Barcelona FC news

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been left out of Germany’s squad for World Cup 2026 which has been announced by manager Julian Nagelsmann.

The decision is another blow to the goalkeeper but is not a big surprise. Ter Stegen moved to Girona on loan in January in a bid to play regularly but then suffered a hamstring injury that required surgery.

Ter Stegen is yet to return to action following his operation and has therefore been left out of Germany’s squad. Nagelsmann has gone with Oliver Maumann, Manuel Neuer and Alexander Nubel as his three goalkeepers for the tournament.

Gemeinsam für Deutschland: Unser Kader für die WM 2026! 🖤❤️💛#dfbteam#fifaworldcup2026pic.twitter.com/zaxWgXsGGv

— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) May 21, 2026

The decision comes amid uncertainty over Ter Stegen’s future. Barcelona are reportedly eager to get the stopper off the wage bill as he doesn’t look to be part of the club’s plans.

Joan Garcia is Barca’s undisputed No. 1, with Wojciech Szczęsny acting as his back-up. Barca have also have Diego Kochen coming through the ranks, while Inaki Pena and Áron Yaakobishvili are both due back from loans in the summer.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Not so long ago, it would’ve been unthinkable to have a Barcelona starting XI without Frenkie de Jong in it.

The Dutchman has often been the conduit from defence to attack, dovetailing brilliantly with his midfield colleagues in so doing.

However, injuries that have kept him out of the side for longer than he would’ve liked have opened up opportunities for others.

Hansi Flick has a plethora of midfield options to choose from depending on the opponent, and whilst De Jong could well be utilised in certain games, at the back end of this season, for example, his absence has been striking.

The notion that you don’t change a winning team is a formula that all football managers/coaches seem to live by, and that’s as true at Barcelona as anywhere else.

Club captain Ronald Araujo being kept out of the side is another example of Flick’s persistence in continuing with those players who have served him well.

That’s not to say that both Araujo and De Jong haven’t, of course, far from it in the midfielder’s case, but not wanting to upset the equilibrium is as valid a reason as any other for keeping the Dutchman on the bench.

The emergence of Marc Bernal after the injury that kept him out for the vast majority of last season has been a real plus point, whilst the return of Gavi has felt like having another new signing in the team.

With Pedri as one of the first names on the teamsheet, the midfield three therefore seems well set.

The telepathy between Gavi and Pedri isn’t quite at the Iniesta/Xavi level yet, but the current midfield brothers-in-arms are often totally in sync with how the other plays.

That their respective skill sets are perfectly complementary, too, is an another bonus for the squad, and with Bernal keeping things simple and calm in the pivot position, Barca really do have a solid gold trio in that area of the pitch.

At 29 years of age, De Jong is fast becoming one of the elder statesmen of the blaugranes squad, and his evident experience and indeed, excellence, would arguably qualify him to be on the team sheet at almost every other club.

However, if he is to wrestle back his place in the team, he has got to show Flick that what he can deliver is not only different to the aforementioned three players, but better.

And that’s no easy task.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Return to training – FC Barcelona
After a couple of days well earned rest, the FC Barcelona first team have returned to training ahead of their final league game of the season this weekend away at the Mestalla stadium against Valencia.

When and where to watch Valencia v FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona
Our guide to the worldwide kick-off times and channels for final La Liga match of the season.

From Budapest to Oslo: Constant growth – FC Barcelona
Barça Femeni have come a long way since they first played OL Lyonnes in a Champions League Final in 2019.

Mapi León: ‘We are working hard so everything comes out how we want it’ – FC Barcelona
Mapi León looks ahead to Saturday’s Champions League final and talks of her ‘excitement’ at trying to win another European trophy.

De Jong and Ferran, with the group for the final match – Mundo Deportivo
Both have started training to be ready for the match against Valencia after overcoming their discomfort.

Fermín’s first message: “It’s cruel, but it’s part of the journey” – Mundo Deportivo
“This is a very tough moment for me and another challenge in my career that I will overcome, have no doubt about it,” wrote the Barça midfielder after undergoing surgery for an injury that will cause him to miss the World Cup.

First departure from Flick’s staff for the 2026-2027 season – Mundo Deportivo
Stephan Nopp, one of the analysts specifically hired by the German coach in October 2024, has informed the squad that he is leaving the club for personal reasons.

Al-Hilal will pressure Barça with two offers for Cancelo – Mundo Deportivo
Annoyed with the player, the Saudi club maintains its firm stance of extracting the maximum financial benefit for the defender.

Al-Ittihad wants Lewandowski for their project – Mundo Deportivo
The Saudi club is considering the Polish striker in case Moroccan Youssef En-Nesyri leaves this summer.

Araujo knows nothing about Inter despite what is being published in Italy – Mundo Deportivo
Corriere dello Sport reported interest in the Barcelona center-back, but neither Barça nor the player’s representatives are aware of this and, therefore, no figures have been discussed.

Ter Stegen, Barça’s hot potato this summer – Mundo Deportivo
With two more years on his contract and still recovering from an injury, the Barcelona club assumes it will be difficult to offload him.

Irene Paredes is doubtful three days before the Champions League Final – Mundo Deportivo
The FC Barcelona center-back continues to train separately from the group while the team prepares at the Ciutat Esportiva for the final against OL Lyonnes this Saturday in Oslo.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Raphinha has revealed how the Barcelona players aren’t afraid to call out Lamine Yamal and offer the youngster advice both on and off the pitch.

Yamal is still only 18 but is rarely out of the headlines after his stellar rise to become a key player for Barcelona and Spain.

Raphinha says he does his best to guide and nurture his young team-mate and adds that Yamal is willing to listen to advice from the locker room.

“I see him a lot as a much younger brother. He’s even younger than my little brother. That’s why I see him as a little brother. I try to give him advice as much as I can,” he told TNT Sports Brasil.

“I also try to pass on my life experience to him. Obviously, given his individual characteristics and background, I can’t really teach him. That’s not something you learn overnight. It’s a natural talent. The truth is, I always try to share a little of my experience with him.

“He’s a very good boy. He always listens, often asks for advice, and even if he does something silly, we correct him and he listens. He’s very good, and we have a very good relationship despite the 11-year age difference.”

Raphinha also reflected on the possibility of facing Yamal and Spain at World Cup 2026 and says he’d relish the opportunity.

“Neymar and Lamine Yamal agreed to a Brazil-Spain World Cup final. I’d sign up for a match like that too,” he added.

“It would be great to play a Brazil-Spain final. I don’t mind who’s defending the opponent, like Lamine. We also have many high-quality players on our side.”

Barcelona players will finish their season on Sunday against Valencia and will then switch focus to the World Cup which is due to kick off on June 11th.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Marcus Rashford’s future is in the spotlight as he heads towards the end of his season-long loan at Barcelona, with the Catalan giants reportedly keen to keep him but unwilling to pay his 30 million euro buy option.

The situation has led the rumor mill to cheekily claim that Jose Mourinho would be keen on a reunion with Rashford if he replaces Alvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid this season.

But what does Rashford think about it? Mundo Deportivo have an update from “sources close to Rashford” and are confident that the loanee is “one hundred per cent” focused on staying at Barcelona.

Rashford isn’t even thinking about any other clubs at the moment and is desperately hoping he can continue at Camp Nou.

Quite what will happen next remains to be seen. Barcelona are hoping to negotiate another loan with United, but the Red Devils are eager to sell and believe there will be plenty of other clubs keen on Rashford this summer.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup this season under Hansi Flick in what’s been another successful campaign for the Catalan giants.

However, there have also been some disappointments along the way. Barca were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Atletico Madrid and also saw their Champions League dreams ended by Diego Simeone’s side.

While there have been plenty of players who have starred in the current campaign not everyone has enjoyed a brilliant season.

Jules Kounde has struggled to consistently replicate his best form, while Alejandro Balde lost his place in the starting XI to January signing Joao Cancelo.

Andreas Christensen has missed most of the campaign due to injury, while Ronald Araujo, Roony Bardghji and Marc Casado have all found game time hard to come by this season.

So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:

Which Barçelona player were you most disappointed by this season and who could replace them at Camp Nou?

Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

If memory serves me correctly, when Robert Lewandowski signed for Barcelona back in 2022, the general discourse centred on why the club had gone for a player who had, for many, seen better days.

Not only that, but at a sizeable transfer fee and a significant wage, Barca were going to be hamstrung in the transfer market if they wanted to land any other big names.

What’s often forgotten is the position the club were in at the time, and the leap of faith it would’ve also taken from the Polish international to join the Catalans.

Sure, Barca still has cachet all around the world, and will probably always have it, however, joining a club on the premise that they might somehow claw themselves back into the elite, rather than joining an outfit that was already there, takes courage.

Knowing he would have to prove himself all over again at the age of 34 would also have required absolute faith in his own ability to deliver again on the biggest of stages.

Barca needn’t have worried.

It’s difficult to put into words exactly what Lewy has meant to so many, but the show of appreciation for him at the culmination of Barca’s game against Betis said more than words ever could.

He showed that whilst form is temporary, class is indeed permanent, and Robert Lewandowski is all class.

Scoring 119 goals in all competitions shouldn’t be downplayed. After all, in the space of those four years, that output has placed him as a credible 11th on the all-time scorers list at the club.

Came as a star.
Leaves as legend.

Thank you, Robert Lewandowski, for every goal, every battle, and every magic moment wearing these colours. Culer forever. 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/5o35b4NuF3

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 16, 2026

To give even more perspective, he’d have only needed to score another 12 goals to have placed fifth in the all-time list, so to do so at such an advanced age and in a demanding league is worthy of the biggest of hat tips.

We are all in Lewy’s debt, and he will absolutely be a big miss up front for Hansi Flick, as much for his striking nous and experience as for his goals and assists.

Of course, the club wouldn’t be letting him go without another striker in the pipeline, but as I said in an earlier post, whoever it is will have some very big shoes to fill.

Wherever Lewandowski himself ends up, he should go with the very best of wishes from all culers.

He came, he saw, and he most definitely conquered. Goodbye Robert. Go well, and thank you… for everything.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Lautaro Martinez’s name has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Robert Lewandowski as Barcelona search for a new No. 9 this summer.

Speculation about the Inter forward is nothing new, with Barcelona having been interested in the Argentina international on several occasions in the past.

Martinez has now given a new interview and has appeared to rule out a move to Barca. The striker says he’s happy at Inter and offered up the following response when asked if he’d like to see out his career in Milan.

“I definitely would like to. I don’t have the keys to Appiano yet, but almost…” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“My family and I are happy, we even have a restaurant, the kids go to school and have their friends. It’s hard for me to imagine myself anywhere else these days.

“You never know in football, but if they don’t kick me out, I’ll stay here.”

Hansi Flick spoke about the club’s hunt for a striker after Sunday’s win over Betis and said “Barca need to look for a 9 who fits our philosophy, but the most important thing is that he scores goals.”

Who is your preferred option to take over from Lewandowski? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

The World Cup is rapidly approaching and there will be a strong Barcelona representation as several Blaugrana stars will feature for big nations who all have dreams of winning the biggest tournament in sports.

The Catalans have quite a few stars among the favorites, including Raphinha with Brazil, Frenkie de Jong with the Netherlands, Jules Kounde with France and Marcus Rashford with England, even though his place is not quite confirmed yet.

But the biggest Barça contingent is with La Roja as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, Fermín López, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, Pau Cubarsí, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martín and Joan Garcia have all been named in Spain’s preliminary squad. One or two might miss out on the final list, but Barça’s presence in the Spain squad will be very strong and several of those players will be key to their success this summer.

So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:

Which Barcelona players are you most excited to watch during the World Cup?

Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The La Liga champions play their final home game of the season against Real Betis at Camp Nou in what will also be Robert Lewandowski’s farewell match, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Sunday’s clash:

Goalkeepers: 13. Joan Garcia, 25. Wojciech Szczesny, 33. Eder Aller

Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Pau Cubarsí, 15. Andreas Christensen, 18. Gerard Martín, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric Garcia, 42. Xavi Espart

Midfielders: 6. Gavi, 8. Pedri, 16. Fermín López, 17. Marc Casadó, 20. Dani Olmo, 22. Marc Bernal

Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 11. Raphinha, 14. Marcus Rashford, 19. Roony Bardghji

Barça get a key piece back as Raphinha returns after serving a suspension in midweek, but the Blaugrana will be without Frenkie de Jong who has been ruled out through suspension and joins Lamine Yamal (hamstring) on the absentee list for this one.

Predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Gavi, Pedri; Roony, Fermín, Raphinha; Lewandowski

---

The match kicks off at 9.15pm CET/WAT (Barcelona), 8.15pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3.15pm ET, 12.15pm PT (USA), 12.45am IST (India, Monday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.

VISCA EL BARÇA!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Last session before Betis – FC Barcelona
Saturday morning brought the final training session of the week at the Ciutat Esportiva. The Tito Vilanova pitch was the venue as the players worked out ahead of the game against Real Betis.

Robert Lewandowski leaving FC Barcelona at the end of the season – FC Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski will bring his time as an FC Barcelona player to an end at the close of the season after announcing his departure via his own social media channels. The Polish striker is departing after four seasons in the Blaugrana jersey, having made his mark with goals, leadership and an exemplary competitive mentality.

Lewandowski: ‘Barça has been the most incredible chapter of my career’ – FC Barcelona
Alegend is saying departing. Robert Lewandowski has announced that he will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the current season and, once the final two Liga matches have been played, the Polish striker will bring a four-year chapter to a close, a period he himself describes as “the most incredible chapter” of his career.

Flick: ‘Lewandowski deserves a big farewell’ – FC Barcelona
Sunday’s Barça v Betis clash will carry extra emotion. Not only is it the final game of the season at Spotify Camp Nou, it will also mark Robert Lewandowski’s farewell to the Barça fans as a player.

Hansi Flick: “Completing all the home wins is a great objective” – Mundo Deportivo
The German coach announces a different starting eleven than the one that faced Vitoria, with Joan in goal and still without De Jong, to host Betis.

Flick: “It has been a privilege to work with Lewandowski, he is an example” – Mundo Deportivo
The German coach announced that the Polish player will start against Betis and recalled that “all my titles have been with him.”

Lewy’s essential goals that should not be forgotten – Mundo Deportivo
The Polish striker has scored 119 times for Barça across all competitions. This is just a small selection of some of his best goals.

“Barcelona has set an example of what a spectacle on the football field should be” – Mundo Deportivo
Manuel Pellegrini praises the style of play displayed by Hansi Flick’s squad and predicts a good match this Sunday between Barcelona and his Betis side, already in the Champions League: “Two teams that are dedicated to playing football and try to be creative.”

Six players are out of Betis’ squad for the Camp Nou match – Mundo Deportivo
Altimira, Bartra, Ruibal and Ortiz are out for the clash against FC Barcelona due to injury, and Llorente and Cucho are suspended.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Robert Lewandowski has confirmed he’s leaving Barcelona at the end of the season when his contract with the club expires.

The striker departs after winning three La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups with the Catalan giants following his move from Bayern.

Lewandowski says it’s “mission accomplished” as far as Barcelona are confirmed and has thanked fans for all their support and love in a post on Instagram.

“After four years full of challenges and hard work, it’s time to move on. I leave with the feeling that the mission is complete. 4 seasons, 3 championships.

“I will never forget the love I received from the fans from my very first days. Catalonia is my place on earth.

“Thank you to everyone I met along the way during these beautiful four years. A special thank you to President Laporta for giving me the chance to live the most incredible chapter of my career.

“Barça is back where it belongs. Visca el Barça. Visca Catalunya.”

View this post on Instagram

The news means that Sunday’s match against Real Betis will be a farewell of sorts for Lewandowski as it’s his last game at Camp Nou for Hansi Flick’s side.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Training with Betis match in mind – FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s squad in for a training session at the Ciutat Esportiva with the final match of the season at Spotify Camp Nou on the horizon.

When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Real Betis Balompié – FC Barcelona
International kick-off times and viewing guide for the final match of the season at the Spotify Camp Nou.

One match away from making more history – FC Barcelona
Barça will create a new record for home wins in La Liga with a victory against Betis.

Jules Kounde called up for the 2026 World Cup – FC Barcelona
Didier Deschamps calls up the FC Barcelona number 23, the first Blaugrana confirmed to be going to the World Cup.

Álvaro Cortés: ‘It still hasn’t sunk in’ – FC Barcelona
Center-back speaks about his debut and has the traditional photo with the jersey in front of La Masia.

Flick will hold individual meetings about the future – Mundo Deportivo
The manager plans to speak with some players to clarify their position and short-term expectations. The future of Kounde, Balde, or Roony, who have fallen out of favor, is uncertain; Rashford’s case is different.

Araujo is not considering leaving Barça – Mundo Deportivo
The center-back has barely played since his recovery, mostly as a full-back, but his intention is to fulfill his contract until 2031.

João Pedro’s agent travels to London to meet with Chelsea and Barça – Mundo Deportivo
The agent arrived in the English capital from Brazil with contacts scheduled with the London club and with Deco, given Barcelona’s interest in the Brazilian striker due to difficulties with Julián Álvarez.

The reason why Roony was left off Sweden’s World Cup squad – Mundo Deportivo
The coach didn’t like his anger and attitude after not playing in the matches that secured qualification for the World Cup.

Unai Emery will push hard for Rashford and Barça know it – Mundo Deportivo
The Aston Villa manager is prepared to make a strong bid for the English winger currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United; the player wants to stay at the Camp Nou.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Robert Lewandowski appears to be heading towards the exit door at Barcelona and is being tipped to head to Saudi Arabia or MLS when his contract expires.

Poland legend Jan Tomaszewski believes that Lewandowski is being pushed out of Barcelona, claiming the club will only make an “embarrassing offer” to the veteran and that the players have lost faith in striker.

“It seems Robert was forced to leave. It’s clear that Robert is, how should I put it, an unwanted player, both by the players and by the Barcelona management, ” he told Super Express.

“I’m convinced that if he receives another offer to stay at Barcelona, it will be embarrassing. A player like that shouldn’t allow himself to be dragged through that.

“The players aren’t really behind Robert when it comes to play, because they’re not passing the ball to him the way they used to play him at Bayern Munich.”

Tomaszewski has been outspoken about Lewandowski’s future throughout this season. The former goalkeeper said last month the striker should “behave like a man” and bizarrely claimed Hansi Flick had “ruined” the team.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

The Spanish Association of Football Referees (AESAF) has called for disciplinary proceedings to be opened against Real Madrid president Florentino Perez following his rants this week.

Perez went on the attack and criticised referees, the media, and Barcelona. He also claimed Los Blancos had been robbed of league titles due to match officials.

“I’ve won seven Champions Leagues and only seven LaLiga titles.It could have been 14, but they were stolen from me,” he said.

His comments have now brought a strong response from the AESAF.

“The Spanish Association of Football Referees denounces the statements made by the president of Real Madrid in the press conference of May 12 and in the interview broadcast on La Sexta on May 13, 2026, in which he accused the refereeing establishment of systemic corruption, theft of titles and illicit enrichment.

“AESAF believes that these statements cannot be justified under the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression or sports criticism, given that Mr. Pérez does not merely point out isolated refereeing errors, but rather accuses the refereeing body of perpetrating a continuous crime of corruption over two decades. Furthermore, AESAF emphasizes that the president of Real Madrid acts at all times as the highest institutional representative of one of the world’s most high-profile clubs, which amplifies the damaging impact of his words and increases his responsibility.

“AESAF also requests that the Competition Committee, as a precautionary and urgent measure, order Mr. Pérez to cease issuing similar statements while the proceedings are underway; that he be required to compensate the Refereeing Association for the moral, reputational, and professional damage caused; and that Real Madrid CF be required to issue a public statement of rectification and apology.

“In the opinion of AESAF, Mr. Pérez’s statements constitute a serious, unjustified, and systematic attack on the professional and institutional honor of the Refereeing Association, without any basis in a final judicial ruling. AESAF, in fulfilling its statutory function of defending the refereeing profession, has acted with the utmost diligence to protect the dignity and moral integrity of football referees in Spain.”

Barcelona have already issued a statement to confirm they are considering legal action which led to a swift response from Perez. “Barça would do very well to sue me. If they think they have to do it, let them do it,” he told La Sexta.

Perez was then met by angry fans when Real Madrid returned to action against Real Oviedo on Thursday. Two banners criticising the club president were removed by security in a game which saw Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr booed by supporters.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have reportedly switched fous from Julian Alvarez to Joao Pedro as they hunt for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

It’s looking increasingly like Lewandowski will wave goodbye to Barcelona once his contract expires at the end of the season.

According to Mundo Deportivo and Globo, Deco has now decided that Pedro is his No. 1 attacking target. The club have switched focus after learning of PSG’s interest in Alvarez.

The Ligue 1 champions are believed to be willing to offer Atletico more than €100 million for the Argentine, a fee that Barcelona know they can’t match.

The Catalans also believe that if Atletico do decide to sell Alvarez, they would rather see him move to France than strengthen a rival in Spain.

Barcelona also think that Pedro is a far cheaper option and could be signed from Chelsea for €70m, particularly if – as looks likely – the Premier League side miss out on European football.

Pedro only signed for Chelsea last summer but has enjoyed a good season despite the club’s difficulties, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.

This summer promises more changes at Stamford Bridge as a new manager will be appointed to replace Liam Rosenior.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Robert Lewandowski looks increasingly like he’s set to leave Barcelona at the end of the season when his contract with the club expires.

The striker has insisted he hasn’t made a decision yet but there’s growing speculation that a move to the Saudi Pro League is on the cards.

Al-Hilal appear to be in pole position for his signature, according to WP SportoweFakty. The club are willing to offer Lewandowski a deal worth €90 million a season and he’s said to be “close” to accepting.

Lewandowski is thought to now be open to a move to Saudi Arabia as it would offer him regular playing time but “lighter training” which he feels could help prolong his international career and is the right step as he heads towards the end of his career.

Al-Hilal are the defending Saudi Pro League champions and are currently battling it out at the top of the table with Al-Nassr.

The club boast plenty of big names in their squad such as Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and Darwin Nunez, while Joao Cancelo is also on their books but currently on loan at Barca

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Ronald Araujo appears to be facing an uncertain future at Barcelona heading into the summer transfer window due to a lack of playing time at Camp Nou.

A new report from AS claims that a source close to the player says his future is “up in the air” and that he has hinted at having doubts about his place at the club to friends and family.

The Uruguay international has accepted being a substitute this season but “believes he should play more” and feels he could even be a starter in Hansi Flick’s team.

Yet Flick has only used Araujo sparingly since he returned from a mental health break. He’s only made three starts since then and didn’t feature at all against Real Madrid or Alaves.

Indeed Flick opted to use Alvaro Cortes on Wednesday night instead of handing Araujo a rare start.

AS says that Araujo still loves being at Barcelona and has the backing of the manager and the dressing room. However, his role as a substitute is now “fuelling doubts” about his future as Barca head to the end of their season.

Does Araujo deserve more game time at Barcelona? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have reportedly offered Real Oviedo the chance to sign exciting youngsters Xavi Espart and Toni Fernandez on loan for next season.

The two players are currently in and around the first team and have been tipped to make the breakthrough into the senior squad in the future.

According to Diario Sport, the Catalans are eager for both players to continue their development by going out on loan next season in order to play regular first-team minutes.

Real Oviedo have been offered the chance to land the duo following their relegation from La Liga. The Asturian side look set to finish bottom as they are currently seven points adrift with just three games left.

Interestingly, the report adds that Barca are thinking about trying to include a clause to ensure both players must feature for at least “66% of the minutes of the season.”

Both Espart and Fernandez have already debuted for Barca’s first-team but there’s no clear pathway into Flick’s side at present due to the intense competition for places.

So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:

Should Barcelona send Toni Fernandez and Xavi Espart out on loan next season?

Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona’s Clasico win over Real Madrid on Sunday featured a clash between Eric Garcia and Jude Bellingham that left the England midfielder requiring treatment.

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa called it a “clear elbow” after the game and questioned why VAR did not intervene, while RMTV also did their usual thing of criticising the match officials in the aftermath of the game.

The Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) has now reviewed the incident and explained why no sanctions were handed out.

“A Barcelona defender made contact with a Real Madrid player’s face with his arm. The referee allowed play to continue, and VAR decided not to intervene.

“The CTA upholds this decision because the action is open to interpretation, and there is no clear or obvious error. In contact incidents, the intensity must be assessed, and this action adheres to protocol.”

Real Madrid hit out at referees again on Tuesday, with president Florentino Perez indulging in a bizarre rant at a press conference. Barca have already responded and confirmed they could take legal action against the 79-year-old.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The newly-crowned back-to-back La Liga champions are in the Basque Country to face Deportivo Alavés, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Wednesday’s clash:

Goalkeepers: 13. Joan Garcia, 25. Wojciech Szczesny, 33. Eder Aller

Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Pau Cubarsí, 15. Andreas Christensen, 18. Gerard Martín, 23. Jules Kounde, 24. Eric Garcia, 36. Álvaro Cortés, 42. Xavi Espart

Midfielders: 6. Gavi, 8. Pedri, 17. Marc Casadó, 20. Dani Olmo, 22. Marc Bernal, 43. Tommy Marqués

Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 14. Marcus Rashford, 19. Roony Bardghji

The big news for this one is the return of Andreas Christensen, who is back after missing several months with a knee injury. There are some key absences, however, as Flick decides to rest Fermín López and Frenkie de Jong, who didn’t even travel, while Raphinha misses out through suspension and Lamine Yamal (hamstring) is ruled out through injury.

Predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1):

Joan; Kounde, Araujo, Eric, Balde; Casadó, Bernal; Roony, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski

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The match kicks off at 9.30pm CET/WAT (Barcelona), 8.30pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3.30pm ET, 12.30pm PT (USA), 1am IST (India, Thursday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.

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Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has confirmed he will renew his contract with the club and is happy to stay on after delivering another La Liga title.

The German coach has claimed five titles in his two seasons in charge and will put pen to paper on an extension that will keep him at Camp Nou until 2028.

“During these last few days I have had to do several things. I’m very happy, this gives me the confidence to keep working for another year or two,” he told a pre-match press conferene.

“I think a lot of coaches would be very happy if they signed a three, four-year contract. But in the case of Barça it is good to limit it.

“We will continue until 2028 and if everything goes well, we will make the decision to continue for another year.”

After winning La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup twice and the Copa del Rey once, Flick will be aiming to add the Champions League to his haul next season.

The Barca boss has already been tipped to bring the European Cup back to Barcelona by Karl-Heinze Rummenigge and improve on the last two seasons where the Catalans reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Hansi Flick has given his verdict on Lamine Yamal’s decision to wave a Palestine flag during Barcelona’s La Liga title celebrations on Monday.

Yamal was seen waving the flag during the five-hour long parade and also uploaded a few pictures of Instagram afterwards of him holding the flag and a Barcelona shirt with the message: “Thank God I’m not Madridista.”

Flick was asked about Yamal in his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona’s next game against Alaves and shared his thoughts.

“These are things that I don’t normally like. I have talked about it with him and I have told him that if he wants to do it is his decision, he’s 18 years old. We are dedicated to playing football and we have to take into account what people expect from us,” he told reporters.

Flick went on to speak about the parade and what is was like to share the victory with so many of the the club’s supporters.

“When I see people on the street crying with emotion you realize why we are here, and this for me is the most important thing, the first thing,” he added.

“I feel proud because it’s about the players, they’re playing a fantastic season that hasn’t been easy, there have been a lot of injuries.

“We’ve improved a lot over the last two months, it’s fantastic and it was the key to our win against Madrid. We are the team with the fewest goals conceded, nobody would have imagined it.”

Barcelona still have three games left to play, with Flick confirming he’s eager to finish on a high: “The goal now is to reach 100 points, and to do that we have to win the three remaining matches and play well.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

The Champions Parade – FC Barcelona
All the details as they happen of the Liga and Super Cup title celebrations in the streets of Barcelona.

Hansi Flick makes two league titles out of two – FC Barcelona
Barça’s German coach leads his squad to a second consecutive La Liga crown to join a select group of Blaugrana bosses.

First Liga for four players – FC Barcelona
Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford, João Cancelo and Roony Bardghji have all become Spanish champions for the first time.

João Cancelo, four out of five as league champion – FC Barcelona
Barça defender João Cancelo has another league title for his collection. The La Liga title means the Portuguese full-back has now won four league championships of the five major European leagues.

Costa Adeje Tenerife 1-3 Barça Femení: Victory in the islands – FC Barcelona
Barça break down a defensive wall to claim three more points, extend their winning run and build momentum ahead of the Cup.

Lamine Yamal teases Jude Bellingham after Barcelona Clásico win – ESPN
Lamine Yamal appeared to bite back at Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham with a light-hearted “Talk is cheap” message on social media after Barcelona clinched the LaLiga title on Sunday.

Marcus Rashford says goal in La Liga clincher ‘perfect’ ending – ESPN
Marcus Rashford said if he was a magician he would stay at Barcelona after scoring in Sunday’s title-winning victory against Real Madrid.

Barça-Flick agreement for a renewal! – Mundo Deportivo
The coach’s agent and Deco sealed an extension agreement until 2028 that also includes an optional year until 2029 depending on objectives.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Real Madrid TV have been making headlines all season and are back in the news again after Sunday’s Clasico win delivered Barcelona the title at their rivals’ expense.

Goals from Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres secured another win for Barcelona to move them 14 points clear of Madrid with just three games left to play.

Real Madrid TV were once again left furious by the whole situation and so decided to once again criticise the refereeing, taking aim at Eric Garcia and his challenge on Jude Bellingham.

“Perhaps a push at neck level is something more, but we didn’t see it. What we did see was an elbow from Eric García that is clearly a penalty and also a red card offense,” was the argument on Real Madrid TV.

“It’s yet another demonstration of VAR inaction that fails to correct what could be an injustice. If this is considered a play in the game, then everything can be considered a play in the game; anyone who has played football knows that Eric García did that intentionally.”

There were also claims that Dani Olmo should have been sent off, before RMTV went to lauch a full-blown attack on La Liga, television coverage and Javier Tebas.

“The Spanish League is not serious. The Spanish League, Tebas’s league, Negreira’s league. It’s a circus and a farce. This is appalling. The broadcast of the Spanish League is a disgrace.

“The most serious issue is the lack of footage. When there have been controversial plays, we’ve seen excellent panoramic shots when Real Madrid was the intended target of the foul. Suddenly, once again, the broadcast cuts out during a crucial foul.

“This broadcast is handled by HBS, a company contracted by Tebas, which, in turn, is a subsidiary of Mediapro, and whose directors belong to the former Mediapro and are the ones dictating the editorial line and how they want the match to be presented to the fans.

“Every time there are questionable plays, VAR intervenes when it suits them. And when does VAR intervene? It only intervenes to harm Real Madrid.”

The defeat comes at the end of a difficult week for Los Blancos which was marred by allegations of an alteration between Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni that saw the Uruguayan hospitalised and both players handed hefty fines.

Source: barcablaugranes.com