‘You’re crazy’ – Lamine Yamal sends message to Joan Garcia after Barcelona beat Espanyol
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia has come in for huge praise after a stellar performance in Saturday’s win over Espanyol in La Liga.
Dani Olmo and Hansi Flick were quick to shower the stopper with praise after the win, while more plaudits arrived via social media after the game.
Lamine Yamal was certainly impressed. He posted a picture of Garcia at full stretch on Instagram stories with the caption “you’re crazy.”
He also replied to Joan Garcia’s social post after the match with the message: “Mother of beautiful love, what a goalkeeper.”
Plenty of Barca team-mates also commented on Garcia’s post, as well. Ferran Torres wrote “Increibleeeeee,” Alejandro Balde went for “madness,” Marc Bernal wrote simply “MVP” and Eric Garcia added “Showwwwww no doubts.”
It was certainly a memorable night for all the right reasons for Garcia, with his performance providing the platform for Barca to go on and win the game thanks to late goals from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Joan García returns to haunt Espanyol and shows why he is Barelona’s MVP
Beyond that, he is the reason Barcelona can win games even when they’re not at their best. That’s what a world class goalkeeper can do for you.
Espanyol are one of the best teams in Spain at the moment, and you could see why on Saturday. They are organized and tough to break down, and have an incredible confidence about them under Manolo González.
Over the summer, Barcelona poached their goalkeeper, and the cross town rivals somehow have only gotten better.
The fans at Cornellà were rabid, as they always are when the Blaugrana visit. The question on the night was how Joan García would deal with the pressure of coming back to his old stomping ground with the mission of keeping his team’s cushion at the top of the table in Spain.
It wasn’t an easy match, and perhaps Espanyol deserved something from it. Joan García, in the end, was the difference maker, and gave his team multiple chances to stay alive, while ultimately finding the breakthrough to win the game.
Seeing him make those incredible saves is worth the price of admission. Did you ever think, being a Barcelona fan, that the goalkeeper of all people would be the one making the most exciting plays on the field?
There is no panic in that man. He stays calm, even when faced with the most unlikely of circumstances, squares up the attacking player in front of him, and somehow finds a way, time and time again, to come out on top.
One versus one with the keeper to beat? No so fast.
A point blank header? Easy work.
One of your own defenders getting in the way? Sayonara Gerard Martín.
That is exactly how you want to start the new year if you’re Barcelona. We’re at the point in the season where the stakes are high, but the team can rest easier knowing they have one of the best shot stoppers in the world.
With that fact anchoring you, it comes down to the goal scorers doing their job.
Hansi Flick did well to make the changes he made in the second half. Dani Olmo and Fermín López were the men for the job on the night, and made it count when finally, in the dying moments of the game, their number was called.
These are the types of games that, when you look back on it, win you trophies.
I have my concerns about Barcelona this season. They are an imperfect team, and when it comes down to it, especially in cup competitions, I worry they could be their own worst enemies.
Seeing Joan García perform at this level, however, makes me believe that they could very well make it through even on the toughest of nights.
If we feel this way about him as fans, imagine what it does for the confidence of the players.
Instead of waiting for the other shoe to drop when they aren’t playing well, they know they can keep battling until the breakthrough moment appears.
Joan García has arrived, and that should give Barcelona hope heading into the new year that good things are around the corner.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 4 January 2026; Joan Garcia shines as Barça win derby against Espanyol
Hansi Flick: ‘Important to win games like the derby’ – FC Barcelona “I’m happy with the three points,” Hansi Flick stated loud and clear in the press conference after the derby between Espanyol and FC Barcelona in week 18 of La Liga. In addition, the German coach assured that “it’s very important to win these matches”: “It’s very important for the league,” said the Barça coach.
Dani Olmo first goalscorer of the year – FC Barcelona The year 2026 is under way and Dani Olmo was the man who scored the first goal of the new calendar year for the blaugranes. In recent seasons the opener has often come in the Copa del Rey but this season it was a league encounter against Espanyol that saw Barça find the net for the first time since the turn of the year.
Espanyol vs Barcelona live stream: Lineups, Kickoff time, TV channel, How to watch La Liga online
WELCOME TO THE RCDE STADIUM!!! The home of Espanyol in Cornellà is the site of the first La Liga game of 2026 for the hosts and Barcelona, who meet in one of the most anticipated Catalan derbies in recent memory to kick off the new year in style. Both teams are in red-hot form in the league, and Espanyol believe this is their best chance to finally conquer their local enemies while Barça are looking for a ninth consecutive league win to maintain their healthy advantage at the top of the table. 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 La Liga, Matchday 18
Date/Time: Saturday, January 3, 2026, 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Sunday)
Venue: RCDE Stadium, Cornellà, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: Víctor García Verdura
VAR: Juan Luis Pulido Santana
HOW TO WATCH
On TV: Not Available (USA, UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Movistar (Spain), others
Online: ESPN+ (USA), Disney Plus (UK), FanCode (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
FC Barcelona announce squad for La Liga match against Espanyol
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana kick off the new year with a massive Catalan derby against Espanyol in a huge La Liga game, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Saturday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 13. Joan Garcia, 25. Wojciech Szczesny
Midfielders: 8. Pedri, 16. Fermín López, 17. Marc Casadó, 20. Dani Olmo, 21. Frenkie de Jong, 22. Marc Bernal, 27. Dro Fernández, 43. Tommy Marqués
Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 10. Lamine Yamal, 11. Raphinha, 14. Marcus Rashford, 28. Roony Bardghji
There’s some very good news for this one as Pedri (muscle) and Dani Olmo (shoulder) return to the squad after missing time with injury, adding much-needed depth to the midfield ahead of a busy January. The defense is very thin, however, as Andreas Christensen (knee) has joined Gavi (knee) on the long-term injured list and Ronald Araujo, who is back with the group after a month away for mental health reasons, is not physically fit enough to play just yet.
The match kicks off at 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 8pm GMT (UK), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 1.30am IST (India, Sunday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 3 January 2026; All set for massive Catalan derby against Espanyol
Final session before the derby – FC Barcelona Barça finished off their preparations on Friday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper for Saturday’s Catalan derby against Espanyol, kick off 9pm CET. This season Barcelona’s city rivals are having an excellent campaign in La Liga sitting in fifth place in the table on 33 points, 13 behind leaders FC Barcelona.
Hansi Flick: ‘We have the quality to win the derby’ – FC Barcelona A derby is always intense, and the clash between Espanyol and FC Barcelona that will usher in 2026 is no exception. However, Hansi Flick is keen to tone down the tension surrounding a match full of talking points.
Meeting between Hansi Flick and Manolo González – FC Barcelona Friendly vibes ahead of the Catalan derby as after training and his pre-game press conference on Friday, Barça coach Hansi Flick and his Espanyol counterpart Manolo González held the traditional get together before Saturday’s game in the RCDE Stadium.
Best Barça of the last 25 years by shirt numbers – FC Barcelona You, the fans, have decided. The vote to choose the best FC Barcelona players of the first quarter of the 21st century has ended and today we can announce the final results. After several days of voting via the club’s official app, the selected squad reflects a blend of undisputed legends, key figures from glorious eras, and stars spanning Barça’s past, present and future.
Back to work with strength and endurance testing – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona Women returned to training this Friday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Pere Romeu’s team held their first training session of the year with all players available. The Blaugrana underwent strength and endurance tests.
Can Barcelona afford not to sign a center forward in the summer?
One of the biggest unanswered questions for Barcelona going into the new year is the current and future state of the center forward position.
Hansi Flick has to decide which player to select in the second half of the season to give his team the best chance of competing for trophies. After that, Joan Laporta will have to determine if change is needed at the position heading into the summer
At the start of the season, it was largely believed to be Robert Lewandowski’s to lose. There was some speculation about the possibility of using Marcus Rashford, or even Dani Olmo as a false nine.
Ferran Torres was written off by many as an option off the bench, or perhaps a rotation piece when the aging Lewandowski needed a rest.
Instead, Ferran is putting in his best season in a Barcelona shirt. So far, across all competitions, he has 13 goals and an assist. Lewandowski meanwhile has recorded 8 goals and 2 assists. In the Pichichi race, Ferran is in second place, while Lewandowski isn’t far behind in fourth.
Has either player earned the right to be called the out-and-out starter? Or maybe Flick will look at the situation as a evidence that he can mix and match from game to game as he sees fit.
One thing’s for sure, Flick will be content with the options he has at his disposal, at least for now. On paper, his forwards are fit, and contributing at a high level.
But the long term future for the club is another question.
Will Marcus Rashford be signed full time, or at least have an extension of his loan deal? If so, could we start to see more of him in a central role?
Ferran Torres has a contract that will keep him at Barcelona for another season. Don’t be surprised if Barcelona looks to extend it. There has been talk of keeping him through 2030.
If an extension comes through, the question will be what role he plays on the team. Most would agree that he isn’t a future number one striker for Barcelona, even if Flick seems to be getting the best out of him. But is he valuable enough to keep around, under the right contract with reasonable wages, so that he can continue to be a reliable utility player?
Or, if he continues to put up big numbers this season, could Barcelona take advantage and cash out on a transfer? That would depend if Ferran is willing to consider offers. So far, he has seemed content with his life in Barcelona in spite of the challenges.
Flick and Laporta will both have some thinking to do in this department.
The good news is that Barcelona continues to be one of the best attacking teams in the world.
And for that, it’s been a team effort.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘We need another player’ – Hansi Flick opens up on Barcelona’s January transfer plans
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed that the club is planning to sign a defender in the January transfer window after Andreas Christensen’s ACL injury.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the coach recognized the difficulty of bringing in players in the winter window but also made it clear there’s a depth issue at the back, and said a signing will be made as long as it “makes sense”.
“That’s a tough question. We’re not ready yet. When you look at our back line, with center-backs and full-backs, we need another player. But we have to talk about it, and it’s difficult to bring in a quality player in the winter transfer window. I’m confident we can do something, but it has to make sense.”
Barça have been linked with pretty much every center-back alive over the last two weeks, and there appears to be some truth to the rumors of a possible reunion with João Cancelo, which is why I found it interesting that Flick mentioned center-backs AND full-backs as targets for January.
Signing a defender is an absolute must this winter, and Barça have to get it right if they want to have enough depth for a deep run in every competition this season.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona confirm Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo fit to face Espanyol
Flick offered an update on both players at his pre-match press conference.
“Yes, they’re ready. Dani played a practice match today; he’s not afraid in one-on-one situations. He’s taken an important step. Lamine is back too,” he said.
The Barcelona boss also spoke about the match and is expecting a tough test against Espanyol.
“It will be an interesting match. I want to congratulate Manolo because what he’s doing is incredible. They have five consecutive victories; it’s fantastic,” he added.
“They’re pressing very well, also in transition. We’ll have to be careful and play at our best; that’s the most important thing.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 2 January 2026; Preparations continue for Espanyol, Barça to keep Roony Bardghji despite loan rumors
Training to start 2026 – FC Barcelona First training session of the new year, as Hansi Flick’s squad were put through their paces for the fourth time this week with the target of being in the best possible shape for the local derby on 3 January after welcoming in 2026.
When and where to watch Espanyol v FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona The first game of 2026 is upon us and it’s no less than a local derby, as FC Barcelona are set to make the short trip across the city to the RCDE Stadium to play Espanyol in the LaLiga matchday 18 fixture. A great game to get the new year off to a good start.
2026 gets off to demanding start – FC Barcelona Welcome, 2026! A new year begins, bringing fresh hopes, challenges and ambitions. And for FC Barcelona, there’s plenty to get excited about. January comes in strong, packed with high-stakes fixtures… and the chance to lift silverware.
The big dates in 2026 – FC Barcelona Goodbye 2025. A year full of emotions, big matches, goals, joy and silverware: the treble of Super Cup, LaLiga and Copa del Rey, plus a run to the Champions League semi-finals. But now it’s time to turn the page. 2026 is here, and let’s take a look at what the future has in store.
Best derby of recent years – FC Barcelona 2026 is set to get off to a blockbuster start. There’s a real appetite for football’s return to the menu, and for a derby! Barça and Espanyol face off at the RCDE Stadium in what we might describe as the best derby of recent years, or at least one in which both sides arrive in their strongest form. Hansi Flick’s team’s brand of football and Manolo González’s side’s solidity are the perfect ingredients for the occasion.
Have Espanyol beaten Barça at the RCDE Stadium? – Mundo Deportivo Espanyol have yet to experience a league victory against Barcelona at their current stadium, which opened in 2009. They have, however, managed to beat them in the Copa del Rey, and this Saturday they have the opportunity to break the curse and secure a league win at home.
Concerns over Lamine Yamal’s fitness emerge ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Espanyol
Lamine Yamal’s fitness is once again in the spotlight as Barcelona prepare to resume La Liga action after the festive break with a derby clash at Espanyol on Saturday.
According to Diario Sport, Yamal arrived for a late afternoon training session at Barcelona on Thursday but left minutes later and did not join in with the rest of his team-mates.
The report goes on to say it’s not thought to be a serious problem but his progress will now be monitored as Barca continue preparations for their first game of 2026.
Barca are due to train again on Friday, while Hansi Flick will also hold his pre-match press conference, so we should get more of an idea of whether Yamal will play then.
The Catalan giants are then due to head out to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup and a semi-final clash with Athletic Club on January 7th in Jeddah.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona set to clinch signing of Hamza Abdelkarim from Al-Ahly
The two clubs have been in negotiations for a little while now, with the teenager believed to be pushing for a dream move to Camp Nou.
According to the latest from Egypt and Spain, Barca are now on the verge of completing a deal after reaching a breakthrough in negotiations.
Barcelona are expected to sign the youngster on loan for the rest of the season, with the transfer including a purchase option of around €1.5 million.
The transfer also includes various performance-based bonuses which could reach as much as €5m.
Abdelkarim is expected to link up with Barcelona Atletic and provide Juliano Belletti’s side with a boost for the second half of the season.
Barca Atletic have been beset by injuries to key players so far this season, although striker Oscar Gistau is expected to return to training shortly.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
What to look forward to at Barcelona in 2026
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2026, a year in which Barcelona will aim to add more trophies to their collection and continue to thrill us with Hansi Flick’s very own brilliant brand of football.
There’s plenty coming our way to look forward to so let’s dive right in and have a look.
More trophies?
Barcelona head into 2026 with a four-point lead at the top of the table, a place in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey and work to do in the Champions League. The Spanish Super Cup is also on the horizon and Flick’s side will be hoping at least some of those trophies are in their cabinet at the end of the season.
La Liga looks like being another interesting title race. Real Madrid endured a tough end to 2025 and question marks remain over manager Xabi Alonso. It would be no surprise at all if he didn’t last the season, and any managerial change could well affect the team’s form.
Of course the Champions League is probably the one trophy Barca want the most of all. However, performances in the competition so far this season haven’t been completely convincing and a play-off may need to be negotiated before Barca can take their place in the next round.
The return of Gavi
Barcelona have been without Gavi since August due to another knee injury that subsequently required surgery and ruled him out for five months. The news was a really devastating blow to the midfielder, particularly after he’d worked so hard to return after his ACL injury, but he is due back in February or March. After another long lay-off it’s not clear how much of Gavi we’ll see for the rest of the season, but he’s vowed to return at “100%” and is guaranteed a huge reception when he does make it back out onto the pitch.
World Cup 2026
World Cup 2026 will take place in the summer in North America, Canada and Mexico and will see a whole host of Barcelona stars in action. The Spain squad in particular will be packed full of Barcelona players and will be among the favourites for victory. Lionel Messi’s Argentina were crowned champions in 2022 but could Lamine Yamal guide Spain to victory this time around?
Yamal vs Messi in the Finalissima
And while we’re at it, we will see Yamal come up against Messi for the first time on the pitch in March when La Finalissima takes place. European champions Spain will come up against the South American champs in Qatar in what promises to be a fascinating match-up between the two sides.
La Masia to deliver again
La Masia has proven again in recent years that it is the gift that keeps on giving and will surely deliver more talents to Barca’s first team in 2026. Jofre Torrents, Xavi Espart, Ibrahim Diarra and Dro Fernandez are the youngsters closest to the first team right now but there’s a host of other exciting talents behind them – such as Ebrima Tunkara and Sama Nomoko – who will be worth keeping an eye on throughout 2026.
More Marc Bernal
Marc Bernal has been used sparingly in the first half of the season which is no real surprise given the amount of time he’s missed after undergoing surgery.
Yet the feeling is he’s likely to see more game time in the second half of the campaign which is an exciting thought for Barcelona fans.
We’ve all see Bernal’s potential and know just how good a player he can hopefully become at Barcelona. The next few months should hopefully offer the youngster more chances to show what he can do and stake a claim for a regular spot in Hansi Flick’s side.
Transfers!
Barcelona will undoubtedly be linked with hundreds of players yet again in 2026 but are expected to make some moves in the summer transfer market. There’s plenty of talk about a new center-back right now, while a new striker to take over from Robert Lewandowski may well be on the agenda. And Barcelona will also have to make a decision on Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United loanee has posted some good numbers so far this season, and Barca do have the option to make the transfer permanent, but it’s still not clear if he will continue past the end of the current campaign.
What are you looking forward to seeing most at Barcelona in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 1 January 2026; Happy New Year!
The top ten games of 2025 – FC Barcelona 2025 was an extraordinary year for FC Barcelona. Hansi Flick’s side delivered unforgettable performances, history-making comebacks and landmark victories that paved the way to sporting success. From nerve-shredding finales to epic nights, impossible turnarounds and title celebrations, here is a recap of the ten matches that defined an unforgettable year.
All the goals in 2025 – FC Barcelona Hansa Flick’s Barça side are a goalscoring machine, so get comfortable and enjoy all the Blaugrana goals from a superb year.
João Cancelo makes himself available – Mundo Deportivo The Portuguese full-back, who already played on loan at Barça in the 2023-24 season, wants to leave Al Hilal this January and has offered himself to the Catalan club.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Rival Watch: Kylian Mbappe expected to miss Spanish Super Cup with knee injury
Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup hopes have taken a blow as star striker Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out for around three weeks with a knee injury.
Los Blancos issued a statement on their France international on Wednesday that read:
“Following tests carried out today by the Real Madrid Medical Services on our player Kylian Mbappé, he has been diagnosed with a sprain in his left knee. His progress will be monitored.”
It’s now been reported that Mbappe is out for at least three weeks, ruling him out of Real Madrid’s La Liga game against Real Betis at the weekend as well as the Super Cup.
Real Madrid are due to play Atletico in the semi-finals of the tournament in Saudi Arabia, while Barcelona are due to face Athletic Club in the other game.
The winners of the two matches will then meet in the final to see who lifts the first silverware of the Spanish season, with Barca hoping to defend the title they won last year.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Bayern star Leon Goretzka contacts Hansi Flick to ask about Barcelona transfer
Bayern Munich star Leon Goretzka has reportedly been in touch with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick to ask about the possibility of a move to the Camp Nou.
Goretzka is out of contract with the Bavarian giants in the summer, and able to talk to overseas clubs from January 1st, meaning he is expected to move on a free transfer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Goretzka has made Flick well aware that he would love to play with him again after working with the coach previously at Bayern and for the Germany national team.
It’s not known what Flick’s response has been, but he’s hardly short of midfield options at Barcelona and it’s difficult to see where Goretzka would fit in at the Camp Nou.
MD say that a number of other clubs are interested in the 30-year-old, naming Atletico Madrid, Tottenham, Napoli and Juventus as potential options for the veteran midfielder.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
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.
