‘No interest from Barcelona, but Atletico yes’ – Marc Cucurella opens up on summer transfer
Marc Cucurella of Spain gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
The left-back came through the Barca academy but has now signed a six-year deal with Los Blancos.
Ahead of the transfer, there were rumors of interest from Barcelona and Atletico and Cucurella has now set the record straight.
“No interest from Barcelona, but Atletico yes. Barca told me they wanted to sign a left-back, but that was it, it stayed at that,” he told Radioestadio Noche.
“There was nothing more to it, really. I think they’re focused on signing a striker, but I haven’t heard anything. In the end, there’s a world of difference between that and it actually happening, there’s nothing more to it than that.
Cucurella is currently on international duty with eight Barcelona players in the Spain squad and admitted there was plenty of banter flying about after the deal was confirmed.
“There have been a few jokes, now we’ll be rivals. But it’s all in good fun,” he said. “We’re very happy here now and we have the same goal.”
Julián Álvarez, full of reasons to go to Barça – Mundo Deportivo The Argentine hasn’t won a single title in two years at Atlético, nor has he enjoyed Simeone’s style of play. Several Barça players such as Gavi, Cubarsí, Olmo, Bernal and Araujo have not hesitated to speak out in favor of his arrival and have chosen him as the ideal signing.
Mikel Oyarzabal reacts to talk he’s Barcelona’s Plan B in case Julian Alvarez transfer fails
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 21: Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona have been offered hope of landing Alvarez this week after the striker admitted he wants to move on, but Atletico are furious with the situation and have said they will file a complaint to FIFA about the Catalans.
Oyarzabal was therefore asked if he could guarantee he’ll stay at Real Sociedad while at World Cup 2026 and offered up the following response.
“I’m focused on helping the team win in three days. I’m where I want to be, at what I consider my home, Real Sociedad,” he told reporteres.
“My mind isn’t on that, but on arriving in Uruguay in the best possible condition.”
The striker bagged a brace last time out against Saudi Arabia and was also asked whether he feels underrated by the world press.
“I’m actually tired of answering this question; I don’t dwell on it,” he added. “What matters to me is what my teammates, my coach, the staff, and the people whose opinions actually count have to say.
“We know how football works these days, and it’s normal for people to talk, but I don’t let it bother me.”
Oyarzabal has 14 goals and seven assists in his past 13 Spain games and is likely to start again when La Roja face Uruguay in their final group fixture.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘No bad feelings towards Barcelona’ – Jose Mourinho discusses rivalry after Real Madrid return
Jose Mourinho, head coach of SL Benfica, during the Primeira Liga match between GD Estoril Praia and SL Benfica at Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota in Estoril, Portugal, on May 16, 2026. (Photo by Valter Gouveia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Jose Mourinho has insisted he has no bad feelings towards Barcelona after making his return to Real Madrid as manager ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Los Blancos have gone trophyless for the last two campaigns, while Barca have won two straight La Liga titles, and so have turned to the so-called Special One again.
Mourinho, who worked as a coach at Barcelona at the start of his career, says that he enjoyed his time at the club and the city and harbors no ill-feeling towards the Catalans.
“In Barcelona, as a family, we had an amazing, amazing period. My daughter went to Barcelona at one month old. My son was born in Barcelona. Me, my wife and the kids, we spent four amazing years in Barcelona. And I cannot have any bad feeling about it,” he told Vanity Fair.
“But football is football, and I played so many times against Barcelona, starting at Chelsea before I went to Inter. Big Champions League matches with Chelsea, then big Champions League matches with Inter, and then I went to Real Madrid. I think it was destiny that put us against each other.
“In the end, I don’t deny I love Real Madrid, and this is the reason I’m going back. But I don’t have bad feelings in relation to Barcelona at all. I just enjoy playing against them because in football, you enjoy playing against the best. The best push you to be better than you are.”
Mourinho and Real Madrid have already been busy in the transfer market ahead of the new campaign, bringing in Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Marc Cucurella and have also reportedly tied up a deal for Denzel Dumfries.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Raphinha’s injury record is a real worry for Barcelona
Just when everyone thought it was Raphinha’s time to shine, the Brazilian has sustained another injury, which threatens his participation at World Cup 2026.
The Selecao camp appears to be keeping its cards close to its chest, which in itself is a worry, and there has to be a concern that the winger might not even be available for pre-season duties with Barca.
An official statement read: “On Saturday, athlete Raphinha underwent imaging tests that confirmed a muscle injury in the back of his right thigh. The player will follow an intensive treatment protocol under the supervision of the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff, aiming for recovery and a return to activity as soon as possible.”
It’s a situation that has to be treated with the utmost care, given that Raphinha has missed 24 games and spent over 100 days out for Brazil and Barca over the last year.
Two steps forward and one back has been a recurring theme, and it’s certainly one that Hansi Flick won’t want to see repeated throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
That’s because when Raphinha is on song, so are Barcelona. His work ethic and eye for goal have been a real feature for the team, and without it, it’s clear that the Blaugranes miss him dearly.
Yes, they managed to cover his absences somewhat with the decent form of Marcus Rashford, and the signing of Anthony Gordon is certainly an exciting one for the new season…
The prospect of Barca actually selling Raphinha this summer suddenly doesn’t seem quite so outlandish. It would be incredibly harsh, of course, but football is unforgiving at the best of times, and if Barca are serious about continuing to challenge for the biggest club honours in the game, loyalty can only stretch so far.
In the meantime, all culers and the Barca backroom staff can do is hope that the injury isn’t as serious as it first appears, and that Raphinha can still play some part from Brazil in the knockout rounds with no further problems.
If not, then the start of the new campaign could take on a slightly different look for the team and, if they gel, then the winger might find it difficult to regain his place.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 23 June 2026; Lionel Messi makes history in Argentina win, Julián Álvarez sends transfer request to Atlético Madrid
‘He was crying’ – Raphinha’s wife reveals Barcelona star’s emotional reaction to latest injury setback
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 19: Raphinha #11 of Brazil leaves the pitch after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Raphinha’s wife has revealed how the Barcelona star was left in tears after suffering another injury setback while on international duty with Brazil at World Cup 2026.
The forward was forced off against Haiti with another hamstring issue and it’s not yet known if he will be able to feature again at the tournament for Brazil.
Natalia Belloli says that the couple were both initially devastated by Raphinha’s latest injury issue.
“Honestly, it was one of the first times I was speechless. He was crying, and so was I,” she told Domingão com Huck.
“We spoke on the phone; the next day he underwent medical tests and came home for a while, where we were able to talk about the situation.
“Now he’s doing well: strong and sure of his purpose. That’s what matters: maintaining the right mindset and believing that better days are coming.”
Brazil have confirmed that Raphinha will undergo “intensive treatment” and stay with the squad at the tournament, but we’ll have to wait and see if he can play any further part for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Lamine Yamal needed just 11 minutes to make Spain World Cup favorites again
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 21: Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium on June 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images
Spanish football is like a money tree. World class players never stop sprouting up.
In Qatar, it was the Messi vs Mbappe showdown. As good as Argentina and France are without them, in order to make it to the finish line, especially in those games when your back is against the ropes, you need a player born with genius.
By now, it should be clear that Lamine Yamal is that player for Spain. With him, La Roja seem destined for a trophy. Without him, Spain could very well be looking at an early exit.
It’s not just because of the goal. Mikel Oyarzabal had two goals and an assist, but he still wasn’t the MVP of the game. That accolade goes to Lamine because of the way he struck fear into the hearts of Saudi Arabia from the first whistle. Having him on the field made the job that much easier for his Spanish teammates.
Let’s remember something though. Lamine tore his hamstring in April. There are risks of Spain learning the wrong lesson from this game.
De la Fuente will have to be smart with how he manages his young superstar’s minutes going forward. Lamine will do what his coach asks him to do, but his welfare must be protected.
Spain are dependent on him, that’s for sure, but over the next couple of weeks, they have to find a way to play well without him. Lamine cannot go 90 minutes. Not now at least. When the knockouts come calling, it could be 120 minutes that Spain needs to get the job done.
So yes, it’s ok to be excited again. Spain at their best are why we love the game. To be at their best, they do need Lamine.
But they are not out of the woods. What happened against Cape Verde is an important cautionary tale.
Spain is a flawed team, and without their best player, they can get exposed.
If they are to make it to the World Cup final, the supporting cast needs to step up against Uruguay, and in the first few knockout games.
This isn’t South Africa 2010 when Spain was loaded with Ballon d’Or caliber players.
This is the Lamine Yamal show.
It’s an exciting watch, but he needs a few reliable sidekicks in order to make the magical run possible.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 22 June 2026; Lamine Yamal scores first World Cup goal in Spain win
Deniz Undav at the double for Germany as Netherlands and Japan enjoy big wins in another goal-packed day at World Cup 2026
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES - JUNE 20: Brian Brobbey of Holland celebrates 1-0 with Cody Gakpo of Holland, Frenkie de Jong of Holland during the World Cup match between Holland v Sweden at the Houston Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Houston United States (Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Day 10 of World Cup 2026 brought more goals and excitement as the Netherlands and Japan both secured big wins. Elsewhere, World Cup debutants Curacao made history against Ecuador and Tunisia’s defeat ensures Herve Renard’s side will be making an early exit from the competition.
Five star Dutch destroy Sweden
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side destroyed Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday afternoon. Brian Brobbey came into the team and struck the opener by poking home Cody Gakpo’s cross from the left after just five minutes.
An almost identical goal swiftly followed for the Netherlands. This time the move came down the right with Denzel Dumfries sliding in a cross for Brobbey to make it 2-0.
It's DOUBLE DUTCH in Houston 🇳🇱
Brian Brobbey guides this one into the back of the net for his second of the match pic.twitter.com/YguPtrLkiH
The Dutch extended their lead early in the second half. Dumfries was again the creator, fizzing a low ball across goal for an unmarked Gakpo to knock home at the far post.
The Liverpool star then grabbed a brace of his own, finishing off a rapid counter-attack by cutting inside his defender and lashing home a low shot.
Sweden did manage to pull one back through substitute Anthony Elanga but it proved to be only a consolation goal on a sobering afternoon for Graham Potter’s side.
The Netherlands completed an emphatic win late on through substitute Crysensio Summerville. The West Ham man teased two Swedish defenders and then rifled home to complete an impressive victory.
Crysencio Summerville scores from outside the area to make it 5-1 Netherlands!
Ivory Coast upset Germany by taking the lead in their Group E encounter through midfielder Franck Kessie. Exciting talent Yan Diomande wreaked havoc down the left and played the ball into the penalty area where Kessie finally managed to slam home.
IVORY COAST TAKES THE LEAD OVER GERMANY! 🇨🇮
Yan Diomande sends a beautiful ball in and it's the captain Franck Kessié who cleans it up with the goal! pic.twitter.com/mRVfy6Ypkh
Germany were finding it tough going against Ivory Coast and needed super-sub Deniz Undav to turn things around. The Stuttgart forward equalised with a left-foot volley that flew into the roof of the net with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Undav then broke Ivory Coast hearts deep into stoppage time by netting the winner. The substitute latched onto a cute ball into the penalty area and simply turned and fired past the goalkeeper to secure all three points for Julian Nagelsmann’s side.
World Cup debutants Curacao made history on Saturday by claiming a first ever point at the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. In a goalless game, it was goalkeeper Eloy Room who was the hero for the minnows as he made a record-equalling 15 saves to deny Ecuador and secure a famous result for the Blue Wave.
Japan send Tunisia packing
Saturday’s final match brought a big win for Japan that ensures Tunisia will not make it past the group stage of World Cup 2026. Herve Renard replaced Sabri Lamouchi as boss after their opening defeat against Sweden but saw his side go behind after just four minutes when Daichi Kamada finished off a swift counter-attack from close range.
Japan made it 2-0 in style through Ayase Ueda just after the half hour. The Feyenoord striker rifled a shot across goal and into the far corner from the edge of the box to double Japan’s lead.
Tunisia were undone again in the 69th minute when a clever flick over the defence sent Junya Ito running through on goal. He kept his composure to sidefoot the ball past the goalkeeper and effectively seal the win.
Ueda then piled more misery on Tunisia late on by scoring Japan’s fourth on a looping header that sees the Samurai Blue move into second in the table ahead of a final group game against Sweden next time out.
Plenty of goals but which was your favorite? Have your say in our poll, as we cover every goal, goof and everything in between throughout the World Cup
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Andreas Christensen agrees two-year extension but could still leave Barcelona
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Andreas Christensen of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on September 28, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
According to Mundo Deportivo, the extension includes “an option to terminate the contract if either side is not satisfied at the end of the first year.”
Christensen has also taken a pay cut and has agreed to stay on despite receiving better financial offers from Saudi Arabia , the Premier League, and the Bundesliga, per MD.
Yet the defender’s renewal doesn’t mean that he will definitely stay at Barca. Reporter Matteo Moretto says: “It’s true, he has renewed, but Barcelona wants him out. He can leave even with the renewal.”
Christensen has proven a useful player at Barcelona but his injury record is a concern and saw him start only three games last season.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona to snap up Ecuador starlet Josué Caicedo in €2.5m deal
Liga de Quito's defender #26 Josue Caicedo prays after winning the Copa Libertadores group stage football match between Ecuador's Liga de Quito and Bolivia's Always Ready at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium in Quito on May 26, 2026. (Photo by Rodrigo BUENDIA / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Barcelona have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign teenage defender Josue Caicedo from LDU Quito in a transfer worth €2.5 million.
The Ecuadorian youngster will join Barcelona Atletic on loan with an option to buy this summer, according to an ‘exclusive’ from Fabrizio Romano.
🚨🔵🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Barcelona reach verbal agreement to sign 2007 born winger Josué Caicedo from LDU Quito, here we go!
Deal in place for Barcelona B team, loan with option to buy that could turn into obligation — fee around €2.5m.
The 19-year-old left-back is said to have caught the eye of Barcelona scouts during the last Under-20 Copa Libertadores.
He is known as a speedy full back who loves to attack and clearly has bags of potential. His versatility is also said to be a bonus as he can play higher up the pitch.
Barcelona are making a habit of snapping up young and exciting talent and Caicedo will join plenty of other prospects in Juliano Belletti’s side for next season.
Hamza Abdelkarim will be part of the squad, for instance, and there are high hopes for the Egyptian striker who is currently part of the Pharoahs’ squad at World Cup 2026.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 20 June 2026; Barça in talks for Racing left-back Jorge Salinas, Raphinha injured in Brazil World Cup win
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Raphinha becomes a concern for the Brazil coaching staff – ESPN At the 37-minute mark, shortly after Matheus Cunha’s second goal, the number 11 for the national team crouched down on the pitch and spoke with some players before the medical staff entered. Images showed Raphinha placing his hand on the back of his right thigh and looking dejected.
Salinas prioritizes Barça but the signing is not yet finalized – Mundo Deportivo The defender’s entourage maintains that he would like to end up at the Catalan club but that he also has other attractive offers. Racing accept his departure as inevitable and want to get the maximum return for a highly sought-after player.
Inaki Pena on brink of leaving Barcelona in €3m transfer
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 07: Inaki Pena of Elche CF reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Elche CF at Reale Arena on February 07, 2026 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Inaki Pena is reportedly on the brink of leaving Barcelona and is heading to Greece to sign for Panathinaikos.
The goalkeeper spent last season on loan at Elche and is now set to leave Barcelona permanently. The move has beeen accelerated as Pena was keen for his future to be resolved quickly, per Jijantes.
The 27-year-old is now set to join Greek side Panathinaikos for a fee of just less than €3 million.
Pena’s departure comes at a time when Barca are overbooked when it comes to goalkeepers. Joan Garcia is first choice with Wojciech Szczęsny set to continue as back-up next season.
Barcelona also have Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Diego Kochen, Ander Astralaga and Áron Yaakobishvili on the books and will need to make decisions on their futures this summer.
As for Pena, he could be the first of several exits from Barca before the start of the new season. Ansu Fati and Marc Casado are also expected to leave, while Ter Stegen has been linked with a move to Ajax.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘Around an hour’ – Spain boss responds to talk Lamine Yamal will start against Saudi Arabia
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Lamine Yamal of Spain looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yamal did not start that match as he was still recovering from an injury sustained playing for Barça. Spain dominated possession but were unable to score as goalkeeper Vozinha had a man-of-the-match performance for Cape Verde as the match ended 0-0.
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has now been asked if Yamal can play 45 minutes and offered up the following response.
“That’s a very good question, but we’ll have to assess it,” he told Cope
“Matches are often decided in the second half, so we’ll consider whether it’s more advantageous to push the pace a bit at the beginning or take advantage of the opponents’ fatigue and Lamine’s crucial final minutes. And that’s where we’ll make the decision.
“You have an initial plan, but many things, the circumstances of the game, lead you to other situations. Lamine isn’t ready for 90 minutes, but he’s available to play. We’re not risking anyone. His optimal performance is around an hour, but it could be 60 or 53. We’ll see. There are fifty thousand details in a match that make you change.”
Pedro Porro of Tottenham Hotspur is also expected to come in for Atlético de Madrid’s Marcos Llorente at right-back. Other changes could be in order, particularly in midfield. Gavi could also swap positions or be dropped as he started the first match out of position, playing as a winger.
One player not expected to leave the starting XI is Pau Cubarsí. The 19-year-old started the first match and, though he did not have too much defending to do, was considered by pundits to have done a good job in the center of defense.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘Lamine Yamal is a bit annoyed’ – Gavi speaks out on Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid
Spain's midfielder #09 Gavi (up) and Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal (R) shake hands during a substitution during the 2026 World Cup Group H football match between Spain and Cape Verde at the Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on June 15, 2026. (Photo by Roberto SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
The Spain star a very clear idea of what kind of player he is. Known for his competitive spirt, tireless running, and prickly personality on the pitch, Gavi is known for being a thorn in the side of any team he’s up against. Equally, he’s known as a fan favorite for Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Speaking to RAC1, he put it bluntly: “If you are on my team, you love me, if not, you will probably want to kill me.”
Gavi said it’s not something he thinks about these days as playing for the national team means going beyond club rivalries. It’s just as well because his teammate Marc Cucurella, who once played for Barcelona, will be playing for Real Madrid next season.
“We found out the day before, after training. We didn’t expect it and nobody knew, he kept it very quiet. Lamine is a bit annoyed, because now he will be the one to defend him in the classics,” he explained.
“I like him as a rival. He’s tough and intense. He’s a good signing for the Whites, I’m happy for him .”
Gavi said he expected the criticism after the 0-0 match.
“Since I made my debut I’ve been a player who has always received criticism, but I’ve never given up. I don’t like receiving it, but it’s something that motivates me more and more and I see it as normal in football, when you’re in the spotlight,” he said, vowing that Spain will improve in their upcoming matches.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon – Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez sends out positive message
Fermin Lopez central midfield of Barcelona and Spain celebrates the victory after winning the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Lopez is expected to miss a couple of months with his injury, with Barcelona confirming this week that their first pre-season match will take place against Birmingham City on July 31st.
Hansi Flick’s side are due to start pre-season training on July 13th and will then travel to England and be based at St George’s Park from 27 July to 3 August.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Drop your spiciest hot take after the first round of World Cup 2026 matches
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 16: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina and Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images) | Getty Images
World Cup 2026 is in full swing and the first round of matches is now officially complete. There’s been a total of 24 games played so far and 75 goals scored in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
This year’s tournament is the biggest ever edition of the World Cup and has seen hydration breaks implemented and new rules implemented.
There’s also been plenty of highlights already. Lionel Messi wowed fans across the world yet again with a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, while Cristiano Ronaldo had a night to forget against DRC Congo.
Elswhere, the USMNT impressed in their opener against Paraguay, Germany smashed seven past Curacao, Sweden bashed Tunisia and there were also good wins for France and England.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Drop your spiciest hot take after the first round of World Cup 2026 matches
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 News: 18 June 2026; Barça confirm first preseason friendly, Marcus Rashford scores in England win
Barça 2026/27 to begin in Birmingham – FC Barcelona The first friendly of next pre-season will take place at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park against the historic Birmingham City on Friday 31 July at 7.45pm local time (8.45pm CEST).
Real Madrid set sights on another Barcelona target after signing Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Marc Cucurella of Chelsea is challenged by Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on April 20, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Alessandro Bastoni from Inter after completing deals for former Barcelona defender Marc Cucurella and Bernardo Silva.
Bastoni had appeared to be Barca’s top target to bolster their defence earlier this summer but talk of a move to the Camp Nou has cooled and now appears to have been ruled out.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Bastoni could still head to Spain and end up in the capital. The two clubs met recently for a legends match which saw Florentino Perez talk Bastoni with opposite number Beppe Marotta.
Inter want €70 million for Bastoni and are now waiting to hear what new Madrid coach Jose Mourinho thinks about the Italy international.
Mourinho is still settling back into life at the Santiago Bernabeu but will apparently have the final say over whether Madrid go for Bastoni or not.
Real Madrid look set for a busy summer after going trophyless again in 2025-26. Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries are also expected to complete transfers to the club in time for the new season.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘Some difficult days’ – Lionel Messi explains tears after scoring hat-trick at World Cup 2026
Lionel Andres Messi (Argentina) scores and celebrates his teams first goal during Group J FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina and Algeria, Kansas Stadium, Kansas, United States on June 16 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria in their World Cup 2026 opener but was spotted looking emotional after the first goal went in.
The GOAT was asked about his tears after the game and said it was nothing to do with football.
“Honestly, completely unrelated to the sport, I went through some difficult, complicated days,” he told reporters after the game.
“I’m grateful to the entire delegation, to my teammates. They were always there for me, as always. They gave me a lot of strength to get through this, and that’s all.”
Messi was also asked about equaling Miroslav Klose’s record as the World Cup’s all-time goalscorer but was typically humble about his latest achievement.
“Honestly, no [if he thinks about the importance of the record], it’s an honour to be there because of what it means to be there next to Klose, Ronaldo is there too, but I don’t think it means anything,” he added.
“Mbappé is there, he scored two today. It’s a statistic and nothing more. While it’s an honour to be able to compete with all of them, it doesn’t mean anything to me.
“Ronaldo, from what I saw, was one of the greatest and he’s not in first place, so it all comes down to a statistic.”
The GOAT will now be out to break that record when Argentina play again at World Cup 2026. The defending champions go on to face Austria and then wrap up their group campaign against Jordan.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
FC Barcelona News: 17 June 2026; Raphinha to speak to Al-Hilal after World Cup, Lionel Messi makes history in Argentina win
Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
Why Raphinha was given a rest in Brazil training ahead of Haiti clash
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 13: Raphinha of Brazil reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona star Raphinha was one of four Brazil players who were given a breather on Monday as Carlo Ancelotti’s side trained ahead of their next group game against Haiti.
Raphinha, Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes and Neymar were all rested ahead of match, per Globo. Neymar is injured, Gabriel and Guimaraes fatigued and Raphinha has blisters on his feet and turned up without his boots on.
Raphinha aparece descalço no campo. Galhães e Bruno Guimarães de tênis. Os demais jogadores já começaram o treino e Neymar ainda não apareceu pic.twitter.com/KxkvYttmx1
Raphinha admitted at the start of the tournament that he’s still not at his best best physically but had done all he could to reach the World Cup in the best possible shape.
“I had an injury that left me out for a month and a bit, without training, without playing,” he said. “But I have always tried to give my best in the treatment, in the club, to be able to reach 100% with Brazil.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
‘Seems Deco is their sporting director’- Barcelona’s response to Real Madrid going for Marc Cucurella & Bernardo Silva
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 15: Marc Cucurella of Spain looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H match between Spain and Cabo Verde at Atlanta Stadium on June 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Europa Press Sports/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images
Both players were believed to have attracted interest from Barcelona, although neither player was seen as a priority this summer, with the Catalans focused on signing a new No.9 to replace Robert Lewandowski.
However, the transfers have provoked a response at Barca. “It seems Deco is their sporting director,” was the view from club sources, according to The Athletic.
The report adds that while Flick liked Bernardo he is more than happy with his midfield options and felt the Portugal star’s arrival “could take playing time away from young players who need to gain more experience.”
Meanwhile, Barca had been “monitoring” Cucurella but did not want to pay his €60 million fee and also feel they have depth in that position. Balde and Gerard Martin are options, while the club are hoping to keep Joao Cancelo.
There’s been talk of a summer exit for Balde but he will only depart if he brings an offer and asks to leave, a scenario that is not expected to arise this summer.
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Barcelona add Man City’s Vitor Reis to list of center-back targets
VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: Vitor Reis of Girona FC looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Levante UD and Girona FC at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on March 07, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Barcelona are being linked with a move for Manchester City center-back Vitor Reis who spent last season on loan in La Liga with Girona
Hansi Flick and Deco are reportedly both big fans and think he has the right profile to play for Barcelona, according to Diario Sport.
Barca have already made “some first moves” as they try to find out Manchester City’s plans for the 20-year-old Brazilian.
The report suggests Barcelona are thinking about a possible loan with a mandatory purchase option and highlights how Deco has a good relationship with City chief Hugo Viana.
City’s plans for next season aren’t quite clear yet, with Enzo Maresca set to replace Pep Guardiola as first-team coach.
As for Barca, they are focused on trying to sign Julian Alvarez but could move for a defender as well. The report adds that Luka Vuskovic was offered by his agent but a move is “highly complicated and has been ruled out.”
