascore.
“Later he said he was also unhappy with the team’s performance. I tried to reassure him, saying we would come back, that we were reconnecting again, and that the most important thing in that moment was the team’s victory — which we achieved.
“Like I told you at the beginning, it’s natural. It’s not forced. It’s a relationship that developed over time — a mutual affection on both sides.
It’s a trust we’ve been building, a freedom we created. He feels free to talk to me about anything, and he also makes me feel free to talk to him about anything.
“That trust is the most important thing for us to work in the best way possible.”
Raphinha is once again playing a leading role for Barcelona this season. He’s missed time through injury but still has 13 goals and five assists in 21 games in all competitions.
The England international scored Barcelona’s fourth from a free-kick, Barca’s first direct free-kick goal in the competition since Lionel Messi’s effort against Liverpool in 2019.
Rashford spoke after the game about how he’s still getting used to life at Barcelona and Hansi Flick’s set-up.
“I think for the front guys we have to put as much pressure on the ball as possible because the problem is when players have time on the ball to pick the passes and to see what our backline is doing,” he told TNT Sports.
“If they do have time then the backline have to adjust. But it’s our way of playing, it brings an intensity to the game. I think when we play at this intensity it’s difficult for teams to match us.
“For me it takes a little bit of learning to get used to because you can’t let them rest on the ball. Whoever is closest to the ball always has to put pressure. So it’s a little bit different to what I’d done before. But this is the style of defence we play and when it works it’s really good.”
Flick was full of praise for Rashford after the match, explaining he didn’t play against Real Oviedo due to a knock and adding “it’s amazing to have him.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Lamine Yamal leads Barcelona to big Champions League victory over Copenhagen
They didn’t start the campaign in top form, but they made a spirited run at the end to claim a very valuable top eight finish, and with it, a direct spot in the round of 16.
The accomplishment was even more impressive when you consider that they had to get the win without Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. This Barcelona team continues to show that getting results is a team effort.
That being said, Lamine Yamal was not just the best player on the field against Copenhagen, he was Barca’s leader. Not a bad encore after grabbing headlines for a golazo of bicycle kick against Real Oviedo.
Barcelona as a club will always be judged by what they do or don’t in the Champions League. Lamine, an aspiring Ballon d’Or winner, will also be judged by what he does for his team in this competition. That’s the biggest reason why Ousmane Dembele won the last award.
Barcelona needed to win, and even better given the close standings, if they could do so by a margin. Unfortunately, once again, they conceded the first goal early on, and had to play catch up.
The first half was full of frantic energy, but you could see a Barcelona team who were motivated, and knew what was at stake.
Flash forward to the end of the night. Real Madrid, PSG, and Newcastle, who started day in the top eight, are now on the outside looking in. They will have to play two extra games in the playoff round. One of the big reasons Barca made it to the semi-finals last year, and minutes away from the final, is because of their streamlined path, and relatively easier matchups against Benfica and Dortmund.
This was a big accomplishment, and they didn’t have the luxury of looking down on Copenhagen, who could have made it into the top 24 with a win. Instead, it was Benfica, with a stunning last minute goal against Real Madrid, who claimed the final spot.
Barcelona is showing a championship mentality of late, and Lamine Yamal is continuing to mature. As a result, he is able to impact games when it matters most.
The charge down the field that set up Robert Lewandowski’s equalizer was pure heart and desire. Lamine followed it up with the game winner, and then a set up that drew the penalty that sealed the deal for Barcelona.
All eyes will be on Lamine Yamal in the Champions League knockouts.
Not everyone around the world watches La Liga week to week, but everyone now knows his name. Lamine will have an opportunity to show he is the best player in the world for Barcelona, and then for Spain this summer in the World Cup.
The best way to do it is to not force things.
For Barcelona and Spain, he is surrounded by the best players in the world.
He doesn’t have to be fancy every time, he just needs to pick his spots, and make the plays that help lead his team to victory.
As he said after the game, “We all came here tonight thinking about finishing in the top eight. We’re very happy with the victory. In the Champions League I have more freedom and at least I’m one against two. Very happy. I’m getting used to it, it is what it is. When I can give the team an advantage I’m happy too.”
Focus on the mission, and do what you can to help the team. You talent will take care of the rest when your number is called.
When the pressure was on in the Champions League, Lamine had a second half to remember against Copenhagen, and it could be very consequential in setting up Barcelona for future success in the tournament.
Barcelona will be looking to Lamine for more leadership going forward.
The 18 year old superstar is young, but he’s growing up fast.
The spotlight is on him. What will he do next?
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 29 January 2026; Barça beat Copenhagen and advance to Champions League Round of 16
FC Barcelona 4-1 Copenhagen: Mission accomplished! – FC Barcelona Sixteen teams will be competing in the Champions League playoffs in February, but FC Barcelona will not be one of them. And that’s all thanks to a marvellous 4-1 win against FC Copenhagen on the final day of the League Phase, meaning that they have finished among the top eight teams and will instead be going directly into the Last 16!
Lewandowski matches Messi for goals against most different Champions League teams – FC Barcelona It’s now 40. With his goal against Copenhagen, Robert Lewandowski has become the player to have scored against the greatest number of different opponents in the history of the UEFA Champions League, level with a Barça legend: Leo Messi. The Polish striker, now 37, shows no signs of slowing down in Europe’s premier competition, as he once again demonstrated against the side from the Danish capital.
Hansi Flick: ‘Finishing fifth is fantastic’ – FC Barcelona Hansi Flick is aware that it may not have been Barça’s best performance, but the goal of reaching the Last 16 of the Champions League has been achieved. Being constructively critical is key to continuing to improve and the German coach did not hide his dissatisfaction with the team’s first‑half performance in the 4-1 win over Copenhagen.
Barcelona vs Copenhagen live stream: Lineups, Kickoff time, TV channel, How to watch Champions League online
WELCOME TO CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth is the site of a huge European night as Barcelona welcome Copenhagen for the league phase finale in this season’s Champions League. Barça need to win by multiple goals and hope other results go their way to secure a Top 8 finish, while a dangerous Copenhagen side hope to pull of a major upset to try and secure an unlikely Playoff spot. This should be all kinds of fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
LINEUPS
To be announced.
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, League Phase, Matchday 8
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Thursday)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: Benoît Bastien (FRA)
VAR: Bram Van Driessche (BEL)
HOW TO WATCH
On TV: Not Available (USA, UK, India), SuperSport (Nigeria), Movistar (Spain), others
Online: Paramount+ (USA), discovery+ (UK), Sony LIV (India), Movistar+ (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!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Why Barcelona have decided not to go for Etta Eyong in summer transfer window
Barcelona are being tipped not to pursue a move for Etta Eyong this summer after making a final decision on the 22-year-old forward.
However, it’s now being reported that Barcelona have decided to drop their interest in Eyong and look elsewhere.
Diario Sport say that Barcelona were keen last summer when he was available for around €3 million but aren’t willing to pay the €30m it’s likely to take to bring him in at the end of the season.
A host of Premier League clubs are also said to be willing, and financially able, to active his release clause and Barcelona don’t want to enter the bidding.
FC Barcelona announce squad for Champions League league phase finale against Copenhagen
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana play a huge Champions League league phase finale against Copenhagen at Camp Nou, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 21 players for Wednesday’s game:
Goalkeepers: 13. Joan Garcia, 25. Wojciech Szczesny, 31. Diego Kochen
Midfielders: 16. Fermín López, 17. Marc Casadó, 20. Dani Olmo, 22. Marc Bernal, 43. Tommy Marqués
Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 10. Lamine Yamal, 11. Raphinha, 14. Marcus Rashford, 28. Roony Bardghji
The big news for this one is the return of Ferran Torres, who is back after missing the last two games with a hamstring issue, and his return is crucial to boost a Barça squad missing two key pieces in the suspended Frenkie de Jong and the injured Pedri (hamstring), while Gavi (knee) and Andreas Christensen (knee) are also ruled out with long-term injuries.
The match kicks off at 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Thursday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 28 January 2026; All set for Champions League league phase finale against Copenhagen
Last session before Copenhagen – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona’s first team completed their final training session this morning ahead of hosting FC Copenhagen at Spotify Camp Nou, in what will be the last match of the UEFA Champions League league phase.
Hansi Flick wants goals – FC Barcelona Against Copenhagen, only a win will do. And by as many goals as possible. The reward is a biggie. Finishing in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League league phase and qualifying directly for the Round of 16. A challenge that carries special importance for Hansi Flick, as the German coach explained in his pre-match press conference.
Why Barcelona still need help to reach the Champions League top eight
Wednesday night brings the league phase of the UEFA Champions League to a close, with all 18 matches kicking off at the same time and very little settled. FC Barcelona go into the final round ninth on 13 points, hosting Copenhagen at the Spotify Camp Nou, and the uncomfortable truth is that a win alone may not secure direct passage to the round of 16.
Eight teams sit on 13 points between sixth and thirteenth place, and the margins separating them are thin. Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle are best positioned thanks to a +10 goal difference, followed by Chelsea on +6. Barcelona are next with +5, level with Sporting CP, while Manchester City (+4), Atlético de Madrid (+3) and Atalanta (+1) trail slightly behind.
One fixture guarantees movement. PSG and Newcastle meet in Paris, meaning at least one of them will drop points. If Barcelona beat Copenhagen, that alone would push them past the loser of that game. What happens elsewhere is where things start to get unpredictable.
Chelsea travel to Naples, Sporting visit Athletic Club at San Mamés, Manchester City welcome Galatasaray, Atlético host Bodø/Glimt and Atalanta are away to Union Saint-Gilloise. If those matches finish with similar scorelines, Barcelona’s position improves. If one of the teams behind them runs up a big win, the situation changes quickly.
Goal difference is decisive. A Sporting victory by a single goal more than Barcelona’s would be enough to edge past them. City would need a win by two more goals than Barça, Atlético by three, and Atalanta by five. A comfortable home win, even something like 3-0, would still leave Barcelona exposed if one of those sides delivers a heavy result of its own.
Hansi Flick has tried to strip the equation back to basics. “The main objective is to keep a clean sheet and win the match,” the Barcelona coach said ahead of the game. He made it clear the squad will not be distracted by other scorelines, saying, “We won’t look at the other matches. We have to focus on playing at our best level. It’s the Champions League, and the Champions League demands your best.”
That focus on defending reflects recent history. Barcelona have not kept a clean sheet in Europe since last season’s quarter-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund, a 4–0 win at home. Since then, they have conceded 23 goals across ten Champions League matches, seven of them this season. Flick underlined the need for caution against a Copenhagen side that also need points, noting, “We have to respect Copenhagen, because they need to win to reach the next round. We have to do our job, defend well and play at our best. It won’t be an easy match.”
There is also a theoretical route to catching teams above the 13-point cluster. Real Madrid and Liverpool are both on 15 points, Tottenham on 14, and none of the three are mathematically safe. Barcelona would need help there too, combined with their own victory, for that scenario to open up.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Ferran Torres hands Barcelona boost ahead of must-win Champions League clash against FC Copenhagen
Agreement with PSG for the transfer of Dro – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona and PSG have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Pedro Fernández ‘Dro’ to the French club. The Club wishes him all the best for the future both on and off the field.
The 19-year-old will move initially on loan, but the transfer includes a buy option set at an initial €1.8 million, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer has been rumored for a few days but looks like being made official very shortly. Pacifico will then join up with Barcelona Atletic and could end up staying permanently if he can impress.
🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona agree deal to sign Uruguayan 19 year old left back Patricio Pacifico from Defensor Sporting, here we go!
Loan deal with €1.8m buy option clause plus add-ons, could become mandatory under certain conditions. 🇺🇾
The deal looks like being one of several Barca Atletic hope to get over the line this winter in a bid to boost Juliano Belletti’s squad and add even more exciting talent to the club.
Barcelona are also being linked with moves for Norwich winger Ajay Tavares and Dutch defender Juwensley Onstein, while Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahly have confirmed that young striker Hamza Abdelkarim is set to join the club in the January transfer window.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona have two names in the frame as Catalans step up hunt for Robert Lewandowski’s successor
Barcelona are stepping up the hunt for a successor to Robert Lewandowski who is out of contract at the Camp Nou in the summer.
A new report from ESPN states that Barcelona are planning for life without their veteran striker even though a final decision has not yet been made on his future.
With that in mind, Barcelona have two names in the frame to take over from Lewandowski – Julian Alvarez and Dusan Vlahovic.
We’ve heard both names before but ESPN say that Joan Laporta is “still dreaming” of signing Alvarez even though he would likely cost over 100 million euros.
The report quotes a club source as refusing to rule out a move for Alvarez, despite his lofty price and the fact Arsenal are also thought to be keen, saying “a lot of things could happen, but we’re attentive to the situation.”
However, Deco is said to be looking at cheaper options and has come up with Vlahovic. The Juventus star has been linked with Barca many times before but is out of contract in the summer and available on a free transfer.
Alvarez, Vlahovic or somebody else? Which striker is the best fit for Barcelona? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Revealed: The decison that left Dro Fernandez ‘hurt & angry’ and ready to leave Barcelona
Dro Fernandez has stunned Barcelona and manager Hansi Flick this winter by telling the club he wants to leave.
The midfielder, who’s been tipped for big things at Barca, is now expected to sign for Paris Saint-Germain.
The teenager had been expecting to play in the game but didn’t see a single minute, leaving him “hurt and angry” and ready to call time on his Barcelona career.
Fernandez didn’t play in Barcelona’s next Copa del Rey game either against Racing, reportedly due to injury, and informed Flick after that match of his desire to leave.
Sport say that Fernandez was also not particularly happy at dropping back down to help out Barcelona Atletic in November and January, feeling “he did not want to cut short his progress in a season that he considers key to his career.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 26 January 2026; Barça beat Real Oviedo, Dro Fernández set to finalize PSG transfer
FC Barcelona 3-0 Oviedo: Perfect storm – FC Barcelona The goals took their time coming but they did in the end and FC Barcelona have beaten bottom-of-the-table Oviedo 3-0 to hold onto their one-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the Liga table.
10 consecutive home wins in La Liga, six years later – FC Barcelona Despite last Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at the Reale Arena, FC Barcelona remain in fine form at home in La Liga. With the latest win at the Spotify Camp Nou, 3–0 over Oviedo, the team have won every one of the ten league matches they have played at home so far this season.
Super Cup and Lamine Yamal celebrated before Barça v Oviedo – FC Barcelona The year 2026 began at the Spotify Camp Nou with applause. There was a special moment ahead of kick-off for FC Barcelona v Oviedo, as the Spanish Super Cup win and La Liga MVP winner for December Lamine Yamal were celebrated.
Raphinha: “We were blown away by Lamine’s goal” – Mundo Deportivo The Brazilian, who scored another stunning goal in Barça’s 3-0 win against Oviedo, defended his form: “With eight goals in thirteen games played, and you think I’m not at the same level as last season? I’m always striving to be at my best.”
FC Barcelona squad named for La Liga match against Real Oviedo
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana play their first home game of 2026 against bottom of the table Real Oviedo in La Liga action, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 22 players for Sunday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 13. Joan Garcia, 25. Wojciech Szczesny, 31. Diego Kochen
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Pau Cubarsí, 18. Gerard Martín, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric Garcia, 26. Jofre Torrents
Midfielders: 16. Fermín López, 17. Marc Casadó, 20. Dani Olmo, 21. Frenkie de Jong, 22. Marc Bernal, 43. Tommy Marqués
Forwards: 9. Robert Lewandowski, 10. Lamine Yamal, 11. Raphinha, 14. Marcus Rashford, 19. Roony Bardghji
Barça welcome Lamine Yamal back to the squad today after the teenager served a suspension in midweek, but that’s where the good news stop as Pedri has been ruled out for the next month with a hamstring injury, and he joins Ferran Torres (hamstring), Gavi (knee) and Andreas Christensen (knee) on the list of absentees for this one.
The match kicks off at 4.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 3.15pm GMT (UK), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), 8.45pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona vs Real Oviedo live stream: Lineups, Kickoff time, TV channel, How to watch La Liga online
WELCOME TO CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth opens its doors for a Barcelona match for the first time in 2026 as the Blaugrana welcome bottom of the table Real Oviedo for their second meeting of the season in La Liga. Barça need all three points to return to the top of the standings, while Oviedo are looking for a monster upset to boost their survival hopes. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
LINEUPS
To be announced.
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2025-26 La Liga, Matchday 21
Date/Time: Sunday, January 25, 2026, 4.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 3.15pm GMT (UK), 10.15am ET, 7.15am PT (USA), 8.45pm IST (India)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera
VAR: Mario Melero López
HOW TO WATCH
On TV: ESPN Deportes (USA), Premier Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), others
Online: ESPN+ (USA), Premier Sports Player (UK), FanCode (India), DAZN (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!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona agree deal for ‘Uruguayan wall’ Patricio Pacífico
Barcelona’s search for talented youngsters seems to have led the club to Uruguay and impressive defender Patricio Pacífico.
The 19-year-old currently plys his trade for Defensor Sporting but, according to multiple reports, he’s now heading to Barcelona before the January window closes.
Barcelona have agreed to sign Pacifico on loan for the rest of the season and he will join up with Juliano Belletti’s side. Pacifico is viewed by many as one of Uruguay’s most promising young defenders.
“Next week the transfer should be signed,” a Defensor Sporting source told Mundo Deportivo. “We had been working on it very quietly, only three or four leaders knew about the operation.”
The deal is also thought to contain some kind of purchase option. MD say the deal includes an option to buy 50% of the player’s rights and more clauses to acquire the other half. Over at Diario Sport, the word is that Barca can activate a purchase option if he plays at least 10 games.
Barcelona are said to have been following Pacifico for some time now but have decided to move now as Andres Cuenca is set to join Como.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘Hamza Abdelkarim is going to Barcelona’ – Al Ahly chief confirms January transfer
The two clubs have been in negotiations over a deal for the young star for some time now and it seems an agreement has finally been reached.
Al Ahly Sporting Director Walid Salah El-Din said: “Hamza Abdelkarim is going to Barcelona! I wish him much success so that he continues his career there and establishes himself with Barça and doesn’t return to Egypt.”
Abdelkarim is expected to join on loan for the rest of the season and link up with Juliano Belletti’s Barcelona Atletic side initially.
The deal will include a purchase option set at around €3 million, although with variables it could rise as high as €5m.
Abdelkarim looks to being one of several new recruits at Barcelona Atletic this January, with the club said to also be working on deals for Juwensley Onstein, Patricio Pacifico and Ajay Tavares.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘We’ve made some mistakes’ – Hansi Flick talks Barcelona’s defensive issues ahead of Real Oviedo clash
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick addressed the reasons behind the team’s defensive issues ahead of Sunday’s La Liga match against Real Oviedo.
Barça have conceded six goals in the last four games after a run of four straight clean sheets, including two bad set piece goals in the win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League in midweek.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Flick said there are a few reasons for the defensive slump, such as the inherent danger of conceding counter-attacks baked into his system, a lack of focus, and the general lack of height and physicality of his defenders because of who’s currently available.
“We’ve made some mistakes, and that’s why the goals have come. Perhaps we need to be more focused, for the full 90 minutes. Teams defend with everything they’ve got against us. Defending is more complicated. We have to be prepared. We’ve talked about it, and we have to do it.
“We don’t have much time to train [set pieces], but we’ve talked about it. In Prague it was different. I don’t want to make excuses, but it was very cold and they had very tall players. On the second goal, Lewandowski didn’t have time to react. It’s important to be well-positioned, and we’ve discussed it. At Barça, we don’t usually have tall players, and they’ve always been able to manage it.”
Blaming the cold for conceding two set pieces in Prague certainly sounds a little strange, but Flick’s overall message is pretty clear: Barça’s center-back are not as physically impressive as the ones in other teams because they are more technical players, and the combination of a high line and the majority of opponents playing a very low block with the clear goal of counter-attacking against the high line creates a natural risk defensively.
Barça won’t change the way they play, or the types of center-backs they target, so the reality is the defending will always be a little suspect, but it doesn’t need to be this poor as long as players execute well and are fully focused for 90 minutes, even if it’s super cold.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Why PSG are set to pay more than €6m release clause to sign Dro Fernandez from Barcelona
The teenager has a release clause in his contract set at €6m but both Le Parisien and Diario AS say that PSG will pay more than that to land Dro.
The reason given by AS is that the Ligue 1 side want “to symbolize a return to the good relations” the two clubs now enjoy, following previous bad feeling which began after Neymar’s transfer to the French capital.
Yet Le Parisien point out that it also due to financial reasons, highlighting how tax is due when release clauses are paid (around 47% which would cost Dro another €3m), and that’s why it could just turn into a “classic transfer” instead.
Barcelona are now said to be asking for between €8-10m for Dro but an agreement is still yet to be reached.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 24 January 2026; Preparations continue for Oviedo, Marc Casadó wanted by Galatasaray
Focused on Barça v Oviedo – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona returned to training on Friday after a rest day to begin their preparations for the return of La Liga and the visit of Real Oviedo to Spotify Camp Nou.
FC Barcelona back at the Spotify Camp Nou for first time in eight games – FC Barcelona It’s been a month and a half playing away from home, but FC Barcelona are now finally back at Spotify Camp Nou. The last home game for the Blaugranes was on 13 December, the LaLiga matchday 16 fixture against Osasuna (2-0). Since then, Hansi Flick’s side have had a long run of games either as an away side or playing at a neutral ground that has seen Barça equal a historic record.
Revolution at Barça Atlètic: Hamza, Tavares, Onstein and all the cases – SPORT The arrivals of Joaquín Delgado, Hamza Abdelkarim, Ajay Tavares, and Juwensley Onstein, plus others that could materialize, will radically change the face of Juliano Belletti’s Barcelona B team in their quest for a necessary promotion.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona meet with Fermin Lopez to discuss new contract
Barcelona are reportedly planning to offer Fermin Lopez a new and improved contract at the club as reward for his impressive performances.
Lopez is contracted to Barcelona until 2029 but his camp met with the club this week to discuss an improved deal, according to Diario Sport.
The Catalan giants are said to be already working on a renewal that will include an increased salary and another two years.
Barcelona have made the move to lock down the future of a player who is becoming increasingly vital to Hansi Flick’s side. He has 10 goals and 10 assists already this season for the Catalans.
The club are also well aware that Lopez has attract interest in the past, as he turned down a move to Chelsea last summer, and is likely to have more suitors if he can continue to impress at Camp Nou.
Flick made it clear after the Champions League win over Slavia Prague that he was thrilled Lopez opted to stay at the club.
“He’s a fantastic player. The decision was up to him, and I’m happy he stayed,” he told reporters. “He’s a player who breathes and has Barcelona DNA. I really appreciate his performance today.”
Meanwhile, Lopez has since said he wants to stay at the club for a long time. “I never doubted being here,” he explained back in September. “I’ve always wanted to be here, and I’ll fight to be here for many years to come.”
