‘Just another lie’ – Atletico deny receiving €100m offer from Barcelona for Julian Alvarez
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid applauds the fans at the end of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been widely reported that Barcelona have made an opening bid for Alvarez just days after agreeing a fee with Newcastle for Anthony Gordon.
Atletico have responded to the news and insist nothing is going on. “Just another lie,” a club source told Mundo Deportivo. The source added than if an offer were to arrive: “we won’t accept it, because Julián is not for sale.”
Atletico’s words seem unlikely to deter Barcelona. Reporter Veronica Brunati reports that Barcelona are now pondering increasing their offer for Alvarez to €135 million with variables.
Brunati adds that Barcelona and Alvarez are eager for the transfer to be agreed before the start of the World Cup.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 29 May 2026; Barça open talks for Julián Alvarez and Bernardo Silva
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Barça’s five best games of the season – FC Barcelona With the season now over, it’s time to look back at some of its standout moments on the road to two trophies, which included the return to Spotify Camp Nou, and historic victories that will live long in the memory of the fans.
María León leaving FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona María León is bringing her time at FC Barcelona to an end, thus closing a chapter defined by trophies, leadership and a personality that has left a lasting mark on both the dressing room and the Blaugrana fans.
What does Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona mean for Marcus Rashford?
Barcelona's Marcus Rashford (left) and Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen, first leg match at St James' Park, Newcastle. Picture date: Tuesday March 10, 2026. (Photo by Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images
Barcelona have reportedly agreed a deal for Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon and are hoping to complete the transfer by the end of the week.
Gordon is a versatile player who usually plays on on the left wing but can also play through the middle and will offer Hansi Flick more options in attack.
The imminent deal will have ramifications for Barcelona, particularly with regards Marcus Rashford’s future at the club.
The England international has made it clear he wants to stay but no deal has yet been agreed with Manchester United for Rashford to continue.
There’s speculation that Barca will still try to keep Rashford, despite agreeing a deal for Gordon, but it’s difficult to see how both players would fit at the club.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
What does Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona mean for Marcus Rashford? Do you expect the Man Utd star to stay at the Camp Nou or is his time now up?
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 preparing Julian Alvarez offer after agreeing deal for Anthony Gordon
London, United Kingdom - May 5: Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 5, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images
According to Diario Sport, Barca will offer an initial €90 million plus bonuses for the Argentina international. It’s been previously reported that Atletico want €150m.
Deco held a meeting at Barcelona a to discuss the transfer on Wednesday and also spoke with Alvarez’s agent who has arrived in the city this week.
Do you think Barcelona will land Alvarez this summer? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
How Barcelona beat Bayern Munich to Anthony Gordon
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Newcastle United FC and SL Benfica at St James' Park on October 21, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona appear to have beaten Bayern Munich to the signature of Anthony Gordon, with the Newcastle winger expected in the city today for a medical ahead of signing a five-year contract with the club.
Bayern Munich had been keen on Gordon and had also reportedly agreed personal terms with the England international over a transfer to Allianz Arena.
Like Barcelona, the Bavarians also submitted a bid on Wednesday but offered slightly less than Barcelona and were unwilling to match the Catalans, according to The Chronicle.
German media report Bayern needed to sell players to finance the deal and were considering offering cash plus goalkeeper Alexander Nubel to Newcastle. Barcelona, meanwhile, managed to agree a fee and will pay for the winger in instalments.
An update from Bild (h/t Sport) adds that Barcelona were also helped by Joan Laporta. Laporta spoke personally to Gordon and reportedly assured him he was wanted at Barca and could be registered before the World Cup.
German media view Bayern missing out on Gordon as a significant blow to the Bavarian giants, particularly after the club aimed a dig at the Catalans.
Barca, meanwhile, have managed to get the deal done quickly and appear to have avoided the transfer turning into a long-running saga.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 28 May 2026; Alexia Putellas bids farewell, Barça agree deal for Anthony Gordon
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Frenkie de Jong in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup – FC Barcelona Another Blaugrana is off to the World Cup as Frenkie de Jong has been named in a 26 man Netherlands squad for the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada which begins on 11 June. The Barça midfielder is a key component of the team coach by former Barça player and coach Ronald Koeman.
Barça sign Anthony Gordon! – Mundo Deportivo The Catalan club agree deal for the Newcastle forward for 70 million plus another 10 million in variables that would be paid for winning titles and with a high participation of the English player.
Barcelona facing big decision on Toni Fernandez’s future amid Sevilla interest
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 18: Toni Fernandez of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Girona FC at Spotify Camp Nou on October 18, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona appear to be facing a big decision on Toni Fernandez’s future this summer amid interest from Sevilla.
Fernandez is yet another exciting star to emerge from La Masia but it seems the time has come to decide where his future lies.
The talented winger will turn 18 in July and has spent the last two seasons with Barca Atletic.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the club now feel that the Second Division “is no longer enough for him” and must decide on next steps.
Barca could obviously decide to promote Fernandez to Hansi Flick’s first team but an exit is not being ruled, with Sevilla believed to be tracking his progress.
Sevilla are currently going through big changes and are reportedly on the verge of a takeover by an investment group led by Sergio Ramos,
They are unlikely to be the only club interested if Barca do decide Fernandez needs a change of scenery. There’s already been speculation that Barca could send the youngster out to Real Oviedo on loan in a bid to gain more experience.
What do you think would be best for Toni Fernandez next season? Would you like to see him given a first-team chance or is a loan spell away from the club a more suitable option? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 27 May 2026; Alexia Putellas announces Barça departure
Photo by Judit Cartiel - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Did Gerard Martin deserve a place in Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad after his impressive season with Barcelona?
Gerard Martin of FC Barcelona during the La Liga EA Sports 2025/26 match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium on May 17, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Pedri, Pau Cubarsi, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres are all regulars for La Roja and it was no surprise to see the quintet included.
Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia also got the nod after impressive campaigns, while Gavi did enough to return to the national side following his return from injury.
Yet one of Barca’s most impressive players this season – Gerard Martin – missed out.
Hansi Flick has been full of praise for Martin at the end of the season, saying after the team’s final game: “He has everything he needs to play in this position. His attitude and mentality are incredible.”
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Did Gerard Martin deserve a place in Spain’s World Cup 2026 after his impressive season with Barcelona?
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 plan to spend €100m on a striker to replace Robert Lewandowski
(Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona’s hunt for a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski is gaining ground following the end of the season in Spain.
A new update from AS states that Barca see signing a new No. 9 as the “absolutely priority” for the summer transfer window and are hopeful they can spend big.
The report adds that Barca now plan to “spend slightly more than 100 million euros on reinforcements” and “have decided that the bulk of the investment will be for the number 9 position.”
Barca had been going for a defender as well but have cooled interest in Alessandro Bastoni and may not now bolster their backline due to the emergence of Gerard Martin and Andreas Christensen’s return to fitness.
Julian Alvarez and Joao Pedro are currently the top two targets, although current speculation claims that Atletico want €150 million for the Argentina star.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 26 May 2026; Lamine Yamal, Gavi among eight Barça players called up by Spain for World Cup
Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres win Zarra Trophy – FC Barcelona Another award heads to FC Barcelona. With the 2025/26 league campaign now over and Hansi Flick’s Barça crowned champions, the Zarra Trophy has also gone blaugrana. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres shared the award after finishing as the highest-scoring Spanish players in the domestic competition.
Thanks Lewy! – FC Barcelona The Polish striker says goodbye to Barça, leaving a legacy at the Blaugrana club.
Héctor Fort says goodbye to Elche and is aiming for preseason – Mundo Deportivo The full-back celebrated Elche’s survival in the First Division and expressed his gratitude for the learning experience during his loan spell. With a contract as a Barcelona player until 2029, the academy graduate will have to earn Flick’s trust to have the opportunity to stay in the first team next season.
Eight Barcelona stars in Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad as Gavi, Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia make list
BERLIN, GERMANY - JULY 14: Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana #19 of Spain celebrates the victory with Pablo Martin Paez Gavira #20 of Spain after the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has named his squad for World Cup 2026 and has included a host Barcelona players on his list.
The big news is that Gavi has been given the nod after returning to full fitness with Barcelona, Joan Garcia is also included after a brilliant season and Eric Garcia’s fine form for the Catalans has also been rewarded.
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Joan Garcia
Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia, Marcos Llorente, Pedro Porro
Midfielders: Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Martin Zubimendi, Gavi, Rodri, Alex Baena, Mike Merino.
Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Yeremy Pino, Ferran Torres, Borja Iglesias, Victor Munoz and Lamine Yamal
Spain are due to play two friendlies before the World Cup starts against Iraq and Peru and will then kick-off their tournament on June 15th against Cape Verde in Atlanta.
La Roja then go on to play Saudi Arabia on June 21st in Atlanta and finish off their group campaign against Uruguay in Guadalajara on June 26th.
What do you think of Spain’s World Cup 2026 squad? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 25 May 2026; Barça Femení celebrate Women’s Champions League, Chelsea will not listen to offers for João Pedro
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Barcelona celebrates with the Champions League winners – FC Barcelona The city of Barcelona was a sea of joy, smiles and confetti as the FC Barcelona Women’s team celebrated their Champions League win over OL Lyonnes on Saturday in Oslo with the fans. The culers turned up in numbers to pay tribute to a team who continue to make history with four more trophies in the 2025/26 season.
Where does Robert Lewandowski rank on the list of Barcelona’s greatest strikers?
Photo by Omar Arnau/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Robert Lewandowski’s Barcelona career officially ended on Saturday’s La Liga finale against Valencia, and the Polish superstar scored one last time to finish his tenure with 120 goals as the leader of Barça’s frontline.
Lewandowski only needed four years to become a legend of the club, winning three La Liga titles, three Spanish Super Cups and one Copa del Rey and helping lead Barça back to the top of Europe. The Pole came to the club at a time when it wasn’t easy to be a Blaugrana and took the challenge head on, and he leaves as an icon who gave the Catalan capital a taste of his brilliance as one of the very best strikers of the 21st century — and the history of the sport.
It will be very hard to find a capable replacement in the upcoming summer transfer window, and Lewy’s name will forever be associated with the great number nines in Barça history such as Gary Lineker, Romário, Ronaldo, Patrick Kluivert, Samuel Eto’o, Luis Suárez and others.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Where does Robert Lewandowski rank on the list of Barcelona’s greatest strikers?
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 and Lyon face off in Women’s Champions League Final for the ages
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 03: Alexia Putellas of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring her team's second goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2025/26 Semi-Final Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern München at Nou Camp on May 03, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Juanma - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images
FC Barcelona Femení and OL Lyonnes face off in Oslo tonight for the UEFA Women’s Champions League title, a blockbuster final defined by two of the best teams in Europe – and a managerial swap. Former Barça boss Jonatan Giráldez is now leading the French champions, while his former assistant, Pere Romeu, looks to secure a domestic treble for the Catalan giants in his first season in charge.
“I see a team that is more mature than last season,” Romeu said ahead of the match, adding that his squad possesses a greater ability to alter tactics mid-game compared to the side that fell to Arsenal in last year’s final.
That was then, this is now. Now the student faces off against his former master, in a game that sees the two titans of women’s football square off. It’s not just the two coaches that share history.
The two clubs have met three times in the Champions League final before. Lyon were dominant in 2019 (winning 4-1) and 2022 (winning 3-1). But Barça roared back with a 2-0 victory in Bilbao two years ago.
In the buildup, Alexia Putellas brushed off the idea that history will dictate the present. “We can’t compare seasons and we can’t compare finals,” the two-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted.
Stylistically, this is a clash of polar opposites. Barcelona want to suffocate teams with possession and relentless passing, while Lyon lean into aggressive, high-pressing transitions.
The way to beat the Catalans, analysts say, is to pack the midfield. Not that many teams have accomplished it this season. In fact, Barcelona have only lost one match – against Real Sociedad. But they have two draws in Europe, one each against Chelsea and Bayern Munich. In those matches, opponents found joy by deploying five-man blocks to deny central space, forcing Barça wide. In fact, Bayern managed to make the blaugrana attempt 28 open-play crosses in their semifinal first leg, which was their highest mark all season.
Another question mark for Barcelona is the availability of Aitana Bonmatí. The midfielder has been building up strength after a five-month layoff with a broken leg, but she hasn’t played a full 90 minutes since November. Romeu mentioned she is improving daily, but she’s likely to be on the bench. Immense pressure falls on Patri Guijarro to control the tempo in her absence.
On the bright side, Caroline Graham Hansen and Irene Paredes both trained normally in Oslo after recent fitness scares.
Pushing full-backs high can leave Barcelona exposed on the counter, a vulnerability Lyon’s flying midfielder Melchie Dumornay is perfectly equipped to punish. But if executed properly, the high press can leave Lyon without oxygen.
Barcelona’s beautiful fluid football can leave the other side dizzy. Players making quick passes and moving in and out of spaces, alternating positions… it can be a joy to watch. Lyon will certainly have their hands full.
With that combination of pressing, passing, movement, and also, set piece efficiency, Barça just secured another domestic treble by brushing aside Atlético de Madrid 3-1 in the Copa de la Reina. Lyon are chasing their own domestic treble next week. They will be looking to re-establish their legacy as the queens of Europe.
That reputation used to put fear into other teams. That may no longer be the case. Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll said that Lyon’s fear factor was removed when they beat the eight-time champions two years ago. But Lyon remain fiercely hungry. Midfielder Lily Yohannes told UEFA that the group possesses an intense desire after a three-year European drought.
As the squad prepared to leave their hotel, they were met with a legendary reminder. Emblazoned for the players to see before boarding the team bus was Johan Cruyff’s iconic phrase: “Go out and enjoy.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
What grade do you give Barcelona’s season and have we progressed or regressed as a team?
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Another successful season for Barcelona is coming to an end with two more titles and a whole lot of goals and entertainment from Hansi Flick’s side in 2025-26.
Barça defended the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup crown and clinch both titles with wins against Real Madrid which is always very, very sweet. The Catalans also made it to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and almost pulled off a miracle comeback against Atlético Madrid, but the major disappointment of the season was the quarter-final exit in the Champions League against the same Atlético side, even though the Catalans came very close and certainly have quite a few refereeing decisions to comlain about.
The Blaugrana won a domestic Treble and made it to the European semi-finals in Flick’s first season, but this campaign saw the rise of Lamine Yamal into true best player in the world status, Gerard Martín having a fantastic year as a center-back and perhaps becoming a defensive stalwart for the near future, and Joan Garcia becoming perhaps the best bargain signing in recent club history and already in the conversation for best goalkeeper on Earth.
Even if the trophy cabinet isn’t as full as last season and the Champions League campaign was definitely disappointing, there certainly are several reasons why this was a great year for Barça that sets them up for a bright future.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
What grade do you give Barcelona’s season and have we progressed or regressed as a team?
Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona announce squad for La Liga season finale against Valencia
Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The next Barcelona match is upon us! The La Liga champions play their final game of the season against Real Betis at Mestalla, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Saturday’s clash:
Goalkeepers: 13. Joan Garcia, 25. Wojciech Szczesny, 31. Diego Kochen
Defenders: 2. João Cancelo, 3. Alejandro Balde, 4. Ronald Araujo, 5. Pau Cubarsí, 15. Andreas Christensen, 18. Gerard Martín, 24. Eric Garcia, 36. Álvaro Cortés, 42. Xavi Espart
Midfielders: 6. Gavi, 8. Pedri, 17. Marc Casadó, 20. Dani Olmo, 21. Frenkie de Jong, 22. Marc Bernal, 43. Tommy Marqués
Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 14. Marcus Rashford, 19. Roony Bardghji
Barça will be without Fermín López for the season finale with a foot injury that will also sideline him for the World Cup, and he joins Lamine Yamal (hamstring) on the absentee list for this one. Raphinha and Jules Kounde also don’t travel to make sure they are fit for the World Cup, but there are good news as Frenkie de Jong and Ferran Torres return after missing out last week.
The match kicks off at 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona), 8pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 3pm ET, 12pm PT (USA), 12.30am IST (India, Sunday), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.
VISCA EL BARÇA!
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 23 May 2026; All set for La Liga season finale against Valencia and Women’s Champions League Final against Lyon
Photo by Molly Darlington - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Fermín López visits training – FC Barcelona Blaugrana midfielder receives support from his teammates after training in light of his recent injury while playing against Betis.
‘He could be an option’ – Hansi Flick offers Hamza Abdelkarim hope of first team chance at Barcelona
Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images
Hamza Abdelkarim has had a good week. The 18-year-old striker has been named in the Egypt squad for the World Cup, and his club boss also had some good news for him today.
Abdelkarim has scored five goals in seven league matches and has impressed for the under-19s after arriving at Barça a few months ago after a long and frustrating transfer process, and he’s close to securing a permanent move to the club this summer.
Hansi Flick was asked about Hamza in a press conference on Friday and said he “could be an option” for the preseason, as the coach will bring some young La Masia talents for the summer tour.
“We have to wait. We’re planning the preseason and I’m keeping an eye on it, eager to see new faces. When I started in 2024 it was incredible to see the quality at La Masia, and that’s still happening this season. When we return, he could be an option.“
This specific preseason could be very important for youngsters such as Abdelkarim as several senior Barça stars won’t be involved due to their participation in the World Cup which will grant them extra time off during the time in which Barça will begin their preparations for the new season, so we’ll see many La Masia talents getting real minutes in preseason.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 22 May 2026; Preparations continue for Valencia, Barça interested in Cristian Romero
We’re in Oslo! – FC Barcelona The Blaugrana squad arrived in the Norwegian capital on Thursday ahead of the UEFA Women’s Champions League final against OL.
Transfer rumors, news: Barcelona look to land Tottenham captain – ESPN Barcelona intend to negotiate with Tottenham Hotspur regarding a move for Argentina center-back Cristian Romero, says Sport. The La Liga champions have been keeping tabs on the 28-year-old’s situation amid Spurs’ relegation battle this season, but don’t want to meet the current transfer valuation of €60 million.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Marc-Andre ter Stegen left out of Germany squad for World Cup 2026 amid uncertain Barcelona future
GIRONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 26: Marc Andre ter Stegen of Girona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona v Getafe at the Estadi Municipal Montilivi on January 26, 2026 in Girona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.
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
Is Frenkie de Jong heading for the bench at Barcelona in 2026/27?
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 22: Frenkie de Jong of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo at Spotify Camp Nou on April 22, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.
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
FC Barcelona News: 21 May 2026; Preparations begin for Valencia, Frenkie de Jong returns to training
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
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.
‘We correct him and he listens’ – Raphinha reveals how Barcelona players keep Lamine Yamal in check
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates after the fifth goal of his team with her teammates Raphinha of FC Barcelona scored by Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona (not in frame) 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 Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.”
“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 stance on shock Real Madrid transfer talk revealed amid uncertain Barcelona future
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona during the La Liga EA Sports 2025/26 ''El Clasico'' match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on May 2026. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
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.
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.