Barcelona learn Luka Vuskovic price after holding initial talks over potential summer transfer
WOLFSBURG, GERMANY - MARCH 07: Luka Vuskovic of Hamburger SV celebrates scoring his team's first goal from the penalty spot during the Bundesliga match between VfL Wolfsburg and Hamburger SV at Volkswagen Arena on March 07, 2026 in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A new update from Sport Bild claims that Barcelona are monitoring the youngster and add that “it’s clear” there have been talks with his agent Pini Zahavi.
The report also highlights how Zahavi also represents both Robert Lewandowski and Hansi Flick and gets on well with Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
Vuskovic has been impressing in the Bundesliga this season and seems to have plenty of admirers. Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea are also believed to be interested, although it’s reported that he would like to play in Spain at some point in his career.
Yet any club wanting to sign Vuskovic will have to dig deep. He’s currently valued at around €60 million, and the feeling is that price may rise if he impresses at World Cup 2026 with Croatia.
The youngster is due to head back to Tottenham at the end of the season when his loan deal ends but there are doubts about his continuity at the club.
Spurs are currently battling relegation after another dismal Premier League campaign, while it’s claimed Vuskovic wasn’t too happy with the fact he was sent out on loan after it was deemed he wouldn’t break into the first team.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres struggles show Barcelona must prioritise a new striker this summer
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 21: Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona celebrates 2-0 with Raphinha of FC Barcelona, Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona, Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Getafe at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Regardless of whether Barca go on to win this season’s La Liga title or the Champions League, the squad still needs to be strengthened in certain areas this summer.
Though it isn’t clear at this point just how much Joan Laporta will have to spend on transfers, if it comes down to it, then replacing Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres as the main striker has to be the priority.
The Polish international has served the club incredibly well since his signing, more than justifying his contract, which ends this summer.
However, Lewy has begun to look jaded in many games this year, and is looking every inch a soon-to-be 38-year-old coming towards the end of his career at the elite level.
Yes, he still knows where the goal is, but unless you’re going to put a chance on a plate for him, he’s going to offer very little in the middle of a rapid front three.
His movement isn’t bad either, he just often looks like he’s wading through treacle when trying to get control of the ball and move away from his marker.
Ferran is a different kettle of fish altogether.
Last season, culers saw a very real glimpse of exactly what The Shark could do when given a run in the side and the confidence of the manager.
He really was excellent in Barca’s run to the Copa del Rey, as well as showing up in every other competition.
The problem for the 26-year-old is that his form has fallen off a cliff again, and the chances that he gobbled up in 2024/25 have consistently been going begging.
So far in 2025/26, the Spaniard has 15 goals and one assist in 36 games in all competitions, though only one league goal since early December.
With his contract up in 2027, this summer would realistically be the last chance for Barca to get any money from a sale and use that as part of any purchase for a replacement.
Who that might be is anyone’s guess, given that there have been strong rumours for some while now that the club are still trying to drive down Marcus Rashford’s price.
As a result of that, thoughts of landing Julian Alvarez surely can’t be considered to be anything other than a pipe dream at this stage.
What is clear, however, is that Barca have a problem when it comes to the No. 9 position and solving it must be a priority this summer.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Man Utd and Man City among Premier League clubs keen on Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 07: Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona looks on during warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on February 07, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Premier League interest in Alejandro Balde is said to be growing ahead of the summer transfer window, with plenty of clubs keen on Barcelona’s left-back.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Manchester City are all admirers of the 22-year-old Barcelona star.
The report cites ‘sources close to the player’ as saying there’s ‘strong interest’ which has been around for some time but no formal offers have yet been made.
MD say that Balde isn’t thinking about moving but point out that he will have to start planning for the future shortly, as his contract current at Barcelona only runs until 2028.
Balde is currently out injured but is expected back after the international break along with Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 26 March 2026; Barça destroy Real Madrid in Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 25: Alexia Putellas of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring her team's sixth goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-finals First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on March 25, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images
Last session of the week – FC Barcelona With 15 players away on international duty and others out injured or busy doing recovery work, there are only four first team members training as normal this week at the Ciutat Esportiva: Szczesny, Gavi, Marc Casadó and Gerard Martín.
Barça, leaders from corners too – FC Barcelona The Blaugranes have scored more goals, 11 in total, than anyone other team in La Liga, showing the danger Hansi Flick’s team pose from set pieces.
Joan Garcia picks his best save since joining at Barcelona
Joan Garcia plays during the match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona, corresponding to week 18 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on January 3, 2026. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
“I think my best save is the derby at Espanyol. That’s good. Not only technically, but also because of the moment of the game in which it was and what it meant to be able to continue with a draw. Also I made it against Pere, and we like to rib each other,” he told El Larguero.
“We didn’t deserve it, I will be honest. I have to say thank you to Joan García because he played unbelievable. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” he told reporters afterwards.
Garcia’s form this season has seen him earn a first call-up to the Spain squad, and he’ll be hoping he can make his international debut in the upcoming friendlies against Egypt and Serbia.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Should Barcelona go for Victor Osimhen instead of Julian Alvarez this summer?
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MARCH 10: Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray A.S. celebrates after Mario Lemina of Galatasaray A.S. (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Galatasaray SK and Liverpool FC at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi on March 10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Burak Kara - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images
Barcelona continue to be linked with a move for Julian Alvarez in the summer transfer window as the Catalans search for a new No. 9.
All of which has led to fresh speculation about other targets, with Mundo Deportivo claiming that Victor Osimhen is liked as a possible ‘Plan B’ for Barca.
The report highlights his impressive goalscoring record for Galatasaray – 56 goals in 70 games – but also claims his “temperamental nature” is a drawback.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Should Barcelona go for Victor Osimhen instead of Julian Alvarez this summer?
Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, upsets, and opinions and answers in the comments section below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Pep Guardiola gives his verdict on Hansi Flick’s Barcelona
(L-R) Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola greets FC Barcelona manger Hansi Flick during the 2024 FC Series pre-season friendly football match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on July 30, 2024. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Pep Guardiola has made it clear he loves watching Hansi Flick’s Barcelona and tries to make sure he can watch the Catalan giants whenever he can.
Barcelona have scored goals for fun under Flick, with his attacking style and infamous high line making for exciting games for supporters.
Guardiola is no different and says he loves to watch his beloved Barcelona in action.
“Whenever I have the chance to watch Barça, I do so with interest because I find it entertaining,” he told Catalunya Radio.
“In the end, we overthink things and make up many stories, but ultimately you go to the cinema, the theatre, to read a book, to a good restaurant… what you want is to enjoy yourself. And tell me one time when you don’t enjoy watching Barça.”
Flick’s team have just matched a Guardiola record, with Sunday’s victory over Rayo. The win is Barca’s 15th in a row at home, their longest ever streak, matching Pep’s team who did it in 2010-2011.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 25 March 2026; Barça willing to sell Ferran Torres, Alessandro Bastoni signing an absolute priority
Alessandro Bastoni of FC Internazionale looks on during the serie Serie A Enilive match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 8, 2026 in Milan, Italy (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
First session of the week – FC Barcelona With official competition on hold for international fixtures, the first team players available followed personalised training plans at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
FC Barcelona official statement – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona informs about the measures in the management of season tickets and ticket sales, with the aim of reinforcing security and ensuring an optimal experience for all members, supporters, and match attendees.
Barça launch Operation Bastoni – SPORT The center-back has become the absolute priority, the deal is progressing well, and the club is looking for ways to reach an agreement with Inter.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona Lamine Yamal takes it easy after linking up with Spain squad
LAS ROZAS, SPAIN - MARCH 24: Marcos Llorente, Lamine Yamal and Aymeric Laporte during the training session of Spain Team ahead of the International Friendly match against Serbia at Ciudad del Futbol on March 24, 2026, in Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
Yamal has joined Barca team-mates Joan Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres, and Dani Olmo in the Spain squad. Their first fixture is against Serbia in Villarreal.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘He’s absolutely brilliant’ – Jules Kounde names his favorite Barcelona player
Jules Kounde plays during the match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF, corresponding to week 26 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on February 28, 2026. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jules Kounde has been chatting about his Barcelona team-mates and has named midfield genius Pedri as his absolute favorite.
The Frenchman made it clear just how much he admires the Spain star and also spoke about how the defensive side of his game is often overlooked.
“Pedri is my favorite player. He’s absolutely brilliant. Honestly, he’s one of those players who operates on another level; even what he does in training and everything else,” he said during a live Kings League broadcast.
“It’s really his innate technique; with his right foot and his left, he can pivot to the right or to the left, he has incredible vision of the game.
“There’s also a very underrated aspect, which I think isn’t emphasized enough: his defensive work. Pedri is a player who constantly runs and wins back the ball… Last year, he was the player who recovered the most balls in Europe.
“He covers about 12 km per game and, at the same time, has to regain possession, advance the team, distribute the ball and break through the opposing defensive lines. Pedri is absolutely brilliant.”
Fortress Camp Nou: Can Barcelona stay perfect at home in La Liga?
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images
The Catalan giants have won 15 out of 15 home games in La Liga, a key reason why they are top of the table and in a good position to retain their title.
Of course, Barcelona actually started the started at the tiny Estadi Johan Cruyff before heading back to Montjuic and then finally home to Camp Nou.
Barcelona now have four games left at home but can they win them all and stay perfect? Check out the schedule below:
April 11: Barcelona vs Espanyol
April 22: Barcelona vs Celta Vigo
May 10: Barcelona vs Real Madrid
May 17: Barcelona vs Real Betis
There’s obviously a few tricky games still to play but Barcelona will be confident given their incredible home form so far this season.
Can they do it? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 24 March 2026; Andreas Schjelderup talks Barça rumors, Hansi Flick wins La Liga Coach of the Month
BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 28: Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick during the UEFA Champions League phase Matchday 8 match between Barcelona and Copenhagen at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain on January 28, 2026. (Photo by Adria Puig/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images
Is Jules Kounde no longer ‘untouchable’ and should Barcelona sell if the price is right?
Jules Kounde plays during the match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF, corresponding to week 26 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on February 28, 2026. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
The defender has been an ever-present under Hansi Flick but is currently sidelined through injury and not due to return until after the international break.
Eric Garcia has taken over at right-back at times this season, while Ronald Araujo and young Xavi Espart have also featured while Kounde has been out.
Joao Cancelo is another option for Flick and may well end up staying at the club past the end of his current loan.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Is Jules Kounde no longer untouchable and should Barca sell if the price is right?
Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, upsets, and opinions and answers in the comments section below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup reacts to ‘fantastic’ Barcelona transfer talk
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 21: Andreas Schjelderup of SL Benfica gestures during the Primeira Liga match between SL Benfica and Vitoria SC at Estadio da Luz on March 21, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Schjelderup appears to be on Barca’s radar, along with Ez Abde and Jan Virgili, in case the Catalans decide against signing Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis.
According to O Jogo, the winger was asked about speculation Barca had sent scouts to watch him recently and about the prospect of a move to La Liga and said: “It would be fantastic if it’s true.”
Schjelderup has seven goals and four assists so far this season for Benfica and is contracted to the club until 2028. It’s thought he would cost somewhere in the region of €20 million if he were to move on.
FC Barcelona News: 23 March 2026; Barça beat Rayo Vallecano, Bernardo Silva linked with move to Camp Nou (again)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 4: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City on the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest at Etihad Stadium on March 4, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) | Getty Images
50 league games scoring – FC Barcelona With the winner against Rayo, Hansi Flick’s side have now reached a half-century of consecutive games scoring in La Liga.
Should Barcelona have had a penalty for foul on Lamine Yamal against Rayo?
Barcelona's Spanish forward #10 Lamine Yamal reacts during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on March 22, 2026. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Yamal tried to cut past the Rayo player but went down and appealed for a spot-kick. Referee Adrián Cordero Vega decided not to give the foul and was backed by VAR official Raúl Martínez González.
Ciss definitely dangled a leg and Yamal needed little intervention to go down but it wasn’t enough to convince the match officials.
⁉️💥 ¿Hay penalti de Pathé Ciss sobre Lamine Yamal?
✅ 𝗡𝗢.
👉🏻 Si bien es cierto que Ciss saca la pierna derecha y se la juega, Lamine da la zancada por encima de ella y se deja caer.
▪️ Cordero Vega, perfectamente situado, indicó en directo que no había nada punible. pic.twitter.com/MwImyofpgp
Former Spainsh referee Iturralde González told SER that he thought it was a foul: “It’s a penalty, he swung his leg. It’s one thing for Pathé Ciss to be standing still, but he swung his leg.
“I understand it’s a close call for VAR to intervene. What the referee can’t do is make him get up because there’s contact, and if he tells him to get up, it’s a card.”
What do you think about the incident? Should Barcelona have been given a spot-kick? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano live stream: Lineups, Kickoff time, TV channel, How to watch La Liga online
Lamine Yamal and Pep Chavarria play during the match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano, corresponding to week 24 of LaLiga EA Sports, at the Lluis Companys Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on February 17, 2025. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
WELCOME TO CAMP NOU!!! The Greatest Stadium on Earth hosts the final Barcelona match before the last international break of the season as the Blaugrana welcome Rayo Vallecano, with Barça looking for all three points to extend their advantage at the top of the table before a massive Madrid Derby that could have a major impact on the title race. 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 29
Date/Time: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2pm CET/WAT (Barcelona & Nigeria), 1pm GMT (UK), 9am ET, 6am PT (USA), 6.30pm IST (India)
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Referee: Adrián Cordero Vega
VAR: Raúl Martín González Francés
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’s Fermín López ‘rubs salt in wounds’ of Premier League clubs who pursued him
Fermin Lopez celebrates during the match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle FC, corresponding to the second leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, at the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on March 18, 2026. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
It is one thing to play for Barcelona, but it is another entirely to carry the midfield with the blend of aggression and technical grace Fermín López displayed during the recent 7-2 demolition of Newcastle United. The British press was left reeling after the display, with the Manchester Evening News describing it as a “masterclass” while noting that Manchester United “was one of several Premier League clubs interested in the Barcelona youngster” last summer.
The narrative surrounding Fermín has shifted rapidly from a promising rotation player to a €100 million asset, at least according to the latest Transfermarkt valuations. This rise feels particularly pointed given the summer transfer saga involving Chelsea. Reports from beIN SPORTS last August suggested the London club was willing to tempt the midfielder with a gross annual salary of €15 million, more than double his current earnings in Catalonia.
While Chelsea reportedly prepared a bid of €58 million, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco held firm at a €70 million asking price. Even with the lure of a guaranteed starting spot at Stamford Bridge, the move never materialized.
But the player’s commitment to the club seems to be the ultimate barrier for any suitor. During a recent interactive session on DAZN, Fermín spoke about his connection to the team, stating, “At Barcelona I feel at home. Very happy.”
He dismissed the idea of a short-term stay, noting that in ten years he would love to still be at the club “enjoying football,” which is something he “dreamed of since I was a child.”
The English press appears to be feeling the sting of a missed opportunity.
Following his goal against Newcastle, which he celebrated by mimicking Lionel Messi, the Manchester Evening News suggested the former Manchester United target has “rubbed salt in the club’s wound.” They further noted that the Red Devils “will have watched on from afar after missing out on the chance to sign him last year” while they continue to struggle to return to Europe’s top competition.
Fermín’s success is a testament to the club’s developmental path, a “wonderful philosophy” that he credits for his rise.
“Barça … always believes in the players of La Masía. That is our great treasure,” he told DAZN.
Despite the noise from the Premier League and the financial dilemmas that often face the Barcelona board, Hansi Flick’s stance has remained clear: the German coach views the midfielder as non-transferable.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘He’s a good option for us’ – Hansi Flick hails exciting Barcelona teen ahead of Rayo Vallecano clash
Barcelona's Xavi Espart during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen, second leg match at the Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain. Picture date: Wednesday March 18, 2026. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images
Barcelona may very well have another La Masia gem on their hands as Xavi Espart has impressed since making his senior debut, and his coach is one of his biggest fans.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Hansi Flick was full of praise for Espart and indicated that he might start again in Sunday’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano. Flick is impressed with Espart’s confidence and how unfazed he was by the occasion of playing two of his first three games in a huge environment such as the Champions League knockout stages, and the coach thinks there’s more to come from young Xavi.
“Xavi Espart has a lot of confidence. It’s incredible that at 18 years old he’s already played two Champions League matches and his level in La Liga… He needs the right attitude and mentality. For tomorrow, he’s a good option for us.”
Flick certainly turned some heads when he compared Espart to German legend Philipp Lahm a couple of weeks ago, but it’s easy to see why Hansi was so excited about Xavi. The 18-year-old has remarkable poise and confidence for his age, which is especially important when playing as a defender in such a high-risk system such as Flick’s.
Espart has been very solid in every aspect of the game so far except for one mental mistake that led to a Sevilla goal last week, but even his lack of height doesn’t seem to be an issue as he makes up for it with tremendous intensity and defensive competitiveness.
There has been plenty of evidence to suggest Espart has a real future with the first team, and it looks like he’ll get yet another chance to impress from the start against Rayo. One to watch, for sure.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Hansi Flick explains why Marcus Rashford did not feature for Barcelona against Newcastle or Sevilla
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 15: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona warms up during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou stadium on March 15, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
The future of Marcus Rashford at Barcelona was once again a topic of discussion this week after the Englishman did not feature at all in the last two wins against Sevilla and Newcastle, but his coach has given a reason for the sudden disappearance.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Hansi Flick revealed Rashford has been dealing with a minor injury issue and the coach decided to not risk him in the last two games, but Flick indicated that Marcus is once again fully fit and will be available for selection for Sunday’s La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano.
“Marcus had some problems in the last few days and we preferred to be cautious with him. Now he’s back to 100 percent.”
The scintillating form of Raphinha certainly makes Rashford’s absence easier to deal with, but Marcus has been a solid contributor all season and it’s now much simpler to understand why he suddenly stopped playing in recent games. If he was injured, then there’s not much to talk about.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 21 March 2026; Preparations begin for Rayo Vallecano, Marcus Rashford future in doubt
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Marcus Rashford of Barcelona wears a Nike snood before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Newcastle United FC and FC Barcelona at St. James' Park on March 10, 2026 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images) | Offside via Getty Images
Full focus on Rayo – FC Barcelona Friday brings a training session for the players with all eyes on Sunday’s game at Spotify Camp Nou.
Should Barcelona’s Joan Garcia be Spain’s starting goalkeeper in World Cup 2026?
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Joan Garcia of FC Barcelona acknowledges the fans during warm ups prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia received some good news on Friday as he was named in the Spain squad for their March international friendlies against Serbia and Egypt.
Joan had been left off Luis de la Fuente’s squad all season despite his amazing performances for Barcelona, but he finally gets a chance to show the national team’s coaching staff what he’s capable of. This will be Joan’s only chance to make an impression ahead of the World Cup, but his club performances certainly give him a strong case to compete with Unai Simón, David Raya and Álex Remiro for the starting spot this summer.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Should Joan Garcia be Spain’s starting goalkeeper in the World Cup?
Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, upsets, and opinions and answers in the comments section below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal shows off Spain’s new second kit for World Cup 2026
KONYA, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 7: Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Türkiye and Spain at Konya Metropolitan Municipality Stadium on September 7, 2025 in Konya, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images
Lamine Yamal has been posing in Spain’s new second kit ahead of World Cup 2026 this summer in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
A host of away kits have been released today by adidas, with Spain set to wear white with a red and gold trim. And here’s how it looks:
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is also set to name his latest squad later today for March friendlies against Serbia and Egypt.
There will be plenty of players from Barcelona in the line-up, with Yamal expected to be joined by Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo.
La segunda equipación que @adidas_ES ha presentado para la #CopaMundialFIFA no tiene NINGÚN TIPO DE SENTIDO.
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) March 20, 2026
Goalkeeper Joan Garcia will also be hoping to get the nod along with Eric Garcia. Marc Bernal has also been tipped to get a senior call-up after starring for Barcelona recently, while De la Fuente has a decision to make on Gavi.
The midfielder has only just returned to full fitness with Barcelona after a lengthy spell out, and this call-up may come too soon, but Gavi has admitted he’s still hopeful of grabbing a place in the squad for World Cup 2026.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona are an attacking machine but defense will decide how far they go in the Champions League
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates Fermin Lopez and Gerard Martin during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images
The truth is, they are exactly what modern football needs if it is to succeed in a future where there is fierce competition for the attention of the public.
Bias aside, that’s why I thought it was such a pity a year ago when Inter made it to the final ahead of them.
Against Newcastle, and Sevilla earlier in the week, we saw Barcelona at their best. A team that can strike fear into any opponent in the world, because when they are on, they become truly unstoppable.
The next morning, I still can’t believe the 7-2 score line. It feels surreal.
Even more so when you consider that over the first three halves of the two leg tie against their northern England rivals, Barcelona were not the better team. Their vulnerabilities were also exposed, and no doubt future rivals will take note.
In part, it’s because Flick continues to double down on the core principles of his tactics. He really wants his team to figure things out in live time, regardless of the game, by implementing his attacking philosophy in spite of the challenges in any given matchup.
Lamine Yamal found redemption with the late penalty kick in the first half, but he must learn from his mistakes as well. In the Champions League, if you give a way a goal with a nonchalant touch that turns into a counter attack, and then miss a sitter, you are putting your team in a very tough spot.
I’m thrilled that this Barca team produces so much joy when they play, but I also want to see them make it the distance.
For that, they have to stay humble, and realize that they still have so much room for improvement.
The international break will be huge. Having Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong back will be the biggest boost of all as the Blaugrana fight for silverware in Spain and Europe.
I’m most encouraged, however by the small, but significant shift in Flick’s high line. It does seem that he is having them be a bit more pragmatic, and that could make all the difference in his team’s chances when the dust settles.
Still, their defense isn’t their strength. Barca still surrenders too many goals.
The question will be how many goals they are able to produce when it matters most?
And is this a formula that can win you the title against Europe’s best?
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona handed huge Joan Garcia boost after goalkeeper forced off against Newcastle
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Joan Garcia of FC Barcelona celebrates after teammate Raphinha (not pictured) scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Garcia is therefore available to play on Sunday when Barca return to La Liga action againstRayo Vallecano in what will be a huge boost for the Catalans.
The club said in a statement: “Following today’s tests, Joan Garcia has been cleared with no injury and will be available for selection.”
𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘
Following today’s tests, Joan Garcia has been cleared with no injury and will be available for selection. pic.twitter.com/3wfx5AWjgE
Barcelona players have been given the day off after thrashing Newcastle. Fermin Lopez revealed after the game that Hansi Flick had rewarded the players with a day of rest.
The Catalans are then due back to work on Friday as they prepare for their final game before the international break.