Barcelona FC news

For the vast majority of the time, hot takes are really bad. Sometimes, however, they can be fun and harmless, especially when it involves something you believe about your favorite team. Alternate universes, unpopular opions, all of that. Everyone has a hot take.

Here’s mine: had Neymar never left Barça in 2017, he would have won at least one Ballon d’Or, even as Messi’s teammate. Neymar was the missing piece in Ernesto Valverde’s teams, and he actually reached his peak as a footballer during his first three seasons at PSG. If he showed that level at Barça we would have won at least one more UCL and Neymar would be recognized as the best player in the world for a single season, something he craved so much at the time he left Barça.

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

What is your spiciest Barcelona hot take that you actually believe?

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 manager Hansi Flick has sent out a strong warning to his players who are at risk of suspension ahead of the Champions League quarter-final tie against Atlético Madrid.

Four players — Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Marc Casadó and Gerard Martín — will be suspended for the second leg if they pick up a yellow card at Camp Nou on Wednesday, and Flick has made it clear he won’t accept any silly business from those walking the tight rope.

“I won’t accept any arguments; we need to focus on the game. I don’t want them arguing, and I want them to stay focused, without arguing with the referee. They [Atlético] also have a lot of cautions. It’s the same situation for them.”

Yellow cards are wiped after the quarter-finals so those four players will no longer be at risk of suspension if they avoid a booking in the two legs against Atlético and Barça manage to advance.

As Flick mentioned Atlético are also facing plenty of possible suspensions, with eight players (Marcos Llorente, Giuliano Simeone, Marc Pubill, Matteo Ruggeri, Pablo Barrios, Thiago Almada, Robin Le Normand and Clément Lenglet), five of them key starters, just one yellow card away from a ban.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Hansi Flick is not afraid to show his public support for Lamine Yamal, and he did it once again at a press conference on Tuesday after the Barcelona teenager had an angry reaction following Barça’s win over Atlético Madrid at the weekend.

There has been a lot of noise about Yamal’s frustrations and several theories about the cause of his anger, but Flick explained that Lamine’s outburst was related to what happened in the game and made it clear he will always back Yamal, especially as he navigates life as an 18-year-old football superstar.

“What we have to understand is that Lamine is 18 years old and an incredible player. When you watch the game again, you see him doing amazing things. He’s only 18. He dribbled past five players and almost scored. He left frustrated. He’s emotional, and that’s a good thing. I’m always going to support him.

“We have to be careful. Not everything he does is to make a fuss. He’s a fantastic player, and we have to remember that he’s only 18. I told him he can do it, that I’m always going to protect him. He’s a great player, maybe the best in the future.”

Lamine Yamal is an easy target for people on social media so it was not a surprise to see such a strong reaction to what was essentially a non-story. The game was physical and tense, Yamal is incredibly competitive, and he was frustrated at the end of the match.

It happens. We all move on. No big deal.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Pablo Torre still hasn’t forgotten Barcelona. The Mallorca midfielder, who left Barça last summer, has had a difficult season at his new club where he struggled for regular playing time. But he’s starting to find his form after a change of coaches, with Martín Demichelis trusting Torre and giving him more minutes in recent weeks.

Mallorca are coming off a huge win over Real Madrid which gave them a major boost in their fight against relegation while also helping Barça take full control in the title race, and Torre spoke to Catalan media after the game to talk about his desire to return to Camp Nou one day and how much he misses his former teammates.

“What I experienced there was a dream. I arrived young, you see the teammates I had, and when I left I can say that many are friends; I still talk to them. The truth is I miss many of them a lot, but that’s life. I wish them all the best and hope to return in the future.”

Source: RAC1 via SPORT

Barça sold only 50% of Torre’s rights to Mallorca and have a €12 million buy option this summer and the next, so the door isn’t completely shut on Pablo’s dream. Having enough minutes in a crowded Barça midfield is the reason Torre left in the first place, but he might become undeniable if his form under Demichelis continues into next season and Barça take the opportunity to bring him back on the cheap.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona are currently getting ready for the Champions League quarter-finals and will play the first leg against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, and questions about Hansi Flick’s best team remain ahead of a huge European clash.

The Catalans have had trouble finding a consistent scoring option up front all season given the struggles of Ferran Torres and the limited minutes played by a veteran Robert Lewandowski, forcing Flick to look for alternatives.

One of them was used in Saturday’s La Liga win over Atlético at the Metropolitano with Dani Olmo as a False Nine. This wasn’t the first time we saw Olmo perform that role, and one of Barça’s best performances in the Flick Era to date was a sensational 5-0 Copa del Rey win against Real Betis last season in which Olmo was unstoppable in that position.

Playing Olmo up front also allows for more numbers in midfield which can help control the game against a dangerous counter-attacking side like Atleti, so this is certainly an option worth considering.

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

Should Barcelona stick with ‘False 9’ Dani Olmo or play a true striker in the Champions League?

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 began on Monday preparations for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday, and there was a notable absence from the session.

Frenkie de Jong was not among the players who trained under Hansi Flick’s orders on Monday as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury, and the Dutchman is not expected to feature in Wednesday’s clash along with the injured Raphinha, Andreas Christensen and Marc Bernal.

Flick and his staff hope to have Frenkie back at least for a few minutes in the weekend derby against Espanyol in La Liga, which would serve as a warm-up for De Jong to have the midfielder ready for the second leg against Atlético in the capital.

The absences of Frenkie and Bernal leave a big question mark in midfield: Gavi is not quite ready to start just yet, leaving Eric Garcia and Marc Casadó as the two options to start alongside Pedri at Camp Nou.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona enjoyed a very successful weekend in the La Liga title race thanks to a hard-fought win away to Atlético Madrid, which combined with Real Madrid’s loss to Mallorca on Saturday has increased the gap at the top to seven points.

The Catalans had to come from behind to win thanks to a late Robert Lewandowski goal, but Marcus Rashford’s beautiful equalizer put Barça on the comeback path and gave the Englishman a much-needed boost of confidence as he looks to replace a crucial piece of Hansi Flick’s system in the injured Raphinha.

Barça will meet Atlético again on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, and Rashford will hope he’s done enough to earn another chance to play a decisive role in that one.

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

How do you rate Marcus Rashford’s performance against Atlético — and should he start in the Champions League?

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 sure look like they’ve learned a lot since the devasting loss the last time they visited the Metropolitano.

They didn’t blow away Atlético Madrid on Saturday, but they managed their way through a chippy affair that could have turned sideways. Just the way Diego Simeone likes it.

Atleti had their chances. Antoine Griezmann in particular missed two wide open goals in the first half that could have put Barcelona against the ropes.

Luck was on the side of the Blaugrana in this one. Nico González earned his red card, after a disastrous first half in which Lamine Yamal ran the Argentinian out of the building. Gerard Martín, however, was fortunate to escape the same fate in the opening minutes of the second period.

From there, Atleti were more than comfortable sitting deep, and playing for a draw while playing down a man. Barcelona, on the hand, knew this was a massive opportunity to extend their lead over Real Madrid by an additional three points after their rivals capitulated to Mallorca earlier in the day.

It wasn’t a pretty game. Barcelona weren’t at their very best, but they were persistent, and eventually the game winner manifested, with João Cancelo banging down the door, and Robert Lewandowski fortuitously there to bring the win on home. The pragmatic approach to the game is just what was needed.

The big question coming in was whether the Blaugrana could count on Marcus Rashford while Raphinha is out.

Rashford wasn’t unstoppable, but he did the job. That’s all Hansi Flick is asking for. There’s a team of players surrounding him who have to do their part too.

The quick equalizer, in which Rashford combined with Dani Olmo, was an example of where the English international is the most dangerous. Not so much in picking up the ball and running past defenders, but in his ability to combine with teammates, and using them associatively to get in behind.

In addition to that, his set piece ability could be a real asset to Barcelona while Raphinha is out. Whether with free kicks, or from corners, Rashford has a unique ability on this team to deliver a lethal ball.

There really is a golden opportunity in front of Barcelona now.

La Liga is in their hands. They’ve proven that they are the favorites over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League. Their likely opponent in the semi-finals, should they advance, is Arsenal, a team that continues to show vulnerabilities after an FA Cup crash out to Southampton.

Raphinha may be out, but there is cavalry arriving in the form of Gavi, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, and Frenkie de Jong.

Most promising of all is what we’re seeing from Hansi Flick.

He’s making small, but significant, changes to his tactical approach. The defense isn’t rock solid, but they are less exposed than they were a month ago.

Going into the Champions League, that should give us all reason to believe that maybe, just maybe, Barcelona are ready for a deep run.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona have received mixed news on Marc Bernal and Ronald Araujo after both players were taken off during Saturday’s win over Atletico in La Liga.

Araujo went off in the first half and was replaced by Bernal, but the midfielder then had to come off after the break after sustaining an issue.

According to Gerard Romero, Araujo just has an overload and will be available to play in Barcelona’s next games. However, Bernal has suffered an ankle problem which will keep him sidelined for around 10 days.

The news means that Bernal will not be available for the first leg of Barca’s Champions League quarter final against Atlético but could potentially play in the return.

Hansi Flick therefore has problems in midfield ahead of the game as it’s still unclear when Frenkie de Jong will return for the Catalan giants.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Atlético Madrid 1–2 FC Barcelona: Seven points clear – FC Barcelona
Lewandowski’s late winner sends the Catalans seven points clear at the top of the table after Real Madrid were beaten earlier in the day.

HIGHLIGHTS | Atlético Madrid v FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona
All the action from the La Liga clash at the Metropolitano in Madrid.

Hansi Flick: ‘We deserved the three points’ – FC Barcelona
The Barça coach and players Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia give reaction to Barça’s win at Atlético Madrid.

300 goals in the Flick era – FC Barcelona
Rashford’s equaliser completes third ton and Lewandowski makes it 301 with his winner.

Flick: “There are eight games left and nothing is decided yet” – Mundo Deportivo
The coach asserted that “I don’t focus on others, I focus on my team” and pointed out that “we must have this hunger, do our job.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona begin on Saturday a series of three giant games in 10 days against Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, with the first having a huge impact in the La Liga title race before they meet in the Champions League quarter-finals over two legs.

Simeone’s side have invested a lot of money in recent seasons to assemble a squad of great players in all areas of the pitch, and there are several threats Barça should be worried about. Antoine Griezmann, Julián Alvarez, Ademola Lookman, Giuliano Simeone, Álex Baena and Alexander Sorloth are just some of the excellent options in attack, while Jan Oblak remains a rock in goal and the likes of Marcos Llorente and Koke provide leadership and experience in midfield.

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

Which Atlético Madrid player do Barcelona need to be most wary of in the upcoming La Liga and Champions League matches?

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

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana return from the international break with a huge game away to Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano, and Hansi Flick has called up the following 23 players for Saturday’s clash:

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

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

Midfielders: 6. Gavi, 8. Pedri, 16. Fermín López, 17. Marc Casadó, 20. Dani Olmo, 22. Marc Bernal, 43. Tommy Marqués

Forwards: 7. Ferran Torres, 9. Robert Lewandowski, 10. Lamine Yamal, 14. Marcus Rashford, 19. Roony Bardghji

Barça get two key reinforcements for this one as Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have been medically cleared to return after a month-long absence due to hamstring injuries, adding key depth at the back ahead of the stretch run. Frenkie de Jong (hamstring) is very close to a return but not quite ready yet, while Raphinha (hamstring) and Andreas Christensen (knee) are ruled out through injury.

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

Joan; Eric, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Rashford; Ferran

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The match kicks off at 9pm CET/WAT (Barcelona), 8pm GMT (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

The state of the pitch at the Estadio Metropolitano, home of Atlético Madrid, where Barcelona will play twice in the next 10 days, has been a talking point for several weeks and Barça’s coach is fully aware.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Hansi Flick was asked about the playing surface at Atlético’s home, which was a topic of discussion after their Copa del Rey clash and also after Atlético’s Champions League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, with many wondering if Diego Simeone’s side are perhaps making their pitch worse on purpose to make it harder for teams such as Barcelona to enjoy possession in a perfect surface.

Flick said he’s already spoken to the team about the matter and told the players to be ready to change their equipment if necessary, but the coach is also aware that the bigger threat in both their Saturday league clash and in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie in 10 days will be the quality of Atlético’s players.

“We’ve talked about it. I’ve told the players that we need to look into this and they might have to change their boots. They need to prepare and adapt.

“Yes, it’s a match against one of the best teams in the league and in Europe. Therefore, they have a lot of quality and any player can decide the game. It’s very important not to make as many mistakes as in the last match there. I liked today’s training session and there are two very important months ahead.”

It can’t be a coincidence that two goalkeepers (Barça’s Joan Garcia and Tottenham’s Antonin Kinsky) made two gross errors in the exact same spot of the exact same penalty area that led to Atlético goals, so the state of the pitch is absolutely a cause for concern. If La Liga and UEFA won’t do anything about it, then Barça’s players must adapt and be ready for a bad surface.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona begin on Saturday against Atlético Madrid an absolutely crucial stretch of games in La Liga and the Champions League over the next month, and they have to do it all without Raphinha as the Brazilian suffered a hamstring injury with Brazil and has been ruled out for at least five weeks.

It’s a massive blow given Raphinha’s form prior to the injury and the huge games Barça will face without him, but Hansi Flick was his usual positive self when speaking about the topic at a press conference on Friday. Flick pointed at Marcus Rashford, Fermín López and Gavi as options to replace the Brazilian, and also shed light on why he decided to give Raphinha a few days off in Brazil before he begins his recovery.

“I’m happy with Marcus, he plays well. The last few weeks he’s had problems, he’s been injured, so it’s an opportunity for him. There are other options, Fermín, Gavi. I’m happy that Gavi is at a great level. We’ll see, there are more options.

“It’s normal. The players go with the national teams, the other players also have days off. It is not the first injury this season. I spoke with him, I saw him very low in spirits so I gave him a few days. He’s in good hands. It was my decision, so I let him go to Brazil for several days with his family. At this moment we decided something different.”

Flick shows his man-management skills here by realizing how deeply affected Raphinha was by the injury, and letting him travel far away to his homeland to recharge his batteries in a mental sense will help Raphinha regain his spirits before he starts yet another rehab process this season.

Replacing him won’t be easy, but Barça have a ton of quality options in midfield and attack and Flick is a good enough coach to find a way to thrive without such a crucial player.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Session with the internationals – FC Barcelona
All of the players apart from Raphinha were back for the Thursday training session.

When and where to watch Atlético Madrid v FC Barcelona – FC Barcelona
Our guide to the worldwide kick-off times and channels for upcoming La Liga match at the Metropolitano Stadium.

FC Barcelona 6-0 Real Madrid: Perfect six to reach semis – FC Barcelona
Utter superiority over two legs results in a 12-2 aggregate win to delight a packed Spotify Camp Nou.

Eighth UWCL semi-final! – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona rip apart Real Madrid and are now just one step away from yet another European final.

Bayern Munich in UWCL semi-finals – FC Barcelona
Bavarians are the final team standing between FC Barcelona and a return to the showpiece event of the women’s football season.

The eternal captain: Alexia Putellas plays 500th game for Barça – FC Barcelona
And what an occasion to do it, in the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Robert Lewandowski’s future keeps on making headlines as the Barcelona striker heads to the end of his contract at the Camp Nou.

There’s been talk that Barcelona will offer a one-year extension to the veteran, although he will have to accept a significant pay cut to stay on for another 12 months.

Lewandowski is also thought to have offers from around the globe. Chicago Fire have been heavily linked with the 37-year-old, while there is believed to be interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Reports have also suggested that Serie A clubs such as AC Milan or Juventus could be willing to tempt Lewandowski for a fresh challenge in Italy.

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

Where do you think Robert Lewandowski will be playing his football next season?

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

What’s the old wives’ tale? It’s no use crying over spilt milk…

That’s essentially the position Barcelona find themselves in at present, after Raphinha’s injury while on international duty with Brazil.

I, for one, have never really understood the value of having an international break at this point in any season, for precisely that reason.

Players are already tired from a long, hard season, their bodies battered… surely it benefits everyone by actually having a complete break at this point? Two weeks where players can rest and re-energise.

Of course, that’s a conversation for another day. What Barca needs to do now is ensure that they look forward and not back.

Use the anger that they feel over Raphinha’s absence to fuel their performances, both domestically and in Europe.

There have already been mutterings amongst culers that Marcus Rashford isn’t the answer, and while it’s blindingly obvious that they are completely different players, the Manchester United loanee’s return in terms of goals and assists isn’t that bad.

And what better way for him to earn the contract that he wants than by providing some man-of-the-match showings for Barca over the next few weeks, as the Catalans go for La Liga and Champions League success.

He’ll certainly never have a better opportunity to silence the doubters. Doubters who are always the glass-half-empty crowd rather than the glass half full.

In any walk of life, you find out more about yourself when under the biggest strain or pressure.

If this current crop of Barcelona players is really to be considered as contenders in both competitions, then now is the time to prove it. No excuses. No hiding behind Raphinha’s absence. Business as usual.

As long as no further bad luck befalls the squad over the next two to three weeks, then the expectation will be that Barca will go marching on and be able to bring the Brazilian back for the final few games of the season.

There’s still plenty to get excited about, and leaning into the positivity rather than distancing themselves from it can also serve culers well. All for one, and one for all as it were.

Ultimately, Raphinha’s injury might well be a blow from which the Blaugranes don’t recover, but accepting that scenario before a ball has even been kicked…. well, we might just as well pack up and go home.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has defended Raphinha after the Brazilian picked up an injury on international duty and was ruled out for five weeks.

The news is a huge blow to the player and the club, with some criticism having been aimed at Raphinha for playing with such intensity in a meaningless friendly.

Yet Pedri says it’s impossible for players to drop their intensity levels and says Raphinha’s injury is just part of football.

“It’s a sad situation for him or anyone to be injured, especially if they play for my team,” he told reporters.

“But I can tell you: You can’t play at half intensity. You’re thre times more likely to get injured. It’s the worst thing you can do as a footballer. Sadly, injuries are part of football. If they have to happen, then they will.”

While Raphinha will now miss some key games, Pedri and his Spain team-mates did manage to come through unscathed from the international break.

While Lamine Yamal started again on Tuesday against Egypt, he was given a rest in the second half and Pedri also played just 45 minutes in the 0-0 draw.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Second session of the week – FC Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s team, awaiting the return of players on international duty, work out at the Ciutat Esportiva.

Previous trilogies (and more) – FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona’s three games with Atlético in less than a fortnight are not an unprecedented situation.

Joan Garcia makes debut for Spain – FC Barcelona
Catalan keeper makes first appearance in the friendly against Egypt.

Roony and Sweden leave Lewandowski and Poland out of World Cup – FC Barcelona
The Scandinavians and the Barça winger disposed of Ukraine in the semi-finals and now the team of his Blaugrana fellow forward.

Xavi Espart suffers a scare in Spain U-19 match – Mundo Deportivo
The Barça player was substituted in the 77th minute, gesturing for muscle discomfort, but the first impression is positive.

Juventus’ interest does not change Lewandowski’s plan – Mundo Deportivo
The Pole is aware that Juve are serious but wants to wait to see Barça’s offer and won’t decide until at least the end of April.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona star Raphinha has been ruled out of action for five weeks with a hamstring injury picked up on international duty with Brazil in what’s a huge blow to club and player.

Ronald Araujo has admitted it’s “very sad” to lose the Brazilian star at a crucial stage in the season and former striker Pau Victor thinks Raphinha will be furious at being sidelined.

“Raphinha’s is one of the most painful losses Barça can have. I haven’t spoken to him, I preferred not to send him any message. Knowing him, he must be devastated and really p*ssed off,” he told Jijantes.

However, Victor is confident that the club can cope without their forward, adding: “Barça have the resources to replace him.”

Victor left the club in the summer for Braga but admits he still watches every game.

“I don’t miss a Barça game, I’m a Barça player and I’m not going to miss them. Here they tell me that I am sick because I see them all,”

“Surely the season didn’t start as people expected, Iñigo’s loss did a lot of damage. Now I see the team very well. You can ask for little more, they are competing well and I know they are good in the dressing room.”

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Marc Cucurella has been talking about Barcelona while on international duty with Spain and made it pretty clear he would be tempted to return if the Catalans came knocking.

“It is clear if that situation [Barcelona making an offer] did arise, it is hard to turn down, but I would have to consider it in the end,” he told reporters.

“It is not just me, I also have to think about my family and together we would have to decide what’s best for us.

“As I have said before, right now I am not thinking about that. If it comes, it will come, and we will see what decision is made.”

Cucurella came through Barcelona’s academy but went on to play for Eibar and Getafe before heading to the Premier League with Brighton and now Chelsea.

There’s been no talk of Barcelona going for Cucurella this summer but might he be a good addition to the squad in an ideal world?

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

Would you like to see Marc Cucurella back at Barcelona?

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 are set to have some reinforcements after the international break as Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong are all set to return from injury lay-offs.

Kounde and Balde are already back in training with Hansi Flick’s side and are expected to be available for Barcelona’s next match against Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Saturday night.

Kounde and Balde are back to training 😄 pic.twitter.com/3bji6hTHFr

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 30, 2026

The news is a boost to Flick and gives the Barcelona coach more options in defence ahead of a busy run of fixtures.

Frenkie de Jong is a little further behind but should be available shortly. He is not expected to be ready for the weekend but is hoping to be passed fit in time for the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Atletico, according to AS.

Marc Bernal has been doing a fine job in De Jong’s absence but may have to make way when the Netherlands international is fit again.

Eric Garcia is also expected to be fully fit when domestic action resumes, leaving only Raphinha and Andreas Christensen still on the sidelines.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Balde and Kounde complete part of the session with the rest of the squad – FC Barcelona
Still without the players away on international duty, the Monday workout saw all the available players take part plus Tommy, Cortés and Emilio from the Barça Atlètic squad. Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde carried out part of the session with the rest of the squad as they continue their respective recoveries from injury.

Barça v Atlético triple-header: three very different matches in 10 days – FC Barcelona
Blaugranes and mattress-makers set to go head-to-head three times over a short period, but there are differences to each game.

Countdown for Balde, Koundé and De Jong – Mundo Deportivo
All three have recovered well from their respective injuries and are in the final stages of their recovery processes in order to be available for the match against Atlético. The full-backs are more likely to be available than the Dutch midfielder.

Days off for Raphinha – Mundo Deportivo
After the length of his absence was confirmed, and given that he is unable to train, Barça granted Raphinha a few days’ leave to travel to Brazil, spend time with his family, and recover from the emotional blow of his injury. The player already knows the guidelines for his recovery and will return to Barcelona in the coming days to continue treatment.

Nagelsmann gives Ter Stegen a glimmer of hope for the World Cup – Mundo Deportivo
The German coach confirmed that he has spoken with the goalkeeper and that they will be “patient” regarding his possible call-up for the tournament.

Marc Cucurella’s bold wink to Barça: “It would be hard to refuse” – Mundo Deportivo
“It’s not just about me. I’d have to think about my family. If it happens, it happens, and we’ll see what decision is made,” he said regarding the possibility of returning to Barcelona.

Juventus are crunching the numbers for Lewandowski’s arrival – Mundo Deportivo
The Italian club sees the signing of the Polish striker for free as viable and would pair him with Vlahovic, Kolo Muani and Yildiz, but they will have to make sales to balance their books.

Source: barcablaugranes.com

Barcelona are currently being linked with a host of center-backs ahead of the summer transfer window in a bid to strengthen their backline.

Alessandro Bastoni appears to be the club’s top choice, while there’s also plenty of talk about Luka Vušković and Micky van de Ven.

Hansi Flick has also used Gerard Martin and Eric Garcia at center-back at times this season, while Jules Kounde prefers the middle but is being used primarily as a right-back these days.

Barcelona also have a decision to make on Andreas Christensen’s future, with speculation flying about that they will offer him a new contract despite his injury problems. There’s also been talk about a possible exit for Ronald Araujo.

All of which means there could be plenty of activity at the back in the summer transfer window.

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

Which centre-backs would you like to see in the Barcelona squad for next season?

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 have made some changes at the club after losing promising youngster Dro Fernandez to Paris Saint-Germain in the January transfer window.

Dro’s release clause was just €6 million at the time, although it was reported that PSG did end up paying slightly more for the teenager.

According to Catalunya Radio, Barcelona have now moved to increase the release clauses of their youngsters to prevent a repeat of the Dro saga.

Youth players will start off with a release clause of €6m but that will increase to €8m if they debut in the Youth League and €10m if they play for Barcelona Atletic. A first-team debut will see the clause go to up €15m.

A good example here is Tommy Marqués. He still has a youth team contract but has debuted with Hansi Flick’s side, meaning his release clause has now risen to €15m.

It’s slightly different for those players contracted to Barcelona Atletic. Those players will already have a release clause of €20m, and this will rise relating to their appearances for the reserve team. Five appearances raises it to 25m, 10 to €30m .

If a player reaches 15 games with Barcelona Atletic it becomes €100m. Likewise, if a Barcelona Atletic player features for Hansi Flick’s first team the clause also rises to €100m.

The example given here is Xavi Espart. He has a contract with Barcelona Atletic but has now debuted with the senior team, meaning that (if the report proves accurate) he should now be protected with a hefty release clause.

Source: barcablaugranes.com