Real Madrid & Barcelona News
Latest headlines pulled from major football outlets. Click any story to read it on the source site.
- Managing Madrid·7h ago·Both·transfers
Madrid Daily: Valverde’s return, McTominay links and Madrid’s next kits
DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA STADIUM, NAPLES, ITALY - 2026/08/30: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli reacts during the Serie A 2025/2026 football match between SSC Napoli and Como 1907. Como won 2-1 over Napoli. (Photo by Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images) Real Madrid completed their preparations for Villarreal with Fede Valverde included in the squad and Ferland Mendy taking another step in his recovery. Saturday’s return to league action also brings Kylian Mbappé and Ibrahima Konaté back into contention, although Mourinho will remain without several defensive options. Away from the pitch, transfer reports, early kit predictions and Sávio’s assessment of Madrid’s attack provide plenty to discuss. Valverde included against Villarreal as Mendy returns to partial training Fede Valverde has been named in Real Madrid’s squad for Saturday’s meeting with Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu, kicking off at 9 p.m. Madrid time. Mbappé and Konaté are also included after recovering from the problems that interrupted their international commitments. Valverde’s inclusion follows his return to full group training on Friday, 19 days after the challenge that injured his left ankle in the derby. Madrid’s September 22 medical update diagnosed a grade-three sprain, but his subsequent progress has allowed him to return to the matchday group. Whether he starts remains a separate decision. Mourinho had described the midfielder as a doubt during his press conference, explaining that a decision would follow the final session. The subsequently published squad list confirmed his inclusion without establishing how many minutes he would be ready to play. There was also progress for Mendy, who completed a small part of Friday’s training with his teammates. Mourinho had announced that the session would mark the Frenchman’s first work on the pitch with the group during this stage of his recovery. Mendy is not included against Villarreal, so the development represents a rehabilitation milestone rather than an immediate competitive return. Militão still needs time despite training progress Éder Militão also remains unavailable. Mourinho said the Brazilian will miss not only Villarreal but also the following matches against Roma and Sevilla, explaining that he still needs additional time before returning safely to competition. With Dean Huijsen suspended and Raúl Asencio recovering from surgery, Konaté and Antonio Rüdiger are expected to form the central-defensive partnership. AS identifies Aurélien Tchouaméni as a potential alternative should Mourinho need to move a midfielder into the back line. Friday’s session began with activation exercises and rondos, followed by tactical work, pressing and possession drills. It concluded with small-sided games and shooting practice. The club’s report listed Asencio and Rodrygo as continuing their recovery programs. Report: Madrid make inquiries about McTominay Real Madrid have reportedly contacted Scott McTominay’s representatives as uncertainty surrounds the midfielder’s contract discussions with Napoli. MARCA, citing Il Mattino, reports that Madrid have made inquiries about the Scotland international, whose current agreement runs until June 2028. According to the account, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis does not regard an extension as an immediate priority, while the player’s representatives would prefer to settle his future sooner. Madrid are not described as the only interested club. The Mourinho connection is an established part of McTominay’s career: the Portuguese coach gave him his Manchester United first-team debut in 2017 and has continued to speak fondly of him. Asked previously whether he would consider Madrid if Mourinho called, McTominay replied: “If that happened, I would think about it.” For now, the reported development concerns contact with the player’s camp. It does not establish that Madrid have submitted an offer to Napoli or reached an agreement over a transfer. Bayern reportedly prepare major Olise renewal offer Bayern Munich are preparing a substantial contract proposal for Michael Olise amid continued reports of Madrid’s interest. According to reporting attributed to Sky Germany, the German club would like to extend his agreement from 2029 to 2032, potentially making him the highest-paid player in the squad. The reported proposal would take his annual earnings above the approximately €25 million associated with Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala. Those figures describe a potential offer, not an extension Olise has accepted. A release clause is reportedly an important issue for the player’s representatives. The reports suggest his camp would seek a mechanism allowing him to control a future departure, with a figure above €200 million being discussed. No such clause should be treated as part of his existing contract. Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund, meanwhile, has emphasized the club’s satisfaction with Olise and the time remaining on his current deal. “Michael has developed incredibly well with us and is currently one of the best players in the world. We are extremely happy to have him playing for us. He has a contract until 2029, so there is no pressure. He feels very comfortable at FC Bayern and we are in constant contact with him. As I said, there is no rush.” Riquelme preparing a meeting space for Madrid members Enrique Riquelme is preparing to support a new space near the Santiago Bernabéu where Real Madrid members can meet and share their concerns and proposals, according to Radio MARCA’s Otra Ronda. The program reported that the initiative will be presented shortly. The proposed venue is described as a place for participation and dialogue, rather than a recreation of the electoral headquarters Riquelme used during his presidential campaign. Its name and operational details have not yet been disclosed. Although the project would maintain Riquelme’s connection with members, it does not constitute an announcement that he will run for president again. The reporting also distinguishes the initiative from a platform intended to confront Florentino Pérez’s current administration directly. Kit leaks point to white, black and purple for 2027–28 Footy Headlines has published early information about Madrid’s 2027–28 kit collection, suggesting a return to white, black and purple across the three shirts. The material consists of leaked colour information and predicted design elements, rather than an official unveiling by Madrid or Adidas. Don't mind it at all. Real Madrid should always have purple. (leaked by @Footy_Headlines for next season) pic.twitter.com/RHBI1i1hg8 — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) October 9, 2026 The projected home shirt retains a white base with black and purple details. Footy Headlines also suggests an all-over checker pattern could feature, although that remains part of its early prediction rather than a confirmed final design. The away shirt is expected to pair black with white accents. The third shirt would use purple as its main colour, accompanied by a modern graphic. White is considered the likely secondary colour for that kit, but the report explicitly states that the accent colours have not yet been confirmed. Sávio discusses Vinícius, Endrick and the demands of playing for Madrid Sávio has assessed Madrid’s current situation in an interview with AS, discussing the pressure on Mourinho, the challenges facing the Brazilian forwards and the qualities he likes in Yan Diomande. The former winger believes the squad has the talent to improve, but needs time and work to establish a more cohesive team. Vinícius and the response to a difficult period Asked about Vinícius Júnior, Sávio focused on his performances rather than speculating about his personal life. He pointed to the progress the forward made after first arriving in Madrid as evidence of his ability to overcome difficulties. “I don’t know anything about Vinicius’s private life, but on the pitch, it’s clear he’s not at his best. The only way to get out of a slump is with a lot of hard work and being mentally very strong. When he arrived, the first two or three years were difficult, and in Brazil, people would ask me why he wasn’t finishing strong, and I always said that we had to be patient because he was a very young lad. He went straight from Flamengo’s U-17 team to the first team! With time and hard work, he improved until he won two Champions Leagues, playing a key role. Now he has to focus entirely on Real Madrid to become a decisive player again.” Sávio acknowledged how difficult it is to ask Madrid supporters for patience, drawing on his own experience at two clubs with particularly demanding fanbases. “It’s very difficult to ask for patience from a fanbase the size of Real Madrid’s. I played for Flamengo and Real Madrid, both huge fanbases with enormous pressure, but I approached it as a challenge, trying to enjoy myself on the pitch. If I have to say anything, it’s to focus entirely on football and keep working, because when the fans see that you’re giving your all, they’ll always be with you.” Rodrygo’s recovery and their exchange of shirts Sávio also spoke warmly about Rodrygo, whom he recently met through a connection involving his son and mutual friends. The pair exchanged the number 11 shirts associated with their respective periods at Madrid. “An injury is the worst thing for an athlete. I’ve been through similar times, although not as serious as Rodrygo’s. You have to be with the physio every day working to get back as soon as possible, without being able to say anything in advance… I saw him doing very well; he’s a very down-to-earth guy. Through my son and his friends, we were able to exchange number 11 jerseys, both the one from my time and his current one. He’s a fantastic player, I love him, with his short dribbling, speed, and tactical awareness. Real Madrid misses him.” Endrick needs regular football On Endrick, Sávio was careful to acknowledge the limits of his assessment. He said he had seen too little of the forward at Madrid to explain precisely why he had struggled to establish himself, but argued that consistent playing time should be the priority. “I don’t really know what’s going on because I’ve seen very little of Endrick at Real Madrid. I’m left with the image of his last fantastic season with Palmeiras, before coming here, when he was a young and very talented lad. It seems like he’s not finding his footing here, not because of his football, but because of a lack of consistency… or connection…” Sávio drew a distinction between fulfilling the ambition of joining Madrid and having the opportunities required to develop. “Being at Real Madrid was a five-year dream come true for me, but I didn’t just want to be there; I always wanted to play football. If Endrick doesn’t fit in and continues in this situation, being such a young and talented lad, he has to play somewhere.” Diomande and the importance of taking on defenders Sávio praised Diomande’s willingness to attack opponents, identifying qualities he believes should remain central to a winger’s game. “I really like talented players who take on defenders and try again without hesitating after a mistake. Diomande is a young guy with speed, talent, and a good tactical contribution to offer.” He related that approach to the encouragement he received from Roberto Carlos when he first joined Madrid. “Football has changed, and there’s much more running involved these days, but you can’t lose the essence of the game, nor can you stop dribbling. When I came to Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos told me to take on defenders and go for it, that if I lost the ball, he’d be there to cover for me. That gave me a lot of confidence. You have to work on the tactical side and marking, but without abandoning your own style of play. Today, I see many wingers more concerned with marking than with attacking.” Backing Mourinho while acknowledging Madrid’s urgency Sávio praised Raphinha’s form at Barcelona but stressed that Madrid possess the individual quality to compete in the Clásico. In his view, the remaining task is to make those individual pieces function together more effectively. He expressed confidence that Mourinho can find the solution. “I never worked with Mourinho, but I played against him and I always liked his style. He’s a very successful manager wherever he’s been and he’s very capable. Real Madrid doesn’t have much time, but I think he’s the best name for the moment and he needs a little more time to integrate the team, as I said before. He knows what he’s doing; he’s proven that at the clubs he’s been at.” On the Ballon d’Or, however, Sávio declined to name a favourite, describing a field without the obvious individual superiority that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi displayed during their rivalry. “Wow! It’s really tough this year, there are so many contenders for the Ballon d’Or. I don’t see any clear superiority or anyone who stands out individually like Cristiano and Messi did in their time. It’s hard to single out just one player this year, it’s a very complicated decision… Let me leave this question as is,” he said, laughing. Míchel recalls signing thousands of photographs for supporters Míchel has recalled the volume of fan mail he answered during his playing career, describing a time when signed postcards and handwritten dedications were a principal connection between supporters and their favourite footballers. In a conversation with Sara Carbonero on Antena 3, the former Madrid midfielder said he responded to thousands of letters and signed a similar number of photographs each week. “Yes, yes, because we had postcards of the club, and we would sign them and write a dedication—4,000 or 5,000 photos a week.” Decades later, supporters still show him the keepsakes. “And there are still people who tell me they have them,” Míchel said. He also described receiving photographs on his phone that fans had originally taken on film, including pictures from chance encounters in the street or on holiday. Those messages have occasionally reconnected him with people he met many years earlier. Video: Diomande features in Madrid’s training highlights Real Madrid have shared two sequences featuring Yan Diomande in their training footage ahead of the Villarreal match. The clips offer another look at the winger’s technique as the squad prepares to resume its league campaign. Yan Diomande deserves to start, this kid deserves more than 5 minutes per game. What a talent pic.twitter.com/FyPHNutGO9 — 𝐟𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐯 (@fedevalv_) October 9, 2026
- Barca Blaugranes·9h ago·Both·transfers
Julián Álvarez changes agents as Barcelona rumors heat up again
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images) | Getty Images Julián Álvarez has reportedly changed agents and that news has set the rumor mill into overdrive. His desire to join Barcelona from Atlético Madrid was the worst-kept secret in the past transfer window, but it did not materialize. With this new agent, there are whispers that the transfer may finally cross the finish line. He has ended his relationship with Fernando Hidalgo, who has been besides him almost all his professional career, and reportedly signed on with Javier Pastore. Pastore is an ex-player and Argentina international who played with, among other clubs, Paris Saint-Germain. He was also at one point linked with a move to Barça, though that never came to pass, either. The relationship between Hidalgo and Atlético CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has reportedly been fractured irreparably, with both sides accusing the other of misleading Álvarez. The hiring of Pastore, who also represents Enzo Fernández, now at Manchester City, could be seen as an attempted reset. Álvarez has reportedly not given up on his dream of joining Barcelona, and Atlético may be happy to finally pull the trigger after the transfer drama disrupted their planning for this season. It’s said the team’s spirits were sapped by the situation, and the player himself is uncomfortable and not performing to his very best. An incoming €120 million would also help Atléti if they spend it wisely. But do Barcelona still want the transfer? Sporting director Deco has suggested their interest has waned, though manager Hansi Flick is a big fan of the Argentine forward. And importantly, Raphinha has performed extremely well as a center-forward and Gabriel Jesus is adapting as his backup, plus Barcelona have promising young star Hamza Abdelkarim in that position. Álvarez is a quality player, but will the Catalans spend so much money to reinforce an attack that is already working extremely well?
- Barca Blaugranes·13h ago·Both·transfers
Barcelona confirm Raphinha out against Getafe and Galatasaray
Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images | Europa Press via Getty Images Barcelona will be without their captain and top scorer for the next two games as Raphinha has been ruled out for Saturday’s La Liga match against Getafe and Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Galatasaray. Hansi Flick spoke at a press conference on Friday and confirmed that tests showed Raphinha has a minor muscle issue and won’t be involved in the next two games out of an abundance of caution. “The tests show something, it’s not an injury, but we have to be careful because he had three injuries last year, and we have to take care of him. He won’t be available tomorrow or against Galatasaray.” Barça are taking the right course of action with their most important player as they save him for the massive three-game stretch against Real Betis, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid next week, and there’s more than enough depth in attack to deal with Getafe and Galatasaray to make sure the captain is fully fit.
- Managing Madrid·15h ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Jose Mourinho on Vinicius Jr: “He deserves to be helped”
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 9: Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho addresses journalists during a pre-match press conference at the club's Valdebebas training complex in Madrid, Spain on October 9, 2026. Mourinho responded to questions regarding squad preparation and tactical strategy ahead of their La Liga Matchday 8 fixture against Villarreal. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images) | Anadolu via Getty Images Jose Mourinho spoke to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s return to action against Villarreal on Saturday. He was asked about whether a player will play based on meritocracy, to which he said: “Meritocracy, yes, but also an openness not for the name, but for the moment. Knowing what might be the best way to help a particular player. There are players who, when they’re not playing well, there are strategies to help them improve. One is pure meritocracy, and if you’re not playing well, you’re out. It has risks. There are players who take time to get back to their normal level. You’re referring to Vini. I’m not hiding anything. What hurts me, what makes me sad, is understanding that he wants to be well, he wants to be the one who wins games, who makes the difference. What hurts me is feeling this pain he feels, being a guy who, to my surprise, is extraordinary and works so hard to come back. Will he always play until he returns, or will there come a time when there’s a specific plan where he doesn’t play or goes to the bench, and we find another way? I don’t touch true Real Madrid fans. I only respect them.” But it breaks my heart to see a boy like him, who isn’t the Vinicius of this otherworldly world, not being helped by people influenced by many of you. He deserves to be helped. He desperately wants to be the Vinicius who has brought so much joy to Real Madrid fans.” Mourinho on the game vs Villarreal “Our opponent is a Champions League team. A top-level team. They play very well. They don’t have the points they’re going to have. They’re going to be much higher in the standings. After losing our last match, we need to get the points. The preparation isn’t easy. We’re down to five players. The others were arriving after their last international matches and the days off we gave them. Villarreal isn’t in our situation, but they’ve also had players away on international duty. It hasn’t been a perfect week for them either.” Mourinho on the Mbappe story “If this happens, it will be a great victory for you (press). Not even huge cases like City, the old story you love to talk about, the difficult situation in my country with Cristiano and his coach—so many cases that could have fueled your work—but it hasn’t been enough. Real Madrid is Real Madrid, and you always have to find something. I expected the first one to be the only one about something real. A difficult match. Yours is the first… But, here we are.” Mourinho on whether the stuff about him is exaggerated “Ridiculous.” Mourinho on managing players’ private lives “For me, a player is a player 24 hours a day. Anything important or negative he does privately always has repercussions. I always maintain that a player will always be a human being. A man who can make mistakes, but who has a sense of responsibility. I, honestly, haven’t been here in Spain for 13 years. You know me. I don’t lie. I might try to escape, be clever and avoid some more complicated issues, but I don’t lie. At any level. If you ask me who’s going to start, I won’t tell you, but I won’t say he’s not going to play and then he does. During this period, the players have been exemplary. We worked to ensure they had no doubts about their availability for their national teams, when they needed free time. Everything was perfectly defined. Everyone has complied. The injured players come to Valdebebas immediately. They have their diagnoses, recovery plans… Players like Arda, who was suspended for the fourth match, I gave him two unscheduled days off.” People with serious injuries have been here every day. Valverde, Konaté. Mbappé, for example. He’s been here, he’s had a diagnosis. He went for an outpatient consultation because his knee has a history that can’t be forgotten. Complete agreement between diagnoses. Recovery plan that you don’t need to know in detail. And then, there’s the realm of troublemaking. The real problems that football has had these past couple of weeks haven’t been enough, so there’s this search for problems. First, the nightclub that wasn’t a nightclub. Because it was a venue for a private event during Paris Fashion Week. Then, the bicycle in Switzerland, which was a hotel with small houses. They were bicycles for getting around to common areas in a quiet hotel. And it seems he was doing the Tour de Suisse. Then, poor Huijsen, who was standing in front of Pitarch’s house sending a message, and suddenly he’s practically a criminal on the highway at 200 km/h sending messages. I’m knocking on wood, because football is football. I’m giving you the story. This is the first time in 10 years that Real Madrid has arrived in mid-October without any injuries. They’re all injuries from last season. It’s a first. It’s a good story, but you don’t like it.” Mourinho on why fans are upset with Mbappe “This is one of your objectives. You don’t need to be Einstein to understand that this is the objective. I prefer not to speak about who it is; I could be wrong, but it is one of the objectives. I won’t comment on the Bernabéu. I respect it. My hope is that the Bernabéu will be able to be fair. To be fair is to be intelligent. To read between the lines and understand the dynamics. To understand the objectives. I promise that if a Real Madrid player doesn’t behave like a Real Madrid player and fails as a Real Madrid player, if he doesn’t fulfill his obligations as a player or as a citizen, you won’t see that player on the bench. You won’t be able to boo him. He’ll be at home. I won’t give him the opportunity to sit on the bench. Mbappé will play. He won’t even be on the bench. I’m sure he hasn’t failed in his obligations to Real Madrid.” Mourinho on the second part of the season “We’ve been here, and when you have little actual fieldwork, you have much more time to analyze every detail. In this first period, we’ve found many good things and things to improve. It doesn’t mean we have to change drastically. You need work and time for that. I can’t just arrive with one or two days and say, ‘Let’s start playing with five at the back, four in midfield, and change the full-back.’ You can’t. Yesterday, I read something curious that shouldn’t happen at Real Madrid. Mikel Arteta has renewed his contract. He said that we’re just starting out and that there’s a lot to do. Real Madrid is coming off a difficult period. What would be a normal situation for others… Real Madrid is to blame. Because they’ve won so much in the last ten years, and even before, everything takes on a different dimension. We need time to improve things. There are things that improve gradually, and we’re doing that. Yesterday we worked on these aspects. We have things to improve.” I’m not adamant that we should have won the match against Atlético because it should have been 11 against 9. We need to look for improvements in things that are within our control. Perhaps, to the untrained eye, many people won’t be able to understand it. But we will try to make adjustments to improve in some areas.” Mourinho on Yan Diomande “I’m not going to answer whether he’ll play or not. I don’t lie, and I’m not going to say who’s going to play. I don’t want to lie to you. Real Madrid can play with anyone from the squad up front. We have a lot of quality players. They can’t all play together. If you want four attackers, you can. Against Elche, we played with six for the last few minutes. But in a balanced situation with controlled risks, we can’t play with seven at once. We can’t play all of them.” Mourinho on what he did during the break “I spent two or three days straight after the last match trying to analyze every possible detail, so I wouldn’t get stuck on the obvious. But the obvious thing that’s not under my control is that it was an eleven-against-nine game. I didn’t want to dwell on that. Then, I spent three days away watching London and Portugal, and then I came back and worked incredibly hard. Little time on the pitch and a lot here. I’ve meticulously prepared for their arrival. Some arrive on Tuesday, Wednesday; some play, others don’t; some are jet-lagged, others haven’t slept… It’s complex. We’re working very well organizationally. We could have an injury in ten minutes, but not having any injuries isn’t something we forget here. Many things have changed, and we’re doing well. We’re preparing for the future as best we can.” Mourinho on Fede Valverde and Eder Militao “Fede is the doubt. Militao isn’t a doubt, he won’t be available. But seeing him train the way he does, we’ve never trained with just five players. Always 20. We’ve trained with youth team players. Sometimes Castilla would come, other times the C team, other times the youth team mixed with players from Castilla and the C team. If you don’t know Militao’s problems, you’d put him in tomorrow. I joke with him and ask, ‘Are you going to play?’ He’s better than I thought. He won’t be available tomorrow, neither in Rome nor against Sevilla. He needs a couple of weeks. His medical history is quite extensive, and we have to be careful. Mendy will train on the pitch with us for the first time. Rodrygo is further away. Valverde, the problem has persisted until today. We’ll decide about tomorrow today.”
- Advertisement
- Barca Blaugranes·15h ago··transfers
FC Barcelona News: 9 October 2026; Preparations continue for Getafe, Xavi Espart agrees new deal until 2030
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images | Getty Images All internationals back in training – FC Barcelona Hansi Flick now has all his players back after their national side commitments. Five interesting facts about Barça v Getafe – FC Barcelona We take a look at the various stats and peculiarities surrounding the LaLiga matchday eight fixture between the sides. Xavi Espart renews until 2030 – FC Barcelona FC Barcelona and the La Masia player reach agreement to extend his contract. Special typeface for each kit – FC Barcelona Barça to bear a different design on each of three kits for the 26/27 season with an innovative and unique style. Barça have never lost at home against Getafe – Mundo Deportivo In the 21 matches they have played between La Liga and the Copa del Rey against Getafe at the Camp Nou, Barcelona have won 17 times and drawn 4. “Seeing Haaland at Barça or Madrid wouldn’t be surprising” – Mundo Deportivo Fabrizio Romano believes that seeing the Norwegian striker “in La Liga is a possibility that cannot be ruled out, whether in one year or five years.”
- BBC Sport·17h ago·Real Madrid·transfers
'Real consider McTominay move' - gossip
Real Madrid are reportedly keeping a watch on Scott McTominay as Scottish winger Danny Armstrong is close to signing a new contract with Dinamo Bucharest.
- Managing Madrid·22h ago·Both·transfers
Will Jose Mourinho Make Adjustments Ahead Of A Pivotal October Stretch?
These observations — where I look at Real Madrid’s history, its players on loan, Castilla, tactical tidbits, and other relevant thoughts — are now a regular thing. All previous editions can be found here. Shortly after Real Madrid were played off the park — primarily in a disastrous second half — of the Madrid Derby, head coach Jose Mourinho took to the podium with a print out copy of two egregious Atletico Madrid tackles in which one of them should’ve resulted in a direct red card. “Yes… we could have saved ourselves the press conference because the story of the match is here,” Mourinho said as he showed two photographs of Cuti Romero’s and Kang-in Lee’s challenges on Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde respectively. “They are two clear red cards.” Mourinho didn’t spend time talking about Real Madrid’s performance. “The difficulties we had afterwards, 11 against 10, we can imagine what 50 minutes with 11 against nine would have been like,” Mourinho continued. “And therefore I have to limit myself to hugging my players, who gave everything. Who played a first half of great class, personality.” The press conference was not short, and the words about the referee continued at length. It was a massive attempt to distract everyone from the football that was played on the pitch. SUBSCRIBE: The Managing Madrid Podcast on YouTube Mourinho knew what he was doing, and he was right. The referee had been terrible — even consequential to the result — and the Portuguese wanted to shield his players. Mourinho even went out of his way to praise his players despite the poor performance. “If we want to remember Elche, Elche’s two sendings-off… no, but in the first minute, the yellow card for Diomande… what our players feel on the pitch is not normal,” Mourinho continued. “But I liked my team as a team. Very much in the first half and in the second… obviously very, very, very difficult. Very difficult to have the ball, to stop the possession of the ball of a good team and with one more player. But I liked the pride, the determination. And it is a good feeling for me. It is not being disappointed with my players, not having anything to reproach them for. Within the negative of the result, it is a positive feeling for me.” FOLLOW: Managing Madrid on Instagram SHOP: Mbappe Nueve Swag This is Mourinho’s bread and butter. He is too smart to not know that his team could’ve played better, or that certain stars are not pulling their weight the way the team needs them to. He is also self aware enough to know he didn’t set up his team to win. What he says publicly isn’t as important as to what he’s saying internally. Outwardly, the focus was the referee. Inwardly, that may not be the case — or at least Real Madrid fans will hope for all of that to be true. There is a fine line when it comes to analyzing this team so far, and crossing it too far in one direction may lead to an unnecessary, overly dramatic view of what’s happening. Real Madrid’s performance in the first half against Atletico Madrid was not good, but it was, from a scoreline standpoint, on equal terms. They looked horrendous attacking in transition, but they also prevented Atletico from scoring, and had Atletico been a man down instead — which objectively should’ve been the case — then we’re talking about a different scenario, and probably a win, and difference makers off the bench like Yan Diomande and Bernardo Silva would’ve had more room to operate. You could also argue that first half, scoreless, was somewhat acceptable — only in the sense that it’s a low bar in that stadium and Real Madrid almost never play well at the Metropolitano (arguably the hardest game on the schedule all year), and Atleti are the only team Real Madrid lost to even when Real Madrid were the best team in the world in the 2023 – 2024 season. Then there is the Real Betis game, where Real Madrid missed seven (yes seven) big chances. Not shots, big chances. Real Betis, meanwhile, had one big chance, and won. Processing that is important on some level, because if you replay these freak scenarios again, you’re looking at eight straight wins, second to Barcelona only on goal differential, and a different atmosphere both in the locker-room and the way the media has covered the team. But that’s an extreme, and football is not fair. Tough luck. You have to do what’s in your control: Put away your chances and play better on both ends of the field so that these tiny margins of error are not consequential. Your main league rival, Barcelona, cares little about margins. They’ve scored 27 goals from an xG of 25. Both numbers are so ridiculous for this stage of the season, that it doesn’t actually make sense. They are on course, statistically, to be even greater than Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona. Whether that’s sustainable or not is a different story; but what is true is that Real Madrid’s poor finishing has sustained at a poor rate for over a year now. It’s possible to read the reality of the team without being overly-reactionary. Real Madrid have had some bad luck, played some bad football, and, in between, played some positive football as well while a few players are playing really well. Other players, meanwhile, have been poor. Sounds like normal stuff. The problem is that there is little time or patience left after two years of losing, and being six points back against a rival who doesn’t look like it will give ground is extra torturous and unforgiving. The question now is how much Mourinho has learned in these opening eight games, and how much he is willing to adjust. If he continues with the same line-ups and same approach to games, we will continue seeing the same things: Bad performers, good performers, bad second halves, good chance creation — you get the idea. At this point, you don’t have all the sample size you need to make permanent decisions, but you do have enough data to extrapolate the good things while stripping away the bad things. Deciphering what those good and bad things are can be subjective, and Mourinho may even disagree with the general consensus. There is also another barrier: Even if he feels strongly about making a change, his hands may be tied because of political hierarchies in the team and pressure from the president. If that’s the case, Mourinho has a big decision to make: Die by his own sword, or die by Florentino’s sword. There is no question as to which one of those the ‘old Mourinho’ (circa 2010) would’ve chosen. But that was 16 years ago. People change. The bigger question is, if Mourinho changed, then why was he brought in now, far removed from being one of football’s elite managers? Is his football not outdated? FOLLOW for regular in-game updates: Managing Madrid on Twitter We’ll learn more about Mourinho’s Real Madrid in the upcoming two months, and whether or not his version of this team is different from his predecessors. The only way out of this mess is through a teardown and rebuild, and I don’t mean by selling the squad and building a new one — I mean by putting everyone in the current squad on equal flooring. The names on the back of the shirt must, to some extent, become irrelevant, and Mourinho needs to build the line-up from scratch, assuming hierarchies and star power don’t exist. Then, and only then, can a fresh tactical blueprint come about. Then, and only then, can he turn this team around and put them on a winning course. That’s easier said than done, of course, and everyone will have an opinion on what names need to be dropped and what names need to be promoted. But the entire point is this: Mourinho needs to have that power to do what he feels works best, without any added pressure or noise — whether it be from the president, the players, agents and entourages, or family members. Part of that responsibility needs to lie on Florentino Perez to give Mourinho that freedom, and, this may sound harsh: Mourinho will have do it anyway even if he doesn’t get that freedom. It is somewhat a lose-lose: keep doing things the same way and lose; or defy and maybe win or lose anyway. This is where the board needs to be held accountable as much as anyone else. If after four coaches the exact same problems persist, the problem is clearly not the coach, and throwing coaches around like they’re darts is exactly where Real Madrid were after 2004 — one of the darkest periods of the modern era. The parallels from then, to now, are jarring. In 2004, Vanderlei Luxemburgo subbed out Ronaldo Nazario in the 87th minute when the team was up 1-0 after David Beckham had received a red card. Florentino Perez called Luxemburgo after the game and told him he’s not allowed to do that again…. and that was Luxemburgo’s last game in charge. In 2025, we saw what happened when Xabi Alonso subbed off Vinicius Jr in a Clasico. The heavy hand descended, and Alonso lost the support of both the president and some of his star players. Tactical decisions, at this club, unfortunately, can come with devastating consequences. There are so many valid reasons for Real Madrid fans to be concerned from what they’ve seen from the last two years (and counting), and most realists would land on the negative side of agnosticism when it comes to the potential success of the team this season. But there are some reasons to believe Mourinho can turn it around, even if some of those reasons are latent. The team is deeper than it was last season. There are four (five if you include Ferland Mendy) proper full-backs. Ibrahima Konaté was a solid addition to the back line. Dean Huijsen looks good. Arda Güler is the best creator in Europe. Jude Bellingham looks unstoppable. Kylian Mbappe is still scoring at a prolific rate. The world’s best goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, is in between the posts. Carlos Espi is a profile Real Madrid hasn’t had since Joselu, and is currently on pace for a goal every 13 minutes. Yan Diomande is an upgrade over Franco Mastantuono. There is also the other side of the coin: The full-backs haven’t looked at their best, yet. Espi barely plays. This team isn’t built for Jose Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1, primarily because none of the midfielders in the double pivot can control games against elite opposition. Vinicius Jr who is being relied upon heavily on the left wing, looks a shell of himself. WATCH: 5 Real Madrid Questions That Need To Be Answered Perfect roles often don’t exist. Football can be ruthless and brutal. If you’re not able to adapt to different positions and roles, the industry may chew you up and spit you out. Getting a system tailored around your strengths is often reserved for the best of the best. Not everyone gets to be the alpha. The most successful teams right now have one thing in common: collective buy in, sacrifice, and a belief in the greater good being more important than any one individual. One of the bittersweet things Real Madrid fans experience on an ongoing basis is seeing so many of their stars thrive and dominate as alphas in their ideal roles — but it’s done at the international level rather than that club level. It’s a tough pillow to swallow and a challenging reality to grapple with. Brahim Diaz is the fulcrum of Morocco’s build-up, and he’s played just 99 minutes in La Liga this season. Vinicius in the World Cup was Brazil’s offensive channel. Mbappe doesn’t over-tangle with his co-stars in France. Camavinga looked good as the single pivot under Zinedine Zidane — in a position that doesn’t currently exist in Mourinho’s blueprint. Cucurella is an absolute defensive unit with Spain in a far less chaotic scheme. Thomas Tuchel has a team built to maximize Bellingham to a science. Güler is Türkiye. You get the idea. (To be fair to Güler and Bellingham, those two specifically have been great at both the club and international level this season.) That data tells us there is no shortage of talent here, but there is an overlap of talent in certain positions. Potentially not renewing Vinicius this past summer was seen by many as an opportunity to exchange a tactical mismatch for a tactical need, such as a controlling midfielder. “They’re incredible players, but the tactical structure could be more difficult,” Mourinho said in his first Real Madrid press conference this season. “[Carlo] Ancelotti found the perfect role for Vini with Brazil, [Didier] Deschamps found the perfect role for Kylian, and [Thomas] Tuchel found the perfect role for Jude [at the World Cup]. But it’s harder to find the perfect role for all three. I have a lot of confidence that we’ll do well when all three play together. I don’t think they’re incompatible at all.” This is by no means a sinking ship, but it is also not anywhere close to sailing smoothly. The next two months will tell us a lot: Barcelona are about to endure their first difficult stretch of the entire season, and Mourinho will show us, hopefully, what adjustments he has planned after observing the issues up close. It’s cliche, but possibly more true than ever: October is pivotal. It could be the difference between a nine point gap or a three point gap.
- Managing Madrid·23h ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Madrid Daily: Mourinho’s reflections, Carvajal’s Getafe obstacle and Kroos’ coaching plans
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 20: Jose Mourinho head coach of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on September 20, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Antonio Villalba/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty Images Real Madrid’s return to league action is approaching, with Villarreal preparing to visit the Bernabéu on Saturday without Tajon Buchanan but with an ambitious approach. Away from the match preparations, José Mourinho has discussed his return to Madrid and revisited several controversies, while reports on Dani Carvajal, Endrick and Toni Kroos point to possible next steps in their careers. There is also a new addition to the Bernabéu’s entertainment calendar. Mourinho discusses his Madrid return and the Vinícius–Prestianni controversy José Mourinho has given an extensive interview to Corriere dello Sport, reflecting on his return to Real Madrid, his relationship with Roma and his handling of the incident involving Vinícius Júnior and Gianluca Prestianni during last season’s Champions League. “The buzz started when there was no contact at all” Mourinho said the speculation about his second spell at Madrid began before the club had approached him. At that stage, he maintained, his expectation was to continue at Benfica. “Normally, there’s initial contact, and then the buzz starts when something’s actually happening. Here, it was exactly the opposite: the buzz started when there was no contact at all. I was at Benfica, happy. It’s a special club for me, just ten minutes from home, something that hadn’t happened for twenty years. It was a club that needed a radical change. I thought I’d stay there with my three-year contract,” he said. “When the rumors started, I thought: ‘This can’t be true.’ I was at Benfica, focused on Benfica, focused on Benfica’s future. I never thought it was true.” Mourinho revisits his handling of the Prestianni incident Asked about the controversy involving Prestianni and Vinícius, Mourinho described the episode as particularly difficult to manage while he was Benfica coach. “It was a very delicate and difficult point for us, because in the end, Prestianni was disqualified not because of racism. I was a victim of public opinion, mainly of many opportunists, due to a completely uncontrollable situation,” Mourinho said. “What I really like about the end of this story is that, on one hand, there was a fantastic guy, and on the other, a perfect guy. It was a problem, but in the end, I got to know both of them.” UEFA’s disciplinary decision on April 24 sanctioned Prestianni for homophobic discriminatory conduct. It imposed a six-match suspension, with three matches suspended for a two-year probationary period. That is the disciplinary outcome behind Mourinho’s distinction regarding the basis of the punishment. Referees, Manchester City and football’s changing structures Mourinho also returned to his relationship with referees, linking his experiences in different countries to the controversies surrounding those competitions. “I don’t think the problem is me. The problem is the bad luck I have when I arrive at a particular club. I experienced Negreira’s important period here at Real Madrid. Nobody knew it, but we lived through it. It happened. It happened. I left afterwards, now everyone knows,” he said. On Manchester City’s case, he joked about the length of the process and the prospect of further appeals. “I prefer to laugh a little, because I think we’ll have an ending. We will have an ending. But the two of us, who are nearing 60, should be lucky enough to be here when the final verdict is delivered. Because now the sentence will come, and after a year, there will be an appeal.” Mourinho was similarly sceptical about the idea that football continually reinvents itself, describing tactical developments as cyclical. He also questioned the growth of clubs’ travelling staff, contrasting a page of players’ hotel rooms with a much longer list for analysts, media personnel and other employees. “There is no evolution. It’s a cycle. It comes and goes, they say. Because you always come back,” he said. Ancelotti’s photographs and an emotional return to Rome There was a lighter exchange about Carlo Ancelotti, with Mourinho recalling the Brazil coach’s interest in the fitness and development of Madrid’s Brazilian players. He joked about how frequently he encounters reminders of his predecessor around the training complex. “Carlo, I’m fed up with you, because every day I walk down the corridor: pictures of Carlo here, pictures of Carlo there. I’m fed up with you!” Mourinho’s discussion of Roma was more reflective. Ahead of Madrid’s Champions League visit on October 14, he said his departure had not diminished his affection for the club. “The farewell broke my heart. There isn’t, and never will be, a single word from me against Roma or its ownership: when I leave, I leave with clean hands and with the feeling that it will be my home forever. The day I arrived, there were thousands of people to welcome me, and I hadn’t even done anything yet. I don’t deserve this, but that’s Roma.” On returning as an opponent, he added: “I have to prepare because it’s the first time I’m going without the support of the Giallorossi fans. I don’t expect chants or banners, just a lot of respect.” As for his longer-term future, Mourinho’s answer was straightforward: “As long as I have my health, I will continue training.” Why Carvajal’s agreed salary does not settle his Getafe registration Dani Carvajal’s potential move to Getafe remains complicated by LaLiga’s financial-control assessment, even after the player and club reached an economic understanding. Getafe president Ángel Torres has said the former Madrid defender passed his medical, but registration is a separate obstacle. According to DAZN journalist Pablo Pinto, the figure being assigned to Carvajal for squad-cost purposes is €2.6 million annually—higher than the salary reportedly negotiated between the parties. The distinction is important: that figure is not a transfer fee and does not necessarily represent what Carvajal would receive in wages. It is the amount Getafe would need to accommodate for financial-control purposes. LaLiga’s assessment considers more than the amount written into a new contract. The criteria described in the reporting include age, injury history, recent appearances, international experience, honours, contract duration and market conditions. Consequently, accepting a lower salary does not automatically make a player eligible for registration within a club’s available limit. There is also a contractual point still under discussion. Roberto Gómez reported on Radio MARCA that Carvajal wants an exit clause allowing him to leave during the winter window if another opportunity arises. “What Carvajal wants is a clause that would allow him to leave if he receives an offer from another team during the winter transfer window,” Gómez said. Pinto has also reported that request. Between the registration valuation and the proposed January exit mechanism, the move remains unresolved rather than a completed signing. Roma’s Wesley reportedly contacts Endrick as Milan remain interested Endrick continues to attract interest from Italy, with Corriere dello Sport reporting that Roma wing-back Wesley has contacted his Brazil teammate about the possibility of joining him in January. According to the account, Wesley told Endrick how pleased he would be to welcome him to Rome and share a dressing room. The contact is described as an exchange between friends, rather than a formal club-to-club agreement. Roma and AC Milan are both being linked with the Madrid forward as his search for more playing time draws attention ahead of the winter window. The same reporting identifies the structure of any potential move as an issue still to be resolved: Madrid’s preference is described as a loan, while Roma would like an arrangement including a purchase option and a buy-back mechanism. There is no completed agreement in that account. The immediate meeting between the clubs will take place on the pitch, with Madrid visiting the Stadio Olimpico in the Champions League on October 14. Tchouaméni: “I took risks… but I don’t regret anything” Aurélien Tchouaméni has acknowledged that he played through pain at the World Cup, explaining that the tournament’s importance influenced decisions he might not have made under different circumstances. Speaking to France 24, the midfielder said those choices subsequently affected him physically. “From the third or fourth match onwards, and even a little before, I was in pain. Obviously, it’s a World Cup, so we try to do everything possible to be as prepared as possible and perform at our best on the pitch. I took risks that I might not have taken at another time, but I don’t regret anything. The players understand that sometimes there are circumstances that demand you give your all. And that’s what I did. I paid the price afterward, but it’s part of my story and I have no regrets about it.” Asked about his performance in France’s defeat to Spain, Tchouaméni accepted that he had not been able to show his usual level. “No, obviously, I wasn’t the real Aurélien Tchouaméni. But it’s not the first time it’s happened, and it won’t be the last. There are many moments during a competition when we talk with the medical and coaching staff; you have to do what’s necessary to be on the pitch, and that’s what I did.” Looking ahead, he expressed his determination to return to the national team under Zinedine Zidane. “There’s a new manager here who’s doing a very good job, and any ambitious player aspires to play for the French national team. It’s like everything in life: if you perform well, it will happen.” He declined to choose between the French Ballon d’Or candidates, offering only: “Obviously, it has to be a Frenchman.” Villarreal lose Buchanan but plan to press Madrid Villarreal will be without Tajon Buchanan for Saturday’s match after the winger returned from international duty with a muscle injury. Coach Iñigo Pérez confirmed the absence while reporting better news on Juan Foyth and Santi Comesaña. “Buchanan will not be available. He has a minor muscle injury. We don’t know how long he will be out. He is committed and will work to return as soon as possible. Comesaña and Foyth have trained well these past few weeks and are available,” Iñigo said. Nathan Saliba, Tani Oluwaseyi and Alex Freeman had not rejoined Thursday’s session following their international commitments, while Santi Mouriño was back with the group. The late arrivals leave Villarreal with limited time to prepare collectively, but Iñigo said he would not use the schedule as an excuse. “You’ll never hear me complain about these things. I don’t waste energy on something that’s predetermined. We focus on how, in a single day, we’re going to implement the things we want to see at the Bernabéu.” Iñigo wants aggression rather than a retreat The Villarreal coach described the Bernabéu as an opportunity to demonstrate his team’s level, while acknowledging the need to withstand periods of Madrid pressure. His preferred approach, however, is to make the visitors active participants rather than allow the game to be played entirely on Madrid’s terms. “I envision a match where we can press high, knowing they’ll look to attack the space behind us. With the ball, I imagine we’ll dominate, and they’ll wait for a mistake, a slip-up, to attack and hurt us. The players repeat patterns, their behavior is clear, because they’re usually successful, so we know what’s going to happen in each situation. The key is how we approach the match so they don’t hurt us. I hope we’re clinical in both penalty areas.” Iñigo also stressed that the approach requires conviction from the coaching staff as well as the players. “There is a key emotional component; the coach has to be convinced. He has to convince them that their energy will be spent going forward, not backward.” Despite a Champions League meeting with Napoli following the Madrid fixture, he said his immediate focus remained Saturday’s game rather than potential rotations. Cardona: “You have to play a brave game” Sergi Cardona expressed a similar view in an interview with AS, arguing that Villarreal must be willing to challenge Madrid rather than simply try to contain them. “We always see Real Madrid for what they are: one of the best teams you can face. We’re aware that it’s always difficult there, but I think the team is capable of winning on that pitch. I sincerely believe it’s a great opportunity for us after everything we’ve been through. The idea is to go there and be brave. If you want to beat Real Madrid, you have to play a brave game, going toe-to-toe with them.” The full-back said that allowing Madrid to choose when to accelerate would create its own problems. “The footballer always prefers to attack and go after his opponent, and I also think they wouldn’t prefer a team that goes after them and makes things difficult for them. They prefer a match where they control the game, where they can accelerate when they want. If you allow them to dictate the pace and attack when they want, controlling the game and the ball, the match will feel very long. If you push forward, you can win back possession and feel strong enough to hurt them; all of that adds energy.” Kroos reportedly expresses interest in coaching course Toni Kroos has informed the RFEF that he is interested in joining a coaching course for former professional players during the 2027–28 season, according to AS. The report describes a gradual exploration of coaching rather than an imminent appointment. Madrid had previously discussed bringing Kroos into the club’s structure, with José Ángel Sánchez speaking to him about a possible role. However, the account says the two sides did not identify the right timing or position, leaving the possibility open rather than completing an agreement. Kroos continues his work with the academy he established in Boadilla. The reported interest in further training should also be distinguished from qualification to coach at every professional level. UEFA A and UEFA Pro are separate licences, with the Pro pathway providing the preparation for professional head-coaching roles. An interest in enrolling does not establish that Kroos has completed the required qualifications or accepted a job at Madrid. Arsuaga recalls the Madrid generations at his father’s funeral Paleoanthropologist Juan Luis Arsuaga has described the moment that made him understand Real Madrid as a lasting community rather than simply a football team. Speaking to AS at the FLEM literary festival in Magaluf, he recalled the funeral of his father, former Madrid player Pedro María Arsuaga. “My father played for Real Madrid for many years, from 1946 to 1953. But he studied Economics, and when he retired from football, he worked as an economist. So, my father was a very well-educated man. He knew many languages because he loved them. And when he took early retirement, he studied Semitic Philology and was studying Hebrew and Arabic,” he said. Asked why his father’s death changed his understanding of the club, Arsuaga pointed to the people who came to pay their respects. “Because when my father died, all generations of footballers came to his funeral. Di Stéfano was there too, even though he already had a lot of trouble walking; he could barely walk anymore. He was younger than my father, not by much, but somewhat. But Pirri and Butragueño came too… All generations came, from those playing now to Di Stéfano.” “What is a club? Well, it’s a tribe. Sometimes you’re born into that tribe, and sometimes it’s by choice. My father could have chosen another one, but once he joined this one, he became part of it. And he was until the day he died.” Bernabéu Skywalk to open with Cirque du Soleil experience The Bernabéu’s Skywalk will open to the public on November 13 with an experience created alongside Cirque du Soleil and Fever. Inspired by Kurios — Cabinet of Curiosities, the attraction will operate until January 10, 2027. The approximately 45-minute route follows the stadium’s south and west walkways on level 10, combining panoramic views of Madrid with themed spaces including the Accordion Tunnel, the Clouds and the Electric Forest. It ends at the Sky Bar, temporarily transformed into “The Train Station,” where visitors will see a short live performance. The experience is separate from the full Kurios production. Opening hours are scheduled for 5–11 p.m. on weekdays and noon–11 p.m. on weekends, with last admission at 10 p.m. December 24 and 31 will have special hours. Tickets will be available through Fever, with a 24-hour presale for those on the waiting list. Prices start at €27 for general admission and €20 for children under 14, varying according to the selected date and time. Video: Huijsen responds to a question about Mbappé Dean Huijsen was filmed answering a question about Kylian Mbappé as he arrived at Valdebebas. His brief response directed the question back to the forward, with the exchange subsequently circulating on social media. ⚪️🇪🇸 Huijsen se para a atender aficionados a la salida de Valdebebas. – ¿Cómo está Mbappé? – Pregúntale a él. 📹 @kikeortizzz pic.twitter.com/CjrAsubiq3 — El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) October 8, 2026 Video: Rodrygo shows his touch during recovery Rodrygo has shared a training clip showcasing his technique as he continues working toward a return. Madrid’s official update on Thursday still listed the Brazilian among the players continuing their recovery programs, alongside Asencio and Mendy. The clip therefore should not be taken as confirmation of a return to unrestricted team training or match availability. 🚨 RODRYGO GOES está muy cerca de VOLVER. 😍🔜🤍 pic.twitter.com/cIMBsZbM5j — (fan) REAL MADRID FANS 🤍 (@AdriRM33) October 7, 2026
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago·Both·transfers
Gossip: Barcelona learn how much it will cost to land Man Utd wonderkid JJ Gabriel
LEIGH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: JJ Gabriel of Manchester United U21 in action during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United U21 and Leicester City U21 at Leigh Sports Village on August 31, 2026 in Leigh, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images) Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel turned 16 this week and the rumor mill is still busily speculating where he might end up after telling the Red Devils he wants out of Old Trafford. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are all keen on the youngster and leading the race, according to Sky Sport Germany. Bayern have recently held talks but it’s thought a move to Spain looks the most likely option. Gabriel has not yet made his senior debut for Manchester United but still won’t come cheap, per the report. It’s estimated that any interested clubs will have to fork out “well over ten to fifteen million euros” to land the teenager. That price is said to include “transfer fee, bonuses, and other payments” and is the latest number being thrown about when it comes to Gabriel. There’s been talk already that Gabriel’s camp are demanding a seven-figure salary, a figure that may well put off some interested parties. Meanwhile, Manchester United have reportedly offered the teenager a scholarship contract but Gabriel is still expected to depart after deciding his future lies elsewhere.
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago··transfers
Xavi Espart renews Barcelona contract until 2030
Xavi Espart of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Levante UD and FC Barcelona at Ciutat de Valencia stadium in Valencia, Spain, on September 13, 2026. (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Barcelona have confirmed that Xavi Espart has renewed his contract with the club until 2030. The youngster has broken into the first team this season, impressing at left-back for Hansi Flick’s side. The future is his, and it's blaugrana. Xavi Espart 2030 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/s62dFXNdBg — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 8, 2026 The versatile La Masia graduate can also play at right-back and in midfield and looks to have a very bright future ahead of him. Barcelona have made sure that his future is locked down by extending his contract for another four years. “Contract extension agreement reached between FC Barcelona and the player Xavi Espart, who is now set to stay with the Club through to 30 June 2030,“ read a club statement. “The Club and player will formally sign the contract at the Club offices in the presence of FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta in the coming days. Once signed, Xavi Espart will speak with the media.” Barcelona manager Flick has already made it clear just how highly he rates Espart, saying last season that he reminds him of Germany legend Philipp Lahm.
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago··transfers
Dani Olmo not interested in listening to any offers from Bayern Munich
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Real Racing Club de Santander at Spotify Camp Nou on September 16, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images Bayern Munich have reportedly emerged as admirers of Barcelona star Dani Olmo, with reports even suggesting the club could make a move in the January transfer window. However, it seems the Spain star has no interest in heading back to the Bundesliga to join the Bavarian giants. A new update from Mundo Deportivo says Bayern’s interest is “genuine” but that Olmo is focused only on Barcelona and winning as many trophies as he can with the Catalan side. The report adds that although Bayern have not made an offer so far, “preparations are already underway for a potential approach.” If an offer does arrive then Olmo doesn’t even want to hear about it, according to another report from Marca. Olmo is said to have absolutely no intention of leaving Camp Nou and the club are happy for him to stay. The World Cup winner has a contract with Barcelona until 2030 and has previously revealed that he would like to end his career back in Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb.
- Managing Madrid·1d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Daily Thread: 08 October 2026
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Ezek, Valyrian Steel, Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Felipejack. Arda is the best player of the month 🗣️ Arda Güler: “I feel a great sense of importance, and I am very happy and proud of this award. I want to thank everyone and hope that we can win the titles this year and that I can contribute to that. We are working to win all the matches that await us.” pic.twitter.com/fha9NwIz5d — Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 8, 2026 La Liga is blocking Dani’s signing 🚨💣 BREAKING: La Liga is currently BLOCKING Getafe from signing Dani Carvajal. La Liga have concerns over Carvajal agreeing to a salary of €400K at Getafe, having previously earned €10M at Real Madrid. Getafe’s lack of salary cap space is also an issue. @carrusel ❌ pic.twitter.com/Ldy6OW9F8v — Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) October 8, 2026 More comments by Davide The AS journalist asked other interesting questions related to Real Madrid. Q: How can a team can survive from Kroos departure. DA: It survives, but it loses something that it will never recover. Kroos was the best player in his position. So, you can’t say “I need another Kroos”, because there isn’t one. He was the owner of the match, he owned the rhythm of the match. The game flowed in the way he wanted. If he wanted the ball to go like this [horizontally], it went like this. If he wanted the ball to go like that [vertically], it went like that. He decided and so he was fundamental. And he ran, he was player who ran 11 km per game. And he defended, he knew to defend, he had tactical sense. I loved when he played as 6. It’s true he didn’t like the second balls and duels, so he preferred to play like an 8 and let the dirty game to the 6, which was Camavinga or Casemiro. But to Real Madrid losing Tony Kroos was difficult, because you lose many things. Apart from the things you lose in daily basis. He is very intelligent, he challenges you, he makes you think, because he always has an interesting point of view. He was a player who improved you as coach. Q: Is Vini a difficult player to coach? DA: It’s a player that every teammate loves. He is a generous person, he doesn’t miss a single training session. He is always there to the team and other players know. When he is doing well in the pitch, he is very decisive. But if you have to know you have a player like him, because he influences the collective play, as he is a very direct, vertical player. He has so much confidence on his skills, that he always takes his man on. Therefore, you need to have a structure behind him that allows you to play with him. If you doesn’t have this structure, the game gets out of control, because Vini always go for the decisive play. Vini won’t change. You can change the structure, so he is valued. And when he is in a good moment, he decides the matches and he did many times in Madrid. Now, I think he is going through a difficult time like all players have had. Q: What do you think when Vini was substituted by Xabi Alonso in El Clasico? DA: First, I felt sorry for Xabi, because I have a good relationship with him. It’s not right, I think Vini knows he made a mistake. These are things you shouldn’t be doing it, out respect for your coach, club, teammates and the fans. It’s on the past now, but how do you manage it? What you can’t manage is the reaction from other people. You can’t control that. The decision coach makes are to win the game at that moment. There is nothing personal. Xabi Alonso made a change he thought was appropriate to win the game. The players in Madrid are professional and they never disrespected us. They don’t want to leave the pitch? Like Vini did, others have done it too, like Kroos a thousand times saying “what are you doing? why are you taking me off?”, Modric has done on his natural language. But that doesn’t mean the players are in charge. In Madrid, the coach is in charge and these are things from the outside.
- Advertisement
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago··transfers
Raphinha still not training with Barcelona ahead of Getafe clash
SEVILLA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 19: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates 1-2 during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 19, 2026 in Sevilla Spain (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona welcomed back a host of internationals to training on Thursday morning as Hansi Flick’s side prepare to resume their league campaign. The club’s Spain stars were back at work as well as England forward Anthony Gordon and Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. However, there was still no sign of Raphinha with the group in the morning session. The Brazilian worked out separately in the gym as he recuperates from a minor knock picked up on international duty with Brazil. According to Sport, Barcelona are due to train again on Thursday afternoon, and Raphinha could join the session to test out how he’s feeling ahead of the weekend’s match. As things stand, it looks as though Raphinha won’t feature in the game against Getafe, with Barca unwilling to take any risks, particularly ahead of some big fixtures later this month. Barcelona are likely to provide an update on Raphinha before the game when Hansi Flick faces the media on Friday for his pre-match press conference.
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago··transfers
Why Man City dropped interest in Frenkie de Jong after losing Rodri to Barcelona
Frenkie de Jong central midfield of Barcelona and Netherlands prior the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on August 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Manchester City were linked with a move for Frenkie de Jong in the summer transfer window after losing Rodri to Barcelona. An offer failed to materialize as the Cityzens ended up splashing out on Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea instead. According to Catalunya Radio, City’s interest in De Jong was real and they even made contact with Barca to discuss the possibility of a transfer. Barcelona were “open” to negotiations for the Dutchman which then led to the Premier League side asking for reports on De Jong’s knee injury. The midfielder returned from World Cup 2026 with a knee injury that has seen him miss the start of the 2026-27 season with Barcelona. After receiving the reports, City subsequently told Barca they would not be making an offer for the Netherlands international and moved on to other targets. De Jong has still yet to feature for Barcelona this season but is on the comeback trail. He returned to full training this week and will hopefully be available for selection in the coming weeks.
- Barca Blaugranes·1d ago··transfers
FC Barcelona News: 8 October 2026; Joan Garcia returns to training, Dani Olmo not interested in Bayern move
Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images | Getty Images More international players return – FC Barcelona Kounde, Bernal, Espart and Cancelo are back whilst Joan Garcia trained with the squad and Frenkie de Jong completed part of the session. When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Getafe – FC Barcelona Global viewing guide to the first game following the international break. Emotional farewell for Leo Messi with Argentina – FC Barcelona The man who has scored more goals, made most appearances and won most honours with Barça make his final bow with the national team. Pedro Rodríguez announces retirement – FC Barcelona Former Barça striker calls time on a top-level career after leaving an indelible mark on the club. Hernández Hernández will be the referee for the Clásico – Mundo Deportivo The referee from the Canary Islands will be in charge of officiating the Barça-Madrid match on October 25th at the Spotify Camp Nou. Recent memories include the penalty for Tchouaméni’s handball that he failed to award in May 2025. Olmo is aware of Bayern’s interest, but there is no offer for him – Mundo Deportivo The German team, who already wanted the player before he signed for Barça, has once again set its sights on the Spanish international. Despite this, the Catalan footballer, whose contract runs until 2030, remains focused on Barça and winning every possible title as a Blaugrana. Galatasaray hopes to have Osimhen back against Barça – Mundo Deportivo The Nigerian striker has been out for a month but is already partially training with the group, although the Turkish club will not risk him ahead of next Tuesday’s match. Barcelona on the list of Josh King admirers – Mundo Deportivo Reports in England claim that Barcelona are monitoring the 19-year-old Fulham midfielder.
- Barca Blaugranes·2d ago··transfers
Barcelona star Dani Olmo has been secretly donating part of his salary to support families in Croatia for years
OVIEDO, SPAIN - OCTOBER 03: Dani Olmo of Spain reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Spain and Czechia at Carlos Tartiere on October 03, 2026 in Oviedo, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) | Getty Images Dani Olmo’s agent has recently revealed that the FIFA World Cup winner has been donating 2% of his salary for years to help families in Croatia. It’s a story Olmo recently confirmed before Spain’s 2-1 win over Croatia in Split. Olmo has a connection with Croatia, having moved there as a teenager. Born in Catalonia and having spent time in the Espanyol and Barcelona academies, Olmo eventually joined Dinamo Zagreb’s youth setup. He spent five years in Zagreb and made his professional debut there. He later joined RB Leipzig in 2020 and FC Barcelona, his current club, in 2024. His agent, Andy Bara, was the first to leak the information that Olmo has been quietly setting aside some money for Croatian families. “Since leaving Dinamo Zagreb, Olmo donates 2% of his total annual salary to the Vukovar charitable foundation,” Bara said on a podcast. Olmo was asked about it at the presser. Speaking in Croatian, the midfielder said he “didn’t know Andy would reveal all of that.” “When I left, I felt grateful to Croatia and I wanted to repay the favor,” he said. “We decided to make these donations to the families of Vukovar. I felt that I owed them, and I thought this was the best idea,” the Spanish player said. Olmo developed a connection with Vukovar, a Croatian city located on the Danube river, after speaking with families who survived a harrowing battle during the Croatian War of Independence. The city was nearly reduced to rubble following an 87-day siege in 1991 by the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), which was supported by Serbian paramilitary forces. “These are significant amounts because he earns a large salary, and this has been ongoing since his time at RB Leipzig, and now with FC Barcelona. He does not speak about it publicly, but I want to reveal it because it deserves praise,” his agent said on the podcast. The donations were made as part of the Common Goal initiative, co-founded by former Spain international Juan Mata, which asks footballers to donate part of their salary to charity. “Through Common Goal and through football, we were able to help a little,” Olmo said. During the pre-match lineup announcements, Olmo’s name was given an ovation by Croatian fans.
- Managing Madrid·2d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Daily Thread: 06 October 2026
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Ezek, Valyrian Steel, Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Felipejack. Camavinga under Zidane 🚨 Zidane fully SUPPORTS Camavinga. Zidane sees Camavinga as a RARE type of midfielder for France. His physicality and ball circulation make him a major asset. Against Belgium in Brussels, Cama had a 94% pass success, 41/42 passes in opp half, 5 recoveries and 6 duels.… pic.twitter.com/qlHeemqTNF — Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 7, 2026 The club's way of handling situations with players when they are in a bad form is horrible. Camavinga was not inc in Mou's plans, struggling with injuries etc..but the min he got out of RM's environment & found someone to give him confidence (ZZ) he thrived. Be that as it may. — Mohamed✆ (@BlancoInsight) October 6, 2026 Davide comments Yesterday, I posted the interesting interview AS made with Davided Ancelotti. Here are some of parts: The results during the season are important to build confidence. In a season with Madrid, there are steps: the derby, El Clasico, in between there are two or three Champions League games and then the Super Cup. If you reaches the Super Cup and you’re clearly superior, you think “this year I will win something”. So, I think there are thermometers in the Real Madrid season. The derby test is very important so you can change something for what comes next. And we always went into the derby with problems. This happened in 23/24 season. When that season started, we wanted to play with a diamond in the midfield, because Bellingham arrived that season, but we changed it afterwards. They have a coach who preps the matches very well, especially big matches. They played a lot from the wings in that game and exposed the difficulties we had. Therefore, after the derby, we decided it was better to defend in a 4-4-2. So defenisvely we put Jude in the left side. He had the mental and physical capacity to this position — with the ball, to play as 10, getting into the box, but to play as winger defensively, in which you have to end on your goal line, so it’s not easy. Uber Eats is the new sponsor 🚨 BREAKING: Uber Eats is new sponsor of Real Madrid. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/cPiIWidNgH — Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) October 7, 2026 From the official statement: “Real Madrid and Uber Eats announce an agreement under which the platform becomes the official delivery partner of our club in Spain for the next three seasons, until June 2029. The alliance will enable both brands to develop campaigns, content, and experiences aimed at fans. Additionally, it includes Uber Eats’ presence at Bernabéu matches and joint actions on digital channels”. Carvajal and Getafe Carvajal and Getafe had agreed on terms and they were about to have a deal, but La Liga hasn’t approved it yet. The last rumour suggests the has broken down.
- Barca Blaugranes·2d ago··transfers
When will Lionel Messi get his Barcelona farewell?
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - OCTOBER 06: Lionel Messi of Argentina acknowledges the fans prior to the International Friendly match between Argentina and Benin at Estadio Monumental Antonio V. Liberti on October 06, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lionel Messi is making his final appearance for Argentina following his announcement of international retirement on 31 August. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images) | Getty Images On Tuesday night, the footballing world paused to watch history unfold. At a packed stadium in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi stepped out in the iconic national shirt for his official home farewell match against Benin. Surrounded by tens of thousands of adoring fans and his FIFA World Cup-winning teammates, the GOAT receives the proper send-off he earned. It was a striking moment, but for FC Barcelona supporters, it brings a sharp reminder of unfinished business. While Argentina showered their captain with gratitude and love, Barcelona fans are left waiting. The grand goodbye, a packed stadium chanting his name one last time under the floodlights, has yet to happen. The reality is that Messi’s departure from Camp Nou remains a painful moment in modern club history. Despite promises from the board, the long-awaited Barcelona tribute continues to hang in limbo. To understand why a proper farewell is so necessary, you have to look back at August 2021. Messi did not leave because he wanted a new challenge at Paris Saint-Germain. He left because the club collapsed financially under the weight of previous mismanagement. He arrived in Catalonia to sign his contract, but instead, he was told at the final moment that league financial rules made the deal impossible, and he should look for a new team. Instead of a full stadium bidding farewell to a man who delivered dozens of trophies and hundreds of goals, the world watched a hastily arranged, tearful press conference as a goodbye for all the memories. The visual of Messi wiping away tears before leaving for Paris became the sad final image of his time at the club. It was abrupt. It was not befitting of his glittering legacy. Since that summer, Joan Laporta has insisted that the club will make amends for that. The message from the president: once the redevelopment of the Camp Nou is complete, Barcelona will host the grandest homage in football history. Complicating matters: The trust between Messi’s camp and the Laporta administration broke down during that contract collapse. The unsuccessful attempt to bring Messi back in 2023, after he left PSG, further complicated things. Barça promised him that they would officially sign him once they got the all-clear from the league again. This time, Messi did not wait around to see if the club would deliver. He left and joined Inter Miami in MLS, the team he is with to this day. They will have to make peace in order to make the match happen. But Messi has never hidden his affection for his club, the club he joined as a youngster and left as a legend. If an official tribute ever happens, the timing depends on the stadium being ready and Messi’s schedule. Camp Nou is partially reopen following extensive renovations. The stadium is open for matches right now, but there is some work to be done that would put it out of commission next year. One potential target for a tribute match could be in early 2028, when the Camp Nou fully reopens after the roof is fully installed. Any potential match would also need to fit around his commitments with Inter Miami and his eventual retirement from professional football, which has not been announced but is sadly creeping ever closer.
- Barca Blaugranes·2d ago··transfers
‘My heart will always be a Barcelona fan’ – Pedro Rodriguez announces his retirement
TBILISI, GEORGIA - AUGUST 11: Pedro of Barcelona kisses the UEFA Cup trophy as Barcelona celebrate victoy during the UEFA Super Cup between Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Dinamo Arena on August 11, 2015 in Tbilisi, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images) | Getty Images Former Barcelona and Spain star Pedro Rodriguez has announced his retirement from football at the grand old age of 39. Pedro has posted a video on social media to confirm he’s hanging up his boots after a career spent playing for Barcelona, Chelsea, Roma and Lazio. “Being part of the best Barça in history was a privilege; we won everything and amazed the world. My heart will always be a Barça fan,” he said. Pedro signed off in style with a classy message to all of those who have helped him throughout his career, adding: “I feel it’s the right time. Thanks to my teammates, the best thing hasn’t been the titles, it’s been you. “Thanks to the clubs that opened their doors to me and the coaches who trusted in me. Thanks to the fans for so much love and thanks to my children, my family, and my friends. Thank you, football, for making me so happy.” Barcelona responded to his post with the message: “You’ll always be part of our history. Thank you for everything you’ve given to football and for every moment you’ve shared with us. We wish you all the best in this new chapter.” Pedro has his own place in Barcelona history after a phenomenal career that saw him win five La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey crowns and the Champions League three times with the Catalan giants. He was also part of the Spain squad that clinched the World Cup in 2026. The winger played a total of 321 matches for Barca, scoring a total of 99 goals and claiming 20 titles during his time at Camp Nou. Thank you and good luck for the future, Pedro!
- Barca Blaugranes·2d ago··transfers
Gossip: Barcelona leaning towards selling Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie De Jong of FC Barcelona during the La Liga EA Sports 2026/2027 match between FC Barcelona and Real Racing Club de Santander at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium on September 16, 2026. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Frenkie de Jong is nearing a return to action. After suffering an injury that has kept him from playing for Barcelona this season, the midfielder is back in training. However, his time at Barça could be limited. A new report says Barcelona are leaning towards selling him, looking to cash in and generate funds and space within Financial Fair Play rules to make signings, potentially as soon as the winter transfer window. The report does not claim that Barcelona have decided they are selling him. And it’s not the first time De Jong has been linked with an exit over the years, only for the player to remain. But there are reasons to believe a transfer could take place. With Pedri, Marc Bernal, Gavi, and the recent arrival of Rodri Hernández, Barcelona have a lot of players looking for minutes in the central midfield spots. There are whispers that the top brass at Can Barça were not impressed with De Jong continuing to play for the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup after, he has openly admitted, he was already injured. The Catalans have needs in a couple different positions, mostly at centerback and striker. If they want to make a signing, they will have to sell. And if they want a big signing, then they need a big sale. A €65 million price tag for De Jong has been rumored in the press. De Jong has a contract until 2029, signed last year. He will not go unless, first, the club decides to move him on, a suitor matches the asking price, and finally, the player himself agrees to exit.
- Barca Blaugranes·2d ago··transfers
‘He can go wherever he wants’ – Como chief responds to talk of Barcelona clause in Cesc Fabregas contract
FROSINONE, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 20: Cesc Fàbregas Coach of Como 1907 during the Serie A match between Frosinone Calcio and Como 1907 at Stadio Benito Stirpe on September 20, 2026 in Frosinone, Italy. (Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images) | Getty Images Como president Mirwan Suwarso has responded to talk that Cesc Fabregas has a special clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the club if Barcelona come calling. Fabregas has been tipped to be a future manager of Barcelona, and Suwarso says that if the former midfielder decides it’s time to move on, he won’t stand in his way. “He’s doesn’t need a clause to get wherever he wants,” Suwarso said on Sports Uncensored. “In a business like this, Cesc Fabregas is a friend more than anything else. He can go wherever he wants, whenever he wants. So if tomorrow he gets a call, or he calls me, and says ‘Hey I want to go to Leverkusen tomorrow’ – for example – I would say ‘is there something that you want to do?’ Then yeah go. I don’t need any compensation.” 🤔 “How are you going to keep Cesc?” 🤝 “He’s a friend, and he can go wherever he wants!” Como 1907 President Mirwan Suwarso reveals that manager Cesc Fàbregas is free to leave for a bigger club whenever he wants. .📺 https://t.co/7GTCaM5cPL@piersmorgan | @Como_1907 pic.twitter.com/50VzTZPx7I — Sports Uncensored (@SportsUncensrd) October 5, 2026 Suwarso then went on to add how much Fabregas has given his club already since his arrival in 2022. Fabregas initially joined as a player but then took over as first-team coach. “He’s helped us to build our club. He created the football foundation right? I always like to say he’s our Johan Cruyff, like as Cruyff to Barca, he created the fundamentals for us,” he said. Fabregas has already secured Champions League football for Como for the first time in the club’s history and will come face-to-face with Barcelona in the League Phase in January.
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago··transfers
Barcelona reach major Camp Nou milestone as roof frame takes shape
An aerial photo taken on June 18, 2026 shows the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona displays its distinctive grid layout, with the Sagrada Familia Basilica rising prominently among the city blocks. Designed by urban planner Ildefons Cerda in the 19th century, the grid structure continues to shape the development and identity of the Mediterranean city. (Photo by Meng Dingbo/Xinhua via Getty Images) FC Barcelona reached another major milestone in the reconstruction of Camp Nou on Monday, when construction crews installed the final section of the stadium’s 360-degree steel compression ring. The ring sits above the third tier and will serve as the structure from which the stadium’s new roof is raised. The completed stadium is expected to seat 105,000 people when work finishes in 2028. The compression ring consists of 123 hollow steel box sections, each weighing 20 metric tons. Large cranes have lifted the sections onto 46 pillars weighing 28 tons each, which were completed over the summer. The outer ring will carry the tension from steel cables running inward to an inner tension ring, allowing the roof to be supported without interior columns blocking spectators’ views. 🏟️ Une nouvelle étape cruciale vient d’être franchie dans les travaux du Spotify Camp Nou. La dernière pièce de l’anneau de compression, qui servira de support pour soulever le toit du stade, a été installée. L'anneau est composé de 123 pièces d'acier reposant sur 46 colonnes,… pic.twitter.com/DNIMEFJQCJ — Blaugranation (@Blaugranation_) October 5, 2026 The design is similar to a bicycle wheel, with the cables running between the outer and inner rings. The finished roof will cover 48,000 square meters, making it one of the world’s largest tensile roof structures. It will also include 18,000 square meters of solar panels. The next step is connecting and tensioning the cables. After that comes the “big lift,” when the roof structure will be raised into position. That operation is scheduled to begin after the current season and will force Hansi Flick’s team back to the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, Barcelona’s temporary second home, for several months. Reports say official sources have said the roof installation should take four to five months, although some experts believe it could take at least six. The project is also putting pressure on the club’s finances. Barcelona recently approved €510 million in new financing to help complete the Camp Nou project. The package includes €300 million for the stadium works and €210 million in media-note financing. Vice President of Economy Ferran Olivé said at the club’s most recent Assembly of Delegates that Barcelona’s budget for next season will be based on a return to the Camp Nou in January 2028. The plan is for the stadium to reopen with roughly 95,000 spectators, close to its eventual capacity. The stadium currently holds about 62,000 fans and is expected to reach roughly 70,000 during the current season as new VIP boxes open between the second and third tiers. The third tier will remain closed until the team returns to Camp Nou after the roof has been installed. Matchday revenue will go up as more fans are allowed to attend the Camp Nou, either due to expansions in the stadium’s capacity, or because the team will not be forced to play at the Olympic Stadium.
- Managing Madrid·3d ago·Both·transfers
Four Real Madrid Questions That Need To Be Answered
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 05: Jose Mourinho greets Real Madrid President Florentino Perez during the 69th FIFA Congress at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles on June 5, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Mike Hewitt - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) | FIFA via Getty Images These observations — where I look at Real Madrid’s history, its players on loan, Castilla, tactical tidbits, and other relevant thoughts — are now a regular thing. All previous editions can be found here. This is an abridged, article version of a much longer, in-depth podcast that Matt Wiltse and I recorded during the international break: The point of this exercise is simple: Most of us watching this team play have almost no answers, but many questions. This was the case last season as well when Xabi Alonso was appointed. Most of the questions, from then until now, remain. But to try to keep the conversation fresh rather than rehashed, I have come up with new questions this season, particularly after watching how the first eight games unfolded. These questions are directed towards several different people: Question #1, to Florentino Perez: Will you give the coach full control? This question comes first, because all of the subsequent questions become irrelevant if the answer to the above question is ‘no’. We cannot skip this step. Last season, the answer to this question was a bonafide ’no’. Florentino had the chance to intervene, when, after Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2 – 1 in October and were clear by five points, to come down and side with Alonso after Vinicius Jr’s public humiliation of him when being subbed out in the second half in what was otherwise a very positive night that didn’t need to be sabotaged. He didn’t, and whether or not you agree with Florentino’s decision to back Vinicius or not is somewhat irrelevant, because in retrospect, it was a clear mistake. To a less dramatic effect, Alvaro Arbeloa was also latter handcuffed in how much he was allowed to play Thiago Pitarch. What’s done is done. How much more pain and suffering does Florentino need to see in order to realize he was wrong? This question continues to linger. Florentino needs to go into Mourinho’s office, give him the keys, and proclaim: ‘do what you need to do, bench who you need to bench, promote who you need to promote. I want titles. Consider this the end of politics and star power.’ Question #2, to Jose Mourinho: Can you please be your unapologetic self? Look, I completely understand: Mourinho is calmer now; older, wiser, etc. He doesn’t need to poke anyone’s eyes out or fight anyone. I’m not asking him to. But I am asking him, for the sake of the success of Real Madrid C.F, as an institution, to make big changes and defy the aforementioned status quo — something his predecessors couldn’t do in the past two years. That may require defying Florentino’s player hierarchy. Yes, it sounds ridiculous to go against what your employer tells you to do, but I’m willing to bet if Mourinho continues doing the same things, he will be sacked — so he might as well get sacked doing things his own way. This is, again, to reiterate, ridiculous and harsh — especially coming from a writer on a keyboard, and even more ridiculous when you consider who it’s directed to: one of the greatest managers of all time. But it’s clear that the solutions are not going to come by repeating the same things. I have two additional sub-questions for Mourinho, in no particular order: Will you tolerate stars underperforming, or will you hold them accountable the way you did when you benched Karim Benzema once upon a time (who by the way, was one of Florentino’s absolute favourites)? How married are you to the 4-2-3-1 given that: A) the current box-to-box midfielders who are starting every week aren’t compatible together in a double pivot; and B) trying new formations may unlock new versions of this team and help the puzzle pieces fit a little better? Those are two main ones, and remaining questions, like getting more minutes for Bernardo Silva and Trent Alexander-Arnold to help with ball progression (and whoever else needs to play more) fall into the first question. Question #3, to Yan Diomande: How ready are you? This is an extremely harsh question. In no way, shape, or form should Real Madrid’s success hinge on the shoulders of a 19-year-old. But this question is not meant to put pressure on his shoulders, nor am I implying Diomande is the one that will make or break this team. The question stems from something else, and is the result of the first tactical domino that will likely have to fall: Vinicius Jr should be removed as an undisputed starter. If and when that happens — and it may be as soon as this month — then Diomande will likely start on the left. While I do believe that Vinicius should be removed from the starting lineup, I’m also not naive enough to believe all of Real Madrid’s problems get solved with that one action. There are still remaining questions, such as: can Mbappe exist with any pure winger on that side, or is it better to pair him with a non-traditional winger or midfielder to provide balance? Nevertheless, Diamonde will need to be ready to produce, to be efficient on the ball, to move the ball quickly, and to defend. Luckily, he’s already very good at all those things. Question #4, to the universe: How healthy will Real Madrid’s center-backs be? Self-explanatory. A healthy Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, and Ibrahima Konaté would change the ceiling of this team, and Antonio Rüdiger can fill in with fresh legs whenever necessary. The moment we start resorting to a center-back partnership of Asencio – Tchouameni, I’m sweating. There are nine bonus questions in the episode above. Enjoy!
- Football España·3d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Arda Güler’s Real Madrid renewal has one key detail unresolved
Arda Güler contract reports point to a Real Madrid renewal, but the midfielder’s new expiry date remains unclear without official terms. The post Arda Güler’s Real Madrid renewal has one key detail unresolved appeared first on Football España.
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago··transfers
USMNT’s Diego Kochen says it would be a dream to return to Barcelona
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 03: Diego Kochen #24 of United States looks on during the international friendly match between United States and Mexico at State Farm Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Omar Vega/USSF/Getty Images) | Getty Images Diego Kochen is growing. He’s become a starter with Lyngby Boldklub in the Danish Superliga after leaving Barcelona Atlètic on loan. And he’s recently gotten his first caps at international level, including his first start, where the goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 win over Mexico. Born in Miami but having split time growing up in Barcelona, Kochen rose through the ranks at the club’s La Masia academy. He’s yet to play for the senior team, but he says that’s one of his goals. “I’m on loan right now with Lyngby, so one of my goals is to compete as much as possible and give everything I have for that club. At the same time, I come from Barcelona, so to be able to go back? It’d be any kid’s dream to go back to such a big club and have the opportunity there. That’s another one of my goals,” he said in a new interview. “But I’m more of like an experience-by-experience guy. Right now, I’m here at camp with the national team, so, for right now, my goal is just to give it my all and give it my all for the nation.” Kochen has represented the USA from the very youngest ages, progressing from the U16 side up to the full men’s team recently. With his first start, he became the youngest goalkeeper to start a match for the US against Mexico. “I’m just creating memories,” he said. “These are some things I’ll never forget for the rest of my life. They’re opportunities and experiences that I’m so thankful and grateful to have been a part of. Now I’m back here, which is what every kid dreams of.” One of those memories he recalled was the bus-top parade with the first team when Barcelona won La Liga. Time will tell whether Kochen will return to Barcelona or continue progressing elsewhere. “It’s so competitive even from an early age,” he said. “You have to fight for one position that early and to learn the values of competition early. That was the biggest shocker, I’d say, out of everything. “Then when you start climbing up the ranks and start going, seeing the individual quality of the players like Lamine, for example, or Raphinha or all these players, yeah, that’s what shocks you again. That never gets old. Just to be surrounded by personalities like that, it’s absolutely incredible. There’s no better learning environment. I try to take things from everybody. You can learn from absolutely everybody.”
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago··transfers
Anthony Gordon: Pedri sees every run I make at Barcelona
08 Pedri of FC Barcelona 17 Anthony Gordon of FC Barcelona during the La Liga EA Sports 2026/2027 match between FC Barcelona vs Athletic Club de Bilbao at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium on 27th of August of 2026. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Anthony Gordon is enjoying his first few months as an FC Barcelona player. Performing well for both his new club and for England, Gordon has also adapted well to the club’s culture, speaking a little Spanish at his unveiling and admitting recently he’s trying to learn Catalan as well. “Eric Garcia has helped me a lot because he speaks perfect English. I understand a little Spanish, but when they speak very fast or among themselves, I find it harder to follow them. Dani Olmo has also helped me a lot,” he said in a new interview. On the pitch, however, there’s one player that’s helping him a lot: Pedri. “I’ve made many runs throughout my career that no one saw, but now I have Pedri, who sees absolutely everything,” Gordon said. Pedri is Barcelona’s midfield maestro, known for his vision and ability to execute eye-of-the-needle passes. Gordon came to Barça in the summer transfer window from Newcastle United. “Adapting has been relatively easy because at Newcastle we already played a similar style—pressing hard and attacking with the team pushed high up the pitch,” he said. “With the ball as well, because now I play surrounded by some of the best footballers in the world.” Gordon is aiming high with Hansi Flick at the helm. He looks to history to set his marker. “The best Barça side I’ve ever seen is Pep Guardiola’s—the one that won the UEFA Champions League with players like Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. I want this team to be remembered forever.”
- Managing Madrid·3d ago·Both·transfers
Madrid Daily: Konaté’s return, Espí’s wait and Carvajal’s Getafe talks
MADRID, SPAIN - OCTOBER 06: Ibrahima Konaté player of Real Madrid is training during a training session at on October 06, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Helios de la Rubia/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty Images Real Madrid’s preparations for Saturday’s meeting with Villarreal gathered pace on Tuesday, with Ibrahima Konaté completing training with the group and several internationals returning to Valdebebas. Carlos Espí, meanwhile, will have to wait for his senior Spain debut after another matchday omission. Elsewhere, Sergio Canales has revisited the challenges of his time at Madrid, while Dani Carvajal is reportedly exploring a move that would keep him in the Spanish capital. Konaté completes group training as internationals return Ibrahima Konaté completed Tuesday’s session with the group, giving José Mourinho another defensive option ahead of Villarreal’s visit to the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, October 10, at 9 p.m. Madrid time. The Frenchman trained with a substantial bandage on his right knee as he continued his return from a collateral ligament injury. With Dean Huijsen suspended following his dismissal in the derby, Konaté’s progress puts him in contention to partner Antonio Rüdiger against Villarreal, although the starting lineup remains to be determined. Éder Militão also continued working with the group. Vinícius Júnior, Endrick, Brahim Díaz, Denzel Dumfries and Yan Diomande returned to the training complex after their international commitments. Their workloads differed, with some taking part in more intensive exercises and others concentrating on recovery. Kylian Mbappé and Fede Valverde worked in the gym. Mbappé’s presence followed his individual session on Monday afternoon, when he exercised indoors and on the pitch after returning to Madrid. He remains in rehabilitation following the hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee sustained while playing for France. AS reports that Mbappé’s time away from Madrid was agreed with Mourinho and the club, with a recovery program in place throughout. His return to Valdebebas does not yet amount to a return to full group training. Raúl Asencio has also begun his postoperative recovery work at the training complex. Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo continued their respective rehabilitation programs, including exercises with the ball. The remaining players involved with Spain and England are expected back following Tuesday’s international fixtures, allowing Mourinho to bring together more of his squad before the return to league action. Militao and Konaté both completed today's training session in full without any issues. Both ready 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2qB9MkJtUa — Managing Madrid (@managingmadrid) October 6, 2026 Espí left out of Spain’s squad for Croatia Carlos Espí will have to wait to make his senior international debut after being omitted from Spain’s 23-player matchday squad to face Croatia in Split. The Madrid striker was called up as an emergency replacement following Ferran Torres’ injury, having scored five goals in Spain’s 13-goal victory over San Marino at Under-21 level. However, Luis de la Fuente left him out of the squad against the Czech Republic in Oviedo and has made the same decision for the final match of the international window. Roberto Fernández retains his place among Spain’s attacking options. The Espanyol striker has been with the senior squad throughout the break and made his debut against the Czech Republic after missing out on the first two matchday squads. Espí will therefore not feature in either of Tuesday’s Spain fixtures: he is with the senior group rather than the Under-21 side facing Romania in Ibiza, but will not be involved against Croatia. Madrid teammates Huijsen and Marc Cucurella are both included in De la Fuente’s matchday squad. Canales: “I learned a lot, I don’t regret anything” Sergio Canales has reflected on the demands of joining Real Madrid as a teenager, describing an experience that changed his understanding of professional football even though it did not unfold as he had initially planned. Speaking to Manu Carreño on Cadena SER’s El Larguero, the Racing Santander midfielder explained that his original intention had been to sign for Madrid and continue developing elsewhere on loan. “I made the decision because of certain circumstances in Santander. My idea was to sign for Real Madrid and then go out on loan for a few years to gain more experience. But I learned a lot, I don’t regret anything, and at the end of that year, it completely changed my perspective on what it means to be a First Division player. It gave me a lot of strength to keep going despite the injuries I’ve had,” Canales said. Asked whether the move had come too early, he placed it within the wider experiences of a career repeatedly interrupted by injuries. “Did Madrid come to me too soon? Well, soon… In the end, everything happens for a reason. The career I’ve had, with so many injuries, has taught me to fight and overcome situations.” Canales also distinguished between the footballing education Madrid provided and the personal challenges of adapting to that environment at a young age. “It forces you to mature a lot as a footballer, but personally it’s a huge challenge. A lot is demanded of an 18 or 19-year-old player very quickly, which is normal, but you’ve just left school and haven’t had any training to learn how to deal with the situations that come your way.” Returning to Racing and considering his future Canales also revisited Barcelona’s attempts to recruit him as a child. He recalled visiting La Masia and meeting his idol, Juan Román Riquelme, but said his family ultimately chose to remain in Santander rather than uproot their lives when there was no guarantee that he would become a professional. His return to Racing after playing in Mexico, meanwhile, was motivated by a desire to contribute to the club that developed him. “Not to compare, but this is my home and I owe everything to Racing. I’m very fortunate for the career I’ve had, and it’s all thanks to Racing. Not only for giving me my debut, but for shaping me as a player and a person from a young age. So I felt I had to come back to give back some of that. Now I feel good and I’m trying to help the team.” At 35, Canales believes Racing could be his final club at the highest level, although he stopped short of announcing a retirement plan. “I would say that, as of today, and although life changes a lot, at the elite level this is probably the end. The adventure in Mexico has been amazing, so I’m not ruling anything out. I’m taking it one day at a time; what I want is to be fit and contribute here. And the moment I see that I can’t do that, I’ll never be a problem for Racing.” Report: Bordalás contacts Carvajal over Getafe move Dani Carvajal could continue his career at Getafe, with ABC reporting that talks are progressing positively over a potential move for the former Madrid defender. According to the report, José Bordalás has personally contacted Carvajal to explain the role he envisages for him and express his interest in bringing him to the Coliseum. Remaining close to his home and the opportunity to work with Bordalás are presented as factors that appeal to the full-back. The principal obstacle is Getafe’s ability to accommodate and register him within the club’s salary limit. The report says Getafe are examining their options and discussing the available room with LaLiga. The interest has therefore not yet translated into a completed signing. While the account describes optimism around the negotiations, an agreement remains dependent on resolving the financial and registration requirements. Villarreal sell out their 850-ticket Bernabéu allocation Villarreal will have 850 supporters at the Bernabéu after selling out their allocation for Saturday’s match. The visitors head into the fixture following victories in their last two league matches, with the timing of the game and the long weekend helping supporters make the trip to Madrid. The journey is also a regular one on the Villarreal Supporters’ Clubs Association’s away calendar. Villarreal are seeking their third league victory at the Bernabéu, having won two of their previous 26 visits. Madrid, meanwhile, return to competition for the first time since the derby defeat, with Mourinho’s team looking to begin their October schedule with three points.
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago·Both·transfers
Rumors: Barcelona and Real Madrid willing to make huge offer to land Man Utd wonderkid JJ Gabriel
DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 12: Joseph Junior Andreou Gabriel of Manchester United is pictured before the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Croke Park on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) | Getty Images Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel celebrates his 16th birthday today which is getting the rumor mill all excited once again, particularly about a move to Barcelona. The teenager has reportedly been training in Barcelona after telling Manchester United he wants to leave. Deco has played down talk of a move for the 16-year-old, insisting his club “aren’t involved,” but reporter Florian Plettenberg claims the Catalans could for for Gabriel. His latest update on X claims Barcelona and Real Madrid have “very concrete” interest in the teenager and are “ready to offer the XXL package of salary, bonuses and signing-on fee.” 🚨🆕 JJ Gabriel, Manchester United’s 15 y/o gem who turns 16 tomorrow, is set to receive a Cypriot passport in the near future, if all goes to plan. A free transfer in January is planned and therefore possible. #MUFC Real Madrid and Barcelona are currently very concrete – both… pic.twitter.com/Oi7nPNmS3T — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 5, 2026 Bayern and PSG are also credited with interest in the teenager and a move away from the Premier League looks the most likely option at present. It’s thought Gabriel now has an EU passport which means he can go overseas before he turns 18. Gabriel has asked for his registration at Old Trafford to be cancelled, which Manchester United are expected to contest, but a transfer abroad would “bypass that issue,” per the Telegraph.
- Football España·3d ago··transfers
Raphinha’s Barcelona future secured through June 2030
Raphinha’s Barcelona contract is signed through June 2030, with a formal announcement and ceremony possible on Friday if documents proceed as planned. The post Raphinha’s Barcelona future secured through June 2030 appeared first on Football España.
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago··transfers
‘A special match’ – Barcelona star Dani Olmo returns to Croatia, where it all began
OVIEDO, SPAIN - OCTOBER 03: Dani Olmo of Spain reacts during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Spain and Czechia at Carlos Tartiere on October 03, 2026 in Oviedo, Spain. (Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images) | Getty Images FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo will be returning to Croatia to play for world champions Spain, in a match with some personal significance. Despite being born in Catalonia and passing through Espanyol and Barcelona’s youth academies, he joined Dinamo Zagreb’s youth set-up when he was 16. “It’s going to be a very special match for me. I spent six years of my life here, and it’s a country that has given me almost everything as a footballer and as a person. It brings back wonderful feelings,” Olmo said in the pre-match press conference. It was with Dinamo that he got his first big breaks and turned professional. Croatia’s national teams even reportedly tried to convince him to join them and spur Spain. Olmo spoke Croatian and fit in well by all accounts, and though he was said to have appreciated the offer, he turned it down. He instead moved up through the ranks from Spain’s U16 team to U17, U18, U21, U23, and finally its senior team. He earned his first call-up while still playing in Croatia. “Everyone has their own story and reasons; what led me to decide to come to Dinamo was their interest in having me and the vision they had for me. It was one of the best moments of my career,” Olmo said. After six years in Zagreb, Olmo joined RB Leipzig. His star continued to rise in Germany and was a key figure in La Roja’s conquest of Euro 2024. He returned to Barcelona shortly after, as a conquering hero, having left as a fledgling teen. Now, Olmo is a FIFA World Cup winner and he’s back to play against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League in Split. “It’s a very intense fanbase that really gets behind its players. It won’t be an easy match, but we’re ready for it,” he said at the presser.
- Barca Blaugranes·3d ago··transfers
Gossip: Arsenal among five Premier League giants keeping tabs on Jules Kounde’s situation at Barcelona
Barcelona's French defender #23 Jules Kounde watches from the bench during the Spanish League football match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona on November 29, 2025. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Jules Kounde’s situation at Barcelona is reportedly attracting interest from plenty of Premier League clubs, with the defender currently out of favor at Camp Nou. Chelsea have been regularly linked with Kounde in recent years, while Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United are also monitoring developments, according to Diario Sport. Kounde spoke at the weekend about being benched by Hansi Flick and admitted he’d been below par but said he hopes to turn his situation around. The defender said something similar during the World Cup, adding that he intends to see out his contract that runs until 2030. However, that’s not stopping the rumor mill from getting excited about Kounde and the possibility of an exit if he continues to sit on the bench for Hansi Flick’s side. Kounde’s never done anything to suggest he wants out of Barcelona, and indeed rejected Chelsea for Barca back in 2022, but his future will no doubt continue to be talked about if his game time remains limited.
- Managing Madrid·3d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Did Zidane invigorate Camavinga?
Paris, France - October 5: Eduardo Camavinga of France looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A1 MD4 match between France and Belgium at Stade de France on October 5, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images These observations — where I look at Real Madrid’s history, its players on loan, Castilla, tactical tidbits, and other relevant thoughts — are now a regular thing. All previous editions can be found here. I don’t normally like international breaks, but when the club you support is playing poorly — and has been doing so for over two years — and you get a chance to decompress for three weeks while watching your team’s superstars dominate with their national teams, it’s, uh, not that terrible. Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler have been lights out all international break. It’s nice to see Carlos Espi beat up poor San Marino with five goals. There are other things, some good, some bad: Brahim Diaz continues to produce for Morocco, Yan Diomande looks good, Denzel Dumfries under Xavi so far has looked solid; and, Vinicius has been replaced by an alien (this is a half joke). The headlines, though, are definitely that Bellingham and Güler are both incredible and it would be a shame we didn’t capitalize with the right players and scheme around them: I saved one of the best for last: Zinedine Zidane is back, and France are fun again, and football is better with Zidane around. I had three takeaways watching the France vs Belgium game today: It wasn’t the same without Zidane these past few years. Remember when Michael Jordan played basketball and he was the coolest human alive? Then he retired and basketball wasn’t the same. And then he came back to play with the Washington Wizards and he was the coolest man alive again? And then he left, and basketball isn’t the same without him. And whenever he makes a cameo somewhere once every 10 years, you just wish he was always around, because he’s that cool. Zidane is the football version of that. He has aura (as the kids say) and his presence is magnetic. He is instantly the coolest person in any room he walks in. Evidently the Real Madrid player who needed this international break the most was Eduardo Camavinga. He looks like he’s benefitted greatly from have Zidane whispering confidence in his ear while sprinkling gold dust in his boots. Camavinga looked really good tonight as France’s anchor. Camavinga is among the list of Real Madrid midfielders that don’t look good in a double pivot — so why does Jose Mourinho insist on it? The third point has been on my mind this entire international break. Neither of these three players work in a double pivot together in any combination against elite teams: Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde. If you plug in Toni Kroos with one of them, fine. But we all know Kroos is gone, and that drum has been beaten to death. It might work if you stick Güler or Bellingham deeper as an 8, but Mourinho has shown us zero inclination that that’s a possibility. The only other potential piece that could make it tick is Bernardo Silva, who hasn’t featured much, yet. There is another solution, and I’m not sure how likely it is: Mourinho can change his scheme and try an entirely different formation. Watching Camavinga play is just a reminder (and this is a general analysis not just about this particular France game): None of these Real Madrid midfielders are suited for a double pivot as the squad is currently constructed. — Kiyan Sobhani (@KiyanSo) October 5, 2026 There is something inherently frustrating for Madridistas to see so many of their players look good with their national teams, and yet, when they all return to Real Madrid, the puzzle pieces just don’t fit properly. This is where Mourinho needs to be less rigid with how he deploys the team and needs to start getting more creative with his solutions after the international break ends. There is a caveat in Camavinga’s performance against Belgium tonight in that the Belgians sat deep for the majority of this game, which gave Camavinga a ton of room to operate. The way to make Camavinga uncomfortable is to put pressure on him and test his mental resilience in deep positions. I state this as a word of caution in case Madridistas get carried away with what they saw tonight. Having said that, Camavinga put in a very solid cameo. His distribution — short and long — was on point, he took up really good positions in between the lines, and had a nasty signature Cobra Slide Tackle just before half-time on Morreira in a dangerous position. He read passing lanes well, and racked up the most interceptions (four) of anyone on the field. Zidane-ball can be extremely fun, as everyone on this website already knows. Zidane likes to pump the ball out to line-breaking wingers as quickly as possible, and if the pass is not on, then — and only then — does the ball go central until they can swing it around to the other side and try again. It’s a lot of positive chaos, and France were so relentless, it was only a matter of time the dam broke. As soon as Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise came on, they turned this game on its head and overwhelmed Belgium. Whether or not Camavinga will return to Madrid at his best, only time will tell. But having him work under Zidane doesn’t seem to be doing him any harm, that much is certain.
- BBC Sport·4d ago··transfers
Juventus & Atletico Madrid eye Madueke - Tuesday's gossip
Arsenal forward Noni Madueke has suitors in Spain and Italy, five Premier League clubs are interested in Barcelona defender Jules Kounde, England captain Harry Kane is close to signing a new deal at Bayern Munich, plus more.
- Managing Madrid·4d ago·Both·transfers
Madrid Daily: Mbappé returns to Valdebebas as Villas-Boas backs Mourinho
KOCAELI, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 25: (EDITORS NOTE: Tonal effects have been applied to this image) Kylian Mbappe of France during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Türkiye and France at Kocaeli Stadium on September 25, 2026 in Kocaeli, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images Real Madrid’s return to competition is approaching, and Monday brought Kylian Mbappé back to Valdebebas to continue his recovery from a knee injury. The forward is targeting Saturday’s meeting with Villarreal, although his availability remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, André Villas-Boas has expressed confidence in José Mourinho, describing the challenge of facing an in-form Barcelona as precisely the kind of situation the Madrid coach enjoys. Mbappé resumes individual work with Villarreal in mind Kylian Mbappé completed an individual session at Real Madrid City on Monday afternoon after returning to the Spanish capital earlier in the day. The club confirmed that he worked both inside the facilities and on the pitch, performing exercises with and without the ball as he continued his rehabilitation. According to AS, the forward landed in Madrid at 11:16 a.m., after his teammates’ session had begun at 10:30 a.m. His own training had been arranged for the afternoon, and he arrived at Valdebebas at approximately 5 p.m. for a combination of gym work, physiotherapy and exercises on the grass. The timing of his arrival attracted attention, but his absence from Madrid had been authorized. Mundo Deportivo reports that Mbappé spent time in France and Switzerland with permission from both the club and Mourinho, while following the recovery guidelines established for his knee injury. His return therefore should not be presented as an unauthorized absence from training. Images of the forward’s activities during that period—including an evening out in Paris and a bicycle ride—generated criticism from some supporters. Those discussions have accompanied his rehabilitation, but the reporting also states that he continued working with physiotherapists and following the club’s prescribed program while away. Mbappé suffered the injury while scoring France’s winning goal against Turkey on September 25. He subsequently left the national-team camp and underwent examinations in Madrid the following day, when the club confirmed a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee. Madrid’s medical statement did not specify a recovery period. Reports initially placed his expected absence at 10 to 12 days, putting the Villarreal fixture within reach if his recovery progressed as anticipated. Monday’s session represents a step toward that objective, rather than confirmation that he has returned to full group training or is ready to start. The club’s latest update says Mbappé is working “with the aim of being available for this Saturday’s match against Villarreal.” The match takes place at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 10 at 9 p.m. Madrid time. Six players continue recovery programs ahead of a busy October Madrid’s morning session brought together Mourinho’s available first-team players and a group from the academy. They began with activation exercises and rondos before moving into possession drills and a small-sided match, finishing with running exercises on the grass. The club listed Raúl Asencio, Ibrahima Konaté, Mbappé, Ferland Mendy, Fede Valverde and Rodrygo as continuing their respective recovery programs. No return dates were included in the training report. Villarreal opens a five-match October schedule. Madrid then visit Roma in the Champions League on October 14, host Sevilla on October 18, and welcome RB Leipzig on October 21, before travelling to Barcelona for the Clásico on October 25. Villas-Boas: “These are the challenges Mourinho enjoys the most” André Villas-Boas has backed Mourinho to meet the demands of his return to Real Madrid. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, the Porto president praised the coach’s standing in the game while acknowledging the difficulty of competing against Barcelona in their current form. “José Mourinho is still among the best in the world, I always knew it. And now he’s managing the best club in the world,” Villas-Boas said. He drew a comparison with the challenge Mourinho encountered when he first arrived in Madrid from Inter, emphasizing that the strength of the opposition would be a source of motivation. “It’s a shame that Barcelona is in this situation. He’s finding them at a great moment, just like when he left Inter. But these are the challenges Mourinho enjoys the most.” AS also highlighted recent support from Wesley Sneijder, the former Madrid midfielder who played under Mourinho at Inter. Sneijder offered an unequivocal assessment of his former coach’s suitability for the task: “Mourinho is the only manager capable of turning Real Madrid around.”
- Barca Blaugranes·4d ago·Both·transfers
Julian Alvarez’s value drops after failed Barcelona transfer and tough start to season with Atletico
Atletico Madrid's Argentine forward #19 Julian Alvarez sits on the bench during the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at the Metropolitano stadium in Madrid on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Oscar DEL POZO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Julian Alvarez’s market value has dropped by 10 million euros following a tough start to the season with Atletico after a proposed move to Barcelona failed to materialize. Barca wanted to add the Argentina international to their ranks but saw a transfer blocked by Atletico. The Catalans reportedly made an offer of €100 million, but Atletico wanted far more for their striker. Alvarez missed training and game time at the start of the season due to illness, as the transfer saga continued, but has since returned to action and has made four appearances for Diego Simeone’s side. Yet the events over the summer have seen his market value take a hit. According to Transfermarkt, Alvarez’s value has dropped from €120m to €110m in the latest update. Vinicius Junior & Julián Alvarez, who both rejected a move to Arsenal this summer, have just seen their market values decreased in today's LaLiga update 📉 🔗 Read why: https://t.co/VZStccEJDD pic.twitter.com/o1DpxXCtXw — Transfermarkt English (@TMuk_news) October 5, 2026 Transfermarkt’s LaLiga market value coordinator Tobias Blaseio has shared his thoughts on the drop in value. “Many people expected the Argentine to make a move this summer,” he said. “Instead, an unprecedented transfer farce ensued. In the end, Alvarez lost the most and will need some time to regain his standing in Madrid – if that’s even possible. “On the field, it had an entirely negative impact; in the league, the striker has managed only 83 minutes of playing time. This summer certainly didn’t do his reputation as a player any favours.” There was speculation that Barca could go back for Alvarez in the winter or next summer. However, the club have since brought in Gabriel Jesus and Deco has claimed Alvarez “is in the past.”
- Barca Blaugranes·4d ago··transfers
Eric Garcia back in training as Barcelona return to work ahead of Getafe clash
SEVILLA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 19: Eric Garcia of FC Barcelona looks on during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium on September 19, 2026, in Sevilla, Spain. (Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images Barcelona were back to work on Monday after a few days off to begin preparations for Saturday’s La Liga match with Getafe. Hansi Flick had given those players not on international duty some welcome rest last week but the team and coaching staff were back on Monday as the defending champions aim to go again in La Liga. Eric Garcia was back in training, after withdrawing from the Spain squad due to a knee injury, and it looks as though he will be available for the weekend’s game. Laser-focused. pic.twitter.com/Dkq0WLzKYx — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 5, 2026 The Spain star joined fellow first-teamers Wojciech Szczesny, Gavi, Gerard Martín, Gabriel Jesús, Brian Farinas and Alejandro Balde in the session. Frenkie de Jong is expected to rejoin full training this week but worked individually again, along with Joan Garcia and Raphinha who are also nursing knocks. Glad to see you back, lads! 🤗 pic.twitter.com/voSW9p1I05 — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 5, 2026 Flick will get the rest of his players back during the week after the final round of Nations League fixtures and will be hoping there are no fresh injury concerns to deal with ahead of some key October fixtures.
- Managing Madrid·4d ago·Both·transfers
Daily Thread: 05 October 2026
The Daily Merengue is a place where you can feel free to d all things football. Do not be alarmed by the overt RMCF bias. It’s in the name! Shoutout to the mods who do a fantastic job, Ezek, Valyrian Steel, Kung_Fu_Zizou, Juninho, NeRObutBlanco and yours truly, Felipejack. Real Madrid football returns The current international break ends tomorrow and Real Madrid return to action this Saturday, against Villareal. Real will play 8 games, including El Clasico, before the upcoming international break, in November. Real Madrid will play 8 games before the next international break in November: 🏠 10/10: Villarreal (21:00) ✈️ 14/10: Roma (21:00) 🏆 🏠 18/10: Sevilla (21:00) 🏠 21/10: Leipzig (21:00) 🏆 ✈️ 25/10: BARCELONA (21:00) ✈️ 01/11: Racing Santander (16:15) ✈️ 04/11: AEK (18:45) 🏆… pic.twitter.com/PMsdbh2SIg — Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 5, 2026 Contract extensions Tchouameni and Guler had their contract extended until 2031! Per Romano, Real is planning on extending Courtois contract.
- Managing Madrid·4d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Güler, Real Madrid reach agreement to extend contract until 2031 -report
Real Madrid and midfielder Arda Güler have reached an agreement to extend the player’s contract until 2031, according to a report published today on AS. Güler has also received a significant salary raise and while the club have not announced this extension the agreement is all but done. Güler has become one of the team’s most crucial players and the club felt like he deserved this extension and raise. He signed for Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 and he found a way to earn a relevant role, fulfilling the potential the club saw in him when they decided to sign him away from Fenerbahce. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is next in line to sign an extension, according to that same report. This time, it will be a one-year deal.
- Barca Blaugranes·4d ago·Both·transfers
Barcelona set for real test of title credentials after perfect start to 2026-27 campaign
Barcelona's Brazilian forward #11 Raphinha (R) celebrates with teammate Spanish forward #10 Lamine Yamal after scoring his team's second goal during the Spanish league football match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on September 19, 2026. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Barcelona couldn’t have had a better start to their 2026/27 season, with their eight consecutive wins in all competitions setting a new club record. Not even the great Cruyff or Guardiola teams managed such a feat, and without a recognised centre-forward to boot, that really is something worth celebrating for Hansi Flick and Co. This October is certainly going to sort the men out from the boys, however. In the space of 21 days, Barca will play Getafe, Real Betis, Real Madrid and Alaves in the league, as well as Galatasaray and current Champions League holders, Paris Saint-Germain. October is calling. 📞 🎟️ https://t.co/OvhtRHC1SF@EGYPTAIR pic.twitter.com/iz55cxgdsh — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 1, 2026 Thankfully, there don’t appear to be too many issues for the club’s medical team to deal with as a result of this international break, and if Flick doesn’t have a full-strength squad to choose from, he’ll have as near as possible. Given that Barca have suffered badly because of injuries while players have been away on international duty before, that’s a real bonus. Given the strength of opposition and the travelling required in the middle of the month, Flick has arguably got to call upon the entire squad to be fit and raring to go. A home game against Getafe opens the month before three difficult away games in a row against Galatasaray, Betis and PSG. While the results are clearly important, by the time that El Clasico comes around on October 25, it will be Barca’s fifth game in 15 days, so how the squad is managed in terms of minutes etc is absolutely vital. No league was ever won in October, of course, but with so many games this month, should Barca’s good form continue, they could put a real marker down in the league if they edge further ahead. Given just how well the blaugranes were playing before the break, it’ll be interesting to see whether having their rhythm broken begins to cause them issues. There’s always likely to be a dip at some point in any event, and if Barca are going to wobble, perhaps having one now is preferable to during the business end of the season. At least no opponent can be under any illusion that they are playing the most in-form team in Europe, and if they are going to take points off Barca, they’ll have to work harder than ever to do so. In order to be able to do that, Barca will have to ease off the accelerator, and there doesn’t appear to be any chance of Flick allowing his players to take it easy. The businesslike quality with which they’ve approached every game so far has served them well, so why change a winning formula? Strap yourselves in…
- Managing Madrid·4d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Milan joins Roma in race to sign Endrick on loan -report
AC Milan are interested in signing Endrick on a loan deal this upcoming winter and have joined Roma in the race to land the Brazilian attacker should he become available, according to a report published on MARCA. The writing seems to be on the wall for Endrick. He has only played a handful of minutes this season and it looks like he won’t be playing relevant minutes on a consistent basis for Real Madrid, even if the coaching staff wanted to keep him around this past summer. Knowing that, the Brazilian player will almost certainly want to leave on another loan deal so that he can find the minutes he needs to keep improving his game, something he needs to earn himself more minutes for Madrid.
- Barca Blaugranes·5d ago·Both·transfers
Evaluating Barcelona’s backup striker options for Raphinha
SEVILLA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 19: Raphinha of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Sevilla v FC Barcelona at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 19, 2026 in Sevilla Spain (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Coming out of the international break, Hansi Flick will have one big question on his mind. If not Raphinha, then who? The Brazilian had fans holding their breath when he was taken off at half-time for Brazil, and sent back to Barcelona for rest and recovery. We still don’t know the full extent of the injury, but best case scenario he makes it back next weekend against Getafe. Flick will know, however, that he dodged a bullet, and if he’s not careful with how his manages his most productive player, there could be costly knock on effects that follow. Coming up this month are trips to Galatasaray and PSG in the Champions League, and tough tests in Spain against Real Betis and Real Madrid. Flick needs Raphinha in the biggest matches, which is why he needs to figure out his plan B up front so that his striker can be fully fit and firing on all cylinders when the pressure is on. The obvious and safest choice is Gabriel Jesus. So far, he has been the player that Flick has turned to late in games to give Raphinha a rest when the match is already out of reach. Context is key here. Jesus has been great in his cameo appearances, but can he do the job expected of him offensively and defensively as a starter in Flick’s system? That’s where I start to have my doubts, and I’m sure Flick is going back and forth too. Another option would be to go with the players who are the hottest at the moment. That would mean Anthony Gordon, most likely through the middle, flanked by Karim Adeyemi and Lamine Yamal. Gordon hasn’t scored yet for Barcelona, but over the break, he has been on fire for England, scoring in all three of his starting appearances. Surely it would be surprising if Flick opts to not play the hot hand? The bold choice would be to give the nod to Hamza Abdelkarim, the top scorer of the preseason. If he doesn’t start getting minutes now, the possibility of a loan move in January will start to become more real. He’s too talented, eager, and full of promise, to not be playing. The young Eyptian, in fact, scored again in emphatic fashion for his nation at an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last week. There are also wild card options. Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo’s names have been tossed around. Some have even wondered if Lamine Yamal could be used as a false nine. Regardless of the final choice, Flick will have to make a decision soon. Raphinha is critical to Barcelona’s chances this season, and given his recent injury record, he must be protected from himself, which means giving him rest when possible, and even when it seems inconvenient. Barcelona are off to a flying start, but they will be dragged into the trenches in October. The best way to emerge victorious is together as a unit, and that means proving they can win without Raphinha. The very first test will be against Getafe, who are always a stubborn opponent. Will we see Raphinha in action? Maybe it’s best that he starts from the bench, and Flick gets a chance to see who else he can turn to. Bigger challenges await. The Barcelona players are a showing a hunger that’s been contagious. Time to let others feast.
- Guardian Football·5d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Let’s stop doubting Thomas Tuchel: England are impressive and Euro 2028 is the target
Coming third in the World Cup was really not a disaster, and Saturday’s rout of Croatia and building the team around Jude Bellingham are good signs Move fast and fix things. It has been a fine week so far for Thomas Tuchel as he attempts the cyclical task of soldering together not just an England team, but a way of looking like one, all the while being battered by the to-and-fro conflicting winds of England managerdom. There is nothing new here. This is a job that involves not just picking the right players and making high-stakes calculations over your second-half substitutions, but carrying out these basic duties while wrestling with aggrieved members of the Thuggee cult on a collapsing rope bridge outside the Temple of Doom, and simultaneously having your heart ripped out. Continue reading...
- BBC Sport·5d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Real Madrid join race for Scott - Monday's gossip
Bournemouth's Alex Scott at the centre of a transfer tussle, Arsenal show interest in Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, Real Betis rebuff speculation linking Troy Parrott with a move away, plus more.
- Barca Blaugranes·5d ago··transfers
‘Out of 20 shots, 19 were in the top corner’ – Raphinha’s ex-coach talks Barcelona star
SEVILLE, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 19: Raphinha of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 19, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) | Getty Images Raphinha has been a revelation for Barcelona since making the switch from Premier League side Leeds United and now captains the side under Hansi Flick. His former fitness coach at Leeds, Alejandro Lorenzo, has now offered a bit of insight into what it’s like to work with the Brazilian and just how good a player he is. “I remember training with him and talking about it with my family and friends. It was crazy, something I had never seen. I was very surprised. Being in the middle of rehabilitation, I remember that we did a finishing exercise,” he told Sport. “Out of 20 shots, he scored 19 throughout the top corner. I said: ‘What a player we have signed’. On a physical level, the agility he had, the ball handling… Everything. We were the team that did the most high-intensity meters and sprints in Europe in the style of Bielsa… and he was the one who did the most by far.” Lorenzo also spoke about why he feels Raphinha has done so well since moving to Barcelona. “He simply needed to shine, which is what he is doing. To have that importance too and to believe in it. What surprised me was in his first stage at Barcelona. I think he was adapting. Because I knew he was a player who was going to mark a before and after. He was going to mark an era,” he added. “He was a footballer who made your life easier because he sets work standards that set an example for any teammate. Having a captain like that, who works so hard and who leaves so much on the pitch, both in matches and in training, helps the team a lot. “He is clearly among the best in the world. I don’t understand why he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Although, it is also true, it does not seem to affect him too much. In fact, it makes him better every day. Maybe it motivates him and everything. He doesn’t have fourth gear, he always goes in fifth gear. He goes to everything and at Leeds he was already like that.” Raphinha has certainly started the season in fifth gear, scoring 14 goals already, and Barca will be hoping he can maintain that kind of form when he returns to action after the international break.
- Managing Madrid·5d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
A night to forget for Vinicius in India
KOLKATA, INDIA - OCTOBER 3: Vinicius Jr. of Brazil in action during FIFA International Friendly match against India at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Stadium on October 3, 2026 in Kolkata, India. (Photo by Samir Jana/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) | Hindustan Times via Getty Images Brazil defeated India 0-4 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata behind 1st half goals from Chelsea right winger Estevao and Flamengo centre-forward Pedro and a double in the 2nd half from Flamengo left winger Samuel Lino. Brazil dominated play, attempting 20 shots on the evening compared to only 9 from their South Asian rivals. Vinicius had a night to forget, completing only 7 of 13 passes, distributing zero key passes and attempting zero dribbles while also missing a big scoring chance. The Real Madrid winger, who appears to be playing with little confidence, will need to show significant improvement to justify his place in the starting 11 for club and country alike going forward. Vinicius produced only 1 goal (via penalty) and zero assists for Brazil in 3 matches during this international break, looking like a shell of the player we witnessed just 3 months ago at the World Cup. Endrick also had a quiet 29 minutes, failing to create a scoring chance and attempting only 7 passes. The Real Madrid forward also saw none of his 3 shot attempts be on target. The Brazilian internationals now head back to their club teams, the Seleção’s next opponent being Japan on November 14th at the Singapore National Stadium as part of the Mizuho Blue Challenge four-team tournament. View this post on Instagram
- Managing Madrid·5d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Roma interested in Endrick loan deal -report
Real Madrid striker Endrick might be forced to consider yet another loan deal out of the club this upcoming winter and Roma appear to have serious interest in that kind of move, according to a report published today on MARCA. Endrick has only played four minutes for Real Madrid this season and appears to be buried in José Mourinho’s depth chart. In that context, he knows that he needs minutes to keep improving and developing as a player, so a loan deal makes sense for all parts involved. Furthermore, Endrick already agreed to a loan move last winter and ended up scoring eight goals and delivering five assists on 21 matches played for Olympique Lyon, so he has seen first hand how helpful these moves can be.
- Barca Blaugranes·5d ago··transfers
Frenkie de Jong shares fitness update as Barcelona star steps up recovery from knee injury
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 27: New signing Dominik Livakovic of Barcelona sat in the stands with Frenkie de Jong and Gavi before the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou on August 27, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has shared a fitness update as he works on his recovery from a knee injury sustained at World Cup 2026 with the Netherlands. The Dutchman is yet to play for Barcelona this season but will hopefully return to full training after the current international break. De Jong has now posted an update on his progress, sharing a carousel of pictures of him working hard to get into shape at the Ciutat Esportiva. View this post on Instagram The latest estimates suggest that De Jong could potentially return to action in November, provided there are no further setbacks in his recovery, and make his first appearance of the season against Alaves in La Liga. De Jong still has a way to go until he can be considered ready for selection but the current signs certainly seem positive, and his latest social media activity suggests his rehab is going to plan. The next step will be linking up with his team-mates once again, another important step in the road to a first-team comeback for the midfielder.
- Barca Blaugranes·6d ago··transfers
Barcelona keep a close eye on Palmeiras wonderkid Eduardo Conceição
FC Barcelona are keeping tabs on Eduardo Conceição as the Palmeiras teenager continues to attract interest from clubs across Europe. The Barça scouting department was in Nyon, Switzerland, this week for the UEFA Friendship Cup, an under-18 competition that also features under-17 teams such as Brazil. According to Diario SPORT, Barcelona were particularly interested in getting another look at Conceição after following his progress for some time. Brazil’s results in the tournament have been mixed: Conceição scored in the 6-0 win over Canada in the opening group match, but Brazil then lost 3-1 to Spain before beating Ivory Coast 2-1. Brazil will face Colombia in the third-place match. Conceição joined Palmeiras’ academy at nine and has spent much of his development playing above his age group. By April, Sports Illustrated reported that he had scored five times in 13 appearances for Palmeiras’ under-20 team, having previously scored 13 goals in 38 appearances for the under-17s during 2025. Conceição is a right-footed winger who generally starts on the left, cuts inside and looks to take on defenders. “On the field, I’m eager to dribble and help the team with goals, whether by scoring or assisting,” Conceição told AS earlier this year. “I’ve mostly played on the left wing, but I can also play more centrally.” Several of Europe’s biggest clubs have been linked with him, including Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United, as well as Barcelona. The BBC reported that United are keen on him, but that his price tag is a major factor. Several clubs are lining up to make their pitch. And Barcelona is certainly no exception, as they reportedly see Conceição as a major talent but have not made a firm move for him, with the player’s age still a factor. Earlier reports had also described Barça’s interest and said the player was waiting to see what happens. Palmeiras have already protected themselves against losing Conceição cheaply by slapping a €100 million release clause onto his latest contract. That figure is considerably higher than some of the numbers previously reported. Palmeiras academy director João Paulo Sampaio said in April that the club had received offers of €20 million and €25 million, excluding bonuses. Newcastle United reportedly made a bid of around €40 million, which also was rejected. Endrick and Estêvão Willian are recent examples of Palmeiras academy products who have gone on to major European transfers. Conceição has cited Endrick and Neymar as idols and compared himself to Estêvão. “I love one-on-one situations, dribbling and outpacing my opponents,” he said. “I think my style is quite similar to Estêvão’s, even though he’s left-footed and I’m right-footed.” He also named Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal when discussing players whose approach resembles his own. “On a global level, Yamal is a player with a similar style to mine, always looking for individual plays.”
- Guardian Football·6d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Bellingham stands out for high-grade England but Uefa sends out wrong message on racism | Barney Ronay
Allowing children in after a ban on adult fans was wrong in the extreme but on the pitch England showed genuine class So … can we play another World Cup, then? Can we just undo and rewind? Forget whatever it was you thought you saw in Atlanta. We’re actually ready now. Although not, repeat not, if any part of this involves playing football in front of 6,000 excitable children, the combined effect of which was to create an atmosphere in Rijeka the adult human ear is simply not designed to process. Continue reading...
- Barca Blaugranes·6d ago·Both·transfers
Gossip: Chelsea reignite interest in Barcelona’s Jules Koundé
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 9: Jules Koundé of FC Barcelonaa seen during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between FC Barcelona and Feyenoord Rotterdam at Camp Nou on September 9, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images Chelsea FC are said to be on the hunt for a long-term target, who initially turned them down to join FC Barcelona in 2022. A new report says the Blues are looking at signing Jules Koundé to reinforce their defense. Barça, for their part, may be interested in selling players to raise funds in January. Koundé is no longer a guaranteed starter, competing with Eric Garcia, João Cancelo, and Xavi Espart in the full-back positions. The Frenchman is reportedly open to a move to London, to join a team he almost joined four years ago. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is said to want more cover at right-back, especially as Malo Gusto could leave. All of these signs could point to a transfer, though, of course, there’s a long road ahead to an agreement if all parties do indeed decide to pursue such a thing. Koundé is currently with France, where he is dealing with more frustration over playing time, or lack of it. Since starting the match against Turkiye, Koundé has not featured for Zinedine Zidane. He has a contract with Barcelona until 2027, signed last year. He signed from Sevilla for 50 million euro.
- Barca Blaugranes·6d ago·Both·transfers
Barcelona star Anthony Gordon considered one of England’s ‘main men’ by Harry Kane
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - SEPTEMBER 29: Harry Kane of England celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Anthony Gordon during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Czechia and England at Fortuna Arena on September 29, 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images Anthony Gordon, who has enjoyed a strong start at FC Barcelona since joining from Newcastle United in the past transfer window, is one of England’s main men now, according to their captain and star, Harry Kane. “His performances in the last couple of games have been some of his best that he has played in an England shirt,” Kane said. “I think he is just relishing putting the shirt on and being one of the main men in the team.” The BBC reports that Gordon is one of manager Thomas Tuchel’s “untouchables” alongside Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Publicly, the manager did not tip his hand fully. When asked whether Gordon was one of the first names on the team sheet, Tuchel said “He’s getting there.” However, Gordon’s recent performances, both in the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Nations League, have certainly caught the boss’s eye. “He’s defending his shirt, he’s defending his position – an excellent performance again after his performance against Spain. “He was very decisive [against the Czech Republic] and had an excellent goal. It was very, very difficult but the technique and finishing was excellent,” Tuchel said. England won that match 2-0, with Kane scoring as well. This came after England lost 3-2 to world champions Spain. “He scored against Spain so he has decisive actions and he’s defending his shirt and his position. He does it on the highest level and he’s a very important player,” Tuchel continued. “He is an important player for us and he showed that during the World Cup,” Kane said. At the beginning of the World Cup, Gordon was not a guaranteed starter and competed for a starting role with Marcus Rashford, who coincidentally had left Barcelona and been essentially replaced by Gordon. However, by the end of the tournament, Gordon was clearly the preferred option. He assisted Bellingham’s controversial equalizer against Norway, which the Norwegians claimed should not have counted because the ball hit a cable while it was in the air at the start of the sequence. England would go onto win 2-1 after extra time, thanks to a goal by Bellingham that was created after Norway’s goalkeeper, Ørjan Nyland, allowed a shot to rebound off him. Gordon also scored the opening goal in the semifinal against Argentina. He was subbed off in the 72nd minute for Ezri Konsa, a defender, as part of a wider push by Tuchel to defend the lead. The strategy backfired and Argentina won thanks to two late goals, one from Enzo Fernández and the other from Lautaro Martínez, both assisted by Lionel Messi.
- Barca Blaugranes·6d ago··transfers
Goals still flowing for Barcelona over the international break
Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Nations League league phase group A3 football match between Spain and Croatia at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on September 29, 2026. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Barcelona had been full of goals before the international break came along and rudely interrupted the Catalans’ perfect start to the 2026-27 campaign. The three week hiatus on domestic football has seen the majority of Hansi Flick’s side leave Catalunya and head across the globe to play for their national teams, but the goals have still continued to flow for many Barca players. Lamine Yamal has certainly captured the headlines with his performances for Spain. The teenager scored an early goal against England and then followed that up with two goals and assist against Croatia. Pedri has also been productive for Spain despite starting both games on the bench and only playing 53 minutes of football so far. The midfielder has still bagged an assist and Barca won’t be too sad to see him getting plenty of rest over the international break. Spain are in the same Nations League group as England who have seen Anthony Gordon shine for the Three Lions. The forward is still waiting for his first Barcelona goal but has found the back of the net twice for England in two games to earn praise from Harry Kane and Thomas Tuchel. Barca have also seen Raphinha score a penalty against Australia, Hamza Abdelkarim net his first Egypt goal against South Sudan and Joao Cancelo find the back of the net with a cheeky dink against Denmark. Summer signing Karim Adeyemi could also celebrate his return to the Germany set-up with an assist against Netherlands, while manager Jurgen Klopp playing down missed chances and backed the Barca attacker after the game. “He’s a wonderful guy and a very pleasant person. I really like the whole package he offers,” he said afterwards. There is still another round of fixtures for most international teams to fulfil before players return home, giving Barca’s players another chance to keep on showing the world what they can do. Most importantly of all though, Flick will be keeping his fingers crossed that all of his players return fit, healthy and raring to go next week ahead of some key fixtures in October at home and abroad.
- Barca Blaugranes·6d ago··transfers
Gerard Martin gives his verdict on Barcelona’s summer signings
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Rodri, Dani Olmo, Anthony Gordon, Pedri and Gerard Martin of FC Barcelona looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on August 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images Gerard Martin has been asked for his impressions of Barcelona’s newest signing after a summer which saw plenty of new arrivals at the Camp Nou. The defender started off with forwards Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon who have both impressed since making the switch this summer. “[Adeyemi] is a very natural guy, very funny, who is always with a smile on his face and at the disposal of the team,” Martin told Sport before moving onto Gordon. “He sounds more serious, but he’s funny too. It is true that he may be a little more shy, but I get along very well with him and since he has started he has been at a very good level too.” Martin also spoke about Rodri and how it’s no surprise he’s adapted quickly to life at Barcelona. “He’s a top player and he’s always been used to that style of play, to having the ball, and that’s why he also adapts very quickly with us,” he added. “He has a lot of experience and that is also noticeable in the moments of the matches. And Martin also had a few words for youngster Jesse Bisiwu, adding: “He’s a very young kid, he’s very talented. He has a lot of talent, but he is very young and he has to get used to it too.”
- Barca Blaugranes·7d ago··transfers
Barcelona’s best selling shirts revealed as Lamine Yamal stays top and new signing makes instant impact
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images | NurPhoto via Getty Images A new report from Diario SPORT on Friday revealed the top selling shirts in the early weeks of the new Barcelona season, and it is no surprise that Lamine Yamal is by far and away at the top of the list. But another member of Spain’s World Cup winning squad is also quite popular among the supporters. The report says Rodri’s number 16 shirt is already in the Top 5 behind Yamal, captain Raphinha, Pedri and, somewhat surprisingly, Pau Cubarsí. Rodri’s numbers have even surpassed Gavi, who has always been very popular among Barça fans, and Fermín López, who is also attracting plenty of interest since switching to number 7. Another new signing who is getting good shirt sale numbers is Anthony Gordon, who quickly became a fan favorite with his performances early in the season. Those eight players are responsible for the vast majority of the profits from shirt sales, according to the report, and Rodri’s presence in the Top 5 speaks to his standing in the game and just how much excitement his signing generated among fans this summer.
- Barca Blaugranes·7d ago··transfers
Barcelona come up with new plan for Hamza Abdelkarim as January loan offers arrive
Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images The lack of minutes in the first six weeks of the season for Barcelona striker Hamza Abdelkarim has led to speculation that he could head out on loan in January, but the club have a clear plan on how to handle the 18-year-old’s progression this season. According to Diario SPORT, Hansi Flick has really liked what he’s seen in training from the preseason top scorer and doesn’t want to part ways, believing that the daily involvement with the first team is beneficial to Hamza’s development despite the lack of playing time. Abdelkarim came on in the final seconds against Rayo Vallecano this season in what was his only involvement so far, but the club have already signed him to a new and improved contract with a higher release clause to protect his future at Camp Nou. Flick has preferred Gabriel Jesus as Raphinha’s backup in the striker spot but wants to get Hamza involved after the international break given how many matches in a short span Barça will play in the next few weeks, and the striker will be part of the rotation strategy once the Blaugrana get back to action. Barça want to be patient and not put any pressure on a player they clearly believe in, and Hamza also seems content — at least for now — with being involved in training every day and waiting for his chance to come.
- Barca Blaugranes·7d ago·Both·transfers
Barcelona decide on next Clasico shirt sponsor ahead of Camp Nou clash with Real Madrid
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 10: Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates the victory during 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 Eric Alonso/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona and Spotify have reportedly decided they will feature Tyler, The Creator as their next shirt sponsor for the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid. As part of Barca’s sponsorship deal with Spotify, that Catalan giants have been featuring artists on their shirts for the big game against their bitter rivals for several seasons now. According to RAC1, Tyler, The Creator is next in line and Barca will use the American rapper’s logo on their kits for the match on October 25th against Madrid at Camp Nou. ‼️ EXPLICAT a @rac1 🎙️ @RogerSaperas 🎶 Confirmat: Tyler, the Creator serà l'artista que lluirà a la samarreta del Barça en el Clàssic del 25 d'octubre 👕 Tal com va avançar Sport, era l'opció preferida del club#TuDiràs #frac1 pic.twitter.com/h7H8Zug81Q — El Barça juga a RAC1 (@FCBRAC1) October 1, 2026 Tyler, The Creator will be the ninth artist to feature on Barca shirts (after the likes of Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, the Rolling Stones and Oliva Rodrigo) and it’s rumored his ‘GOLF’ slogan (in reference to his clothing brand GOLF WANG) could be used. 🚨💣 CONFIRMADO: ¡TYLER, THE CREATOR, EL PRÓXIMO ARTISTA EN LA CAMISETA DEL CLÁSICO! 👕 La palabra “GOLF”, su marca de ropa, aparecería en la camiseta ℹ️ @memorabilia1899 pic.twitter.com/iFnHUY8I8I — SocBlaugrana (@SocBlaugranaFC) October 2, 2026 Tyler, The Creator has been embroiled in controversy during his career and was even banned from entering the UK a decade ago amid claims his lyrics encouraged hatred, violence, and intolerance. He has since gone on to win three Grammy Awards and pulls in over 38 million listeners monthly on Spotify.
- Managing Madrid·7d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Obrador about leaving Real Madrid for Benfica: “I didn’t think twice about it”
Former Real Madrid player Rafa Obrador has talked to AS about his move to Benfica in the summer of 2025. “When Benfica called me, I didn’t think twice. It was a great opportunity. Every player’s dream is to play in the Champions League, and Benfica always competes in Europe. It’s a giant club,” he said. Obrador is now playing for Sassuolo on a loan deal. “Serie A has a very important history, and I think I can adapt well here. Italian football is very physical and intense, but I really like the idea Sassuolo proposes: having possession, playing calmly, and finding spaces. As a full-back, they also ask me to play a bit more centrally, not just as the typical full-back glued to the wing. They want us to be versatile and able to offer various options to the team,” he explained. Obrador was a quality player for Castilla but was never considered the kind of prospect that could play for Real Madrid in the long term. He will try to earn a spot in Benfica’s 2027-28 team by completing good performances in the Serie A.
- Barca Blaugranes·7d ago··transfers
Barcelona send scouts to watch Stuttgart center-back Finn Jeltsch
04 September 2026, Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart: Soccer, Men: Bundesliga, VfB Stuttgart vs. 1. FC Köln, Matchday 2, MHPArena, Finn Jeltsch (VfB Stuttgart) gesticulates. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa - IMPORTANT NOTICE: In accordance with the regulations of the Bundesliga and the German Football Association (DFB), it is prohibited to use or allow the use of photographs taken in the stadium and/or during the game in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images) Barcelona have reportedly sent scouts to watch Stuttgart and Germany defender Finn Jeltsch in action as they continue their search for a potential new center-back. According to Sky Sport Germany, Barcelona and Inter scouts were spotted in town to watch Jeltsch last month when Stuttgart faced Viking Stavanger in the Champions League. The 20-year-old is also believed to have attracted interest from Premier League clubs and was called up by Jurgen Klopp for Germany’s current Nations League fixtures. Jeltsch began his career at FC Nürnberg and signed for Stuttgart in 2025. He’s quickly gone on to impress with the Bundesliga side and is now a regular fixture in the starting XI. The youngster is believed to be valued at around €45 million and is clearly one to watch as the season progresses and interest in him grows from across Europe. Barcelona were expected to sign a defender last summer but instead focused on adding to their attack and bringing in Rodri from Manchester City.
- Managing Madrid·8d ago·Both·transfers
Madrid Daily: Asencio’s surgery, Cestero’s return and Mourinho’s denial
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 12: Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his sides second goial with head coach Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid during the la Liga match between Real Madrid and Levante at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 12, 2012 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images) | Getty Images Real Madrid began October with confirmation of Raúl Asencio’s surgery, while Castilla are preparing to welcome Jorge Cestero back for Friday’s derby. Those developments bring different priorities for the club: a rehabilitation process for one defender and a return to competition for one of the academy’s leading midfielders. Mourinho, meanwhile, has moved to distance himself from comments attributed to him about Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation with Portugal. Asencio undergoes successful surgery and receives Mourinho visit Raúl Asencio underwent successful surgery on Thursday to address a stress fracture in his right tibia, Real Madrid have confirmed. Dr. Manuel Leyes performed the operation under the supervision of the club’s medical services, with the defender due to begin his recovery process in the coming days. “Our player Raúl Asencio underwent successful surgery today, performed by Dr. Manuel Leyes, to repair a stress fracture in his right tibia. The operation was supervised by the Real Madrid Medical Services. Asencio will begin his recovery process in the coming days,” the club’s statement read. According to AS, Asencio had been managing the problem for several months and initially pursued conservative treatment, but the persistence of the injury ultimately led to the decision to operate. The newspaper reports an expected absence of two to three months. Madrid have not announced a return date, so suggestions of a comeback around Christmas or early in 2027 remain estimates rather than a confirmed schedule. Mourinho visited Asencio in hospital following the procedure. The club confirmed the visit and said the coach checked on the defender’s condition after the operation. Mourinho rejects attributed Ronaldo comments as “fake news” José Mourinho has denied making statements about Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation with Portugal, using an Instagram story to label the comments attributed to him “fake news.” Portuguese newspaper O Jogo reported that the alleged remarks had circulated particularly in Brazilian media. According to MARCA, as reported by GOAL, Mourinho maintains that he has not spoken about the matter and has “no comment” to offer. The report says the Madrid coach wishes to avoid becoming involved and retains respect for Ronaldo, Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and the Portuguese Football Federation. His public intervention was therefore a denial of the attributed statements, rather than an assessment of the situation within the national team. Cestero set to return for Castilla’s derby Jorge Cestero is expected to return to Castilla’s squad for Friday, October 2’s derby against Atlético Madrileño at the Alfredo Di Stéfano, according to AS. The report says the club considers the disciplinary episode that kept him out against Alcorcón resolved. Cestero’s omission followed a disagreement with Julián López de Lerma after the midfielder was left on the bench against Sant Andreu. When asked about his subsequent absence, the Castilla coach described it as a technical decision without publicly detailing the disagreement. He nevertheless emphasized that Cestero remained an important part of his plans. “We’re focused on player development. We want all the players to be able to showcase their abilities, compete, and be part of the team,” López de Lerma said. “Jorge will be a very important player for us this season.” His return would provide another midfield option as Castilla seek a response to their draw against Sant Andreu and defeat to Alcorcón. The immediate development is his expected inclusion in the squad, rather than confirmation that he will start the derby. Mbappé shares his World Cup awards ahead of Ballon d’Or ceremony Kylian Mbappé posted photographs on Thursday displaying the Golden Boot and Bronze Ball he won at the 2026 World Cup. The awards recognized his position as the tournament’s leading scorer and third-best player, respectively. Mbappé finished the competition with ten goals, retaining the Golden Boot he had won in Qatar four years earlier. The photographs arrive with the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaching on October 26 in London. MARCA reported that voting closed three days before the post, meaning the images appeared after ballots had been submitted. Mbappé is among the nominees alongside Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane and defending winner Ousmane Dembélé. Mbappé has spoken openly in recent weeks about his belief that this is “a good year to win it,” while also rejecting suggestions of a lasting disagreement with Dembélé. “I’ve already spoken with him, there’s no problem, he’s a friend,” Mbappé said. Courtois has also publicly supported his Madrid teammate’s candidacy. Mastantuono reflects on World Cup omission and life in Italy Franco Mastantuono discussed the disappointment of missing Argentina’s World Cup squad after returning to international action in Wednesday’s 4–0 friendly victory over Bolivia. The Fiorentina player came on in the second half and said that, despite his frustration at being omitted from Lionel Scaloni’s final list, he continued to support the team throughout the tournament. “It’s tough to be left off the World Cup roster, but I’ve always encouraged my teammates and Argentina to do well. They had an incredible World Cup and made all Argentinians proud,” Mastantuono said. He is now looking to establish himself during the next stage of Argentina’s development. “A new process begins, I feel good and I can have an opportunity, but above all I want to work for the National Team,” he said. Mastantuono also credited Scaloni with giving him freedom on the pitch and spoke positively about the changes that followed his move to Italian football. “He gives me a lot of freedom to play and I’m grateful for that. I’ve felt very good since I went to Italy and my life has changed a bit. I’ve really enjoyed it,” he explained. Scaloni, meanwhile, urged patience with Argentina’s younger players. Discussing Leonel Flores, Mastantuono and Nico Paz, the coach emphasized the need to support their development rather than expect decisive contributions in every appearance. Both league Clásicos will use an exclusive Puma ball LaLiga and Puma have unveiled a dedicated match ball for both league meetings between Barcelona and Real Madrid this season. Its first appearance will come at Spotify Camp Nou on October 25 at 9 p.m. Madrid time, in the tenth round of LaLiga. The design combines bright colours, bold shapes and retro-inspired details intended to reference the history of the fixture. Although its appearance is specific to the Clásico, the ball retains the technical specifications of the standard 2026–27 LaLiga match ball, including an eight-panel seamless construction and a textured polyurethane surface. Mbappé and Ester Expósito reportedly seen in Paris Reports citing footage circulating on social media have placed Mbappé and Spanish actress Ester Expósito at the Paris nightclub Boum Boum. Ouest-France’s MadeInFoot reported the outing on Thursday, with the images attracting attention during the forward’s recovery from injury. Mbappé’s confirmed diagnosis is a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee, according to Madrid’s September 26 medical statement. The club has not specified a return date. The report of the evening out does not establish a breach of the club’s medical instructions. Managing Madrid Podcast: Gabe Lezra on the rising cost of watching football Managing Madrid founder Gabe Lezra joins Kiyan Sobhani for a discussion about the rising cost of watching Real Madrid and the wider business of sports broadcasting The episode examines opposition to the Paramount merger, the consequences of media consolidation for supporters, and whether Florentino Pérez correctly identified the problems facing football’s broadcasting model. Kiyan and Gabe also discuss how much more fans can be expected to pay and whether clubs could eventually sell coverage directly to supporters rather than rely on broadcasters. The conversation also turns to the public and media response to the Negreira case, alongside the broader question of how football can remain accessible to the people who follow it:
- Barca Blaugranes·8d ago··transfers
Joao Felix wants to return to Barcelona on a free transfer next summer
LISBON, PORTUGAL - SEPTEMBER 24: Joao Felix of Portugal celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Portugal and Wales at Estadio Jose Alvalade on September 24, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) | Getty Images Joao Felix is reportedly pining for Barcelona and wants to return to the club from Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. The Portugal international spent time on loan at Barcelona during the 2023-24 season and has recently spoken about the memories he has of Camp Nou. “Good ones, very good ones. In the end, we didn’t win anything, but simply playing for Barcelona made me very happy. Obviously, being there on loan isn’t the same as belonging to the club. Everything is different when you’re their player,” he told AS. “Anything can happen in a year: you can be doing really well or really badly, you can have highs and lows. But I’m very happy to have worn the Barça shirt. It was a childhood dream for me, my father and my brother. It was an honor.” According to Diario Sport, Felix is now eyeing a return to Europe when his contract in Saudi Arabia concludes at the end of the current season. His “big dream” is to return to Barcelona on a free transfer, per the report, and has agent Jorge Mendes has already made the club aware of the forward’s ambitions. However, a return looks difficult due to the attacking options Hansi Flick already at his disposal following a summer that saw Karim Adeyemi, Anthony Gordon and Gabriel Jesus arrive at the club. Would you like to see Joao Felix back at Barca? Tell us what you think of the latest rumors in the comments below!
- Managing Madrid·8d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Open Thread: October 1, 2026
The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods you’d totally do a sushi night with: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, Kung_Fu_Zizou (AKA KFZ), Juninho, Ezek and, of course… yours truly. Always Happy to See a Star Trying Trent did have a good game the other night. And I’m glad to see it, cause we’ve seen the man struggle, recently, for the club, while also being left out of his national team. There’s real quality in him, with obvious strengths and weaknesses. He can definitely contribute in moving the ball about and creation. 🚨 Trent does NOT give up. Trent had 7 recoveries, 1 assist, 3 key passes, and dribbled past only once vs Czechia. He wants to rediscover his Premier League performances and become Real Madrid's STARTING RB. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/uSBQqhQEhb — Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) October 1, 2026 Curious to See How this One Plays Out 🚨 BREAKING: Endrick could LEAVE Real Madrid on loan in January if he doesn't get enough playing time in the next 3 months. The player will make a decision in January. Many clubs are interested in him, including some of the biggest clubs in Europe. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/waqwFGyrdF — Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 30, 2026 🚨 JUST IN: Endrick will reassess his situation in January, a loan deal similar to Lyon’s is POSSIBLE. Roma had AGREED a deal to sign him on loan in the summer, but a conversation with José Mourinho stopped the transfer. The Italian club REMAIN interested. Real Madrid FULLY… pic.twitter.com/13d54JFYum — Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) September 30, 2026 Okay… Not that I don’t like Olise, but this would require somewhat of a shakeup. Perhaps Yan moving to the left and VIni departing. Also, not sure how we could accommodate Arda. 🚨 BREAKING: Michael Olise wants a RELEASE CLAUSE if he renews with Bayern. Real Madrid remain on the LOOKOUT. @BILD 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/93qQBo6Ned — Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) September 29, 2026
- Barca Blaugranes·9d ago··transfers
‘Difference maker’ – Harry Kane says Barcelona transfer has boosted Anthony Gordon
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - SEPTEMBER 29: Harry Kane of England celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Anthony Gordon during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Czechia and England at Fortuna Arena on September 29, 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images) | UEFA via Getty Images England captain Harry Kane had praise for team-mate Anthony Gordon after the Barcelona forward scored in Tuesday’s win over Czechia. Gordon was also on target for England against Spain at the weekend, and Kane thinks the move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window has given the forward a boost. “I think sometimes going to a big club like that gives you more self-belief, more confidence,” he told reporters. “You feel like you belong on the biggest stage and I think he’s taken that into his England performances. “He was outstanding against Spain on Saturday, again today he was the difference maker. He was always looking to be direct and be the one to get us ahead and a great finish from him as well. “A lovely ball by Trent, but those finishes aren’t easy and he took it really well.” Gordon has actually scored in each of his last three games for England and will hope to maintain that run on Saturday night against Croatia in Rijeka.
- Barca Blaugranes·9d ago··transfers
Lamine Yamal reveals how he scored against Barcelona team-mate Dominik Livaković
TOPSHOT - Spain's forward #19 Lamine Yamal celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Nations League league phase group A3 football match between Spain and Croatia at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville on September 29, 2026. (Photo by JORGE GUERRERO / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Lamine Yamal dazzled and world champions Spain won against Croatia, 4-1, in the UEFA Nations League. The winger got two goals and assisted another as La Roja kept their winning ways. Yamal opened the scoring for Spain within just two minutes, but Dion Drena Beljo answered back with an equalizer before the half-hour mark. Spain got back on top after Marc Pubill scored from a Yamal assist just three minutes later. Interestingly, FC Barcelona’s backup goalkeeper Dominik Livaković started in goal for Croatia. A pass from Pedri, who like Yamal and Livaković, plays for Barça, left the winger one-on-one with the opposing keeper. Yamal did not miss, and scored his second goal of the match in the 63rd minute. Yamal said that training with Livaković came in handy in scoring that goal. “I already know him from training—I know him well. I thought about what he does when I shoot at him in practice, and thank God, it went in,” Yamal said. Nico Williams scored the final goal in the 88th minute. Yamal was also asked if his performance would add to his case for the Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual honor. “Another one,” is all Yamal said. Livaković signed from Fenerbahçe in the past transfer window. He recently made his debut for Barcelona in a 3-1 win over Sevilla.
- Sky Sports·9d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
How Man City's 'disguised funding scheme' changed the football landscape
When Sheikh Mansour completed his takeover in September 2008, marking the start of his ownership with the sensational and then-record signing of Robinho from Real Madrid, Manchester City were a club with two top-flight titles in their 114-year history.
- Barca Blaugranes·9d ago··transfers
‘Cesc is going a great job’ – Joan Laporta talks Fabregas amid Barcelona links
FROSINONE, ITALY - 2026/09/20: Cesc Fabregas (Head Coach) of Como 1907 seen during the Italian Serie A Enilive Championship 2026-2027 of the football match-day 5 between Frosinone Calcio and Como 1907 at Benito Stirpe Stadium. Final score; Frosinone 2-0 Como. (Photo by Marco Iacobucci/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Barcelona president Joan Laporta has praised Cesc Fabregas amid speculation he could return to Camp Nou at some point in the future as manager. Fabregas is enjoying life as boss of Serie A side FC Como and likes the way he has his team playing football. “Cesc is doing a great job. I really like his mentality,” Laporta told the Corriere della Sera. “He knows the Barcelona philosophy very well and has also brought it to Como. We play in a similar way, the style is that. “And it will be nice to face them in the Champions League: the club is growing a lot, they have high-level players.” Laporta was then quizzed further on speculation about a possible Fabregas return to Barca and added: “No no, we are happy with our coach, we love him and he is giving us great satisfaction.” Flick is currently contracted to Barcelona until 2028, while Fabregas reportedly has a clause in his contract that allows him to head back to Camp Nou if the Catalans come calling.
- Football España·9d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
January Could Open Real Madrid Door for Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk could join Real Madrid for free in 2027, but age, wages and Liverpool’s contract stance remain key factors in any deal. The post January Could Open Real Madrid Door for Virgil van Dijk appeared first on Football España.
- Barca Blaugranes·10d ago··transfers
Barcelona star Anthony Gordon rediscovers scoring touch for England in the Nations League
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - SEPTEMBER 29: Anthony Gordon of England celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Czechia and England at Fortuna Arena on September 29, 2026 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona forward Anthony Gordon was on target for England again on Tuesday night in the Nations League against Czechia. Gordon found the back of the net against Spain at the weekend and made it two from two during the current international break with the opener in Prague. Czechia were reduced to 10 men in the first half when Pavel Sulc saw red for a foul on Elliot Anderson but made it to half-time with the scores still level. However, Gordon put England ahead early in the second half when he guided home a header from a ball in by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Gordon is still yet to score for Barcelona since making the move to the Camp Nou from Newcastle but his goals for England in the Nations League should provide a boost to the summer signing. England play Croatia on Saturday in the Nations League and then face Czechia again next week. Gordon will then head back to Barcelona to prepare for a league match against Getafe.
- BBC Sport·10d ago·Both·transfers
Real Madrid considering Van Dijk - Wednesday's gossip
Real Madrid are waiting for Virgil van Dijk to become a free agent, Bayern Munich offer Michael Olise a long-term contract and are eyeing Barcelona's Jules Kounde.
- Barca Blaugranes·10d ago·Both·transfers
Bigger than Barcelona: Raphinha is again a victim of the greed that is ruining football
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 19: Raphinha #11 of Brazil walks downfield during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images) | ISI Photos via Getty Images Maybe this is just the world we’re living in now where anything people enjoy must be run through the capital machine to extract every ounce of profit. To come clean, I’m not interested in any of these games being played across the world. Instead, as a Barca fan, I find myself holding my breath. At the moment, Barcelona are the toast of town because their brand of football is so unique. We tune in for the beauty and the art of it. Against all odds, it appears once again that Hansi Flick is painting a masterpiece. At the center of the project is Raphinha who has scored 14 goals in 8 games playing a position that is new to him at a time when Barcelona had no one else to fill it. This is a story for the imagination. It’s the escapism that fans crave in a world where the rich are consolidating power, while the rest of us have less control over our lives. Barcelona are what they are at the moment because of the human ingenuity of the people on the field. Supporters pay big bucks to see these games, to buy the shirts, and spend hours of their valuable time each week to support the club they love. Sports are about people. Money continues to corrupt it. When will we reach a breaking point? Hopefully, Raphinha’s injury isn’t too serious. Regardless, every time we have an international break, the inevitable happens, and finally it should serve as a wake up call. This is bigger than Barcelona. The disappointment hurts even more for us because the Blaugrana are off to such an impressive start. Even if it’s just “muscular discomfort,” it’s even more of a reason to take seriously as a symptom of the overload players are subjected to. At a minimum, the quality of play will be reduced as the long and dense season chugs along, and the risk of more serious injuries compounds. So far, here’s a list of some of the other star victims over the past week: Kylian Mbappe, Kai Havertz, Cody Gakpo, and Alexander Isak. Significant members of the supporting cast like Eric Garcia and Ibrahima Konaté went down too. All of this with big Champions League games coming up in October. This is the stage where the stars are meant to appear and perform. Instead, we’re sacrificing them to meaningless friendly games across the world, and made up competitions like the UEFA Nations League that are supposed to persuade us to care at a time when we would otherwise tune out. This is an abuse of power, and the greed must be called out as such in order to protect the future of the game. Without the artists there’s no art. Football is competing for the all of our attention. If it’s not the best quality, why would we bother when there are so many other options for entertainment? FIFA is one of the biggest symbols of corruption in the world. In many ways, they’re copying the model of American sports where just this weekend, for no reason at all, the NFL played a game in Brazil. The rest of the world isn’t interested in American football, but that won’t stop the finance folks from trying to find new ways to expand and capitalize on their product. The world is in love with football for a reason. It’s the beautiful game, and it comes from the people with the distinct flavor of the communities where they live. The players make it what it is, but they are not machines, and they must be protected. We’re all in this together. More money means higher salaries for the players too. Change will only happen when everyone speaks up in unison, and prioritizes creating the conditions for the best product possible. Can’t say I’m optimistic. When Barcelona returns from the break, however, it’ll be interesting to see if they’re able to pick up where they left off. October will be a very demanding month. The onus will be on Hansi Flick to manage the busy calendar, but sometimes you just wish he could be a coach, and not have to concern himself with external factors that are out of his control. That was never the assignment at Barcelona unfortunately. Flick knows the drill. Nothing comes easy. No excuses. At a minimum, Barcelona is full of players who are building a culture that is bigger, hopefully, than the impact of any one person. Time will tell.
- Managing Madrid·10d ago·Both·transfers
Madrid Daily: Militão’s progress, Clásico prices and Ancelotti’s message to Vinícius
Brazil's forward #07 Vinicius Junior (L) and Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti (R) react after losing the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Brazil and Norway at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 5, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Real Madrid continued their international-break preparations on Tuesday, with Éder Militão again working alongside his teammates while five players remained in rehabilitation. Away from Valdebebas, Carlo Ancelotti offered support for Vinícius Júnior after the forward scored for Brazil, Barcelona opened its Clásico ticket presale, and Nasser Al-Khelaifi discussed Madrid’s potential return to the European club association. Militão trains with teammates for a second successive day Éder Militão continued his reintegration into training on Tuesday, participating alongside Madrid’s available players for the second consecutive session. The defender is working his way back after a lengthy injury absence, with his involvement representing another step toward returning to competition rather than confirmation that he is ready for selection. Mourinho’s available first-team players were joined by a group from the academy for the session at Real Madrid City. Training began with activation exercises and rondos before moving into possession work and a small-sided match. The players finished with running exercises on the grass. The club’s report listed Ibrahima Konaté, Kylian Mbappé, Ferland Mendy, Fede Valverde and Rodrygo as continuing their recovery programs. It did not provide return dates for any of them. Madrid’s next competitive fixture is the home meeting with Villarreal on October 10. Join Kiyan Sobhani for a live Q&A today Managing Madrid’s Kiyan Sobhani will go live on YouTube today, September 29, at 1 p.m. Eastern / 7 p.m. Madrid time, to answer your questions about Real Madrid. From the latest injury updates and the upcoming schedule to the team’s performances under Mourinho, there is plenty to discuss. All Madridistas are invited to join—submit your questions in the live chat and take part in the conversation: Different recovery timelines for Mbappé, Rodrygo and Mendy According to AS, the examinations carried out on Mbappé on September 26 identified a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee, with an estimated absence of 10 to 12 days. That remains a reported recovery estimate rather than confirmation of his availability for Madrid’s next match. Rodrygo and Mendy are on longer timelines. AS reports that Rodrygo has progressed to individual ball work following his serious knee injury, with December a tentative target for his return. Mendy is also working with the ball after undergoing hamstring-tendon surgery in May. His comeback is being projected toward the end of 2026, although the report stresses that Madrid do not want to set a firm deadline given his injury history. Clásico presale opens with tickets listed from €476.50 Barcelona have begun selling tickets to members for the first league Clásico of the season, which takes place at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25, at 9 p.m. Madrid time. The initial sale is reserved for members, with a 48-hour priority window and a five-percent member discount. Mundo Deportivo reported that the cheapest ticket it found at the start of the sale was €476.50 in Gol 1. Other advertised prices included €699 in Córner 1, €799 in Lateral 2 Superior and €899 in Tribuna 2 Superior. Seats in Tribuna 2 Inferior and Tribuna 1 were listed at €999. Hospitality packages are priced separately and extend considerably higher. The same report listed Balcony Gol seats at €2,050, with some pitchside packages reaching €5,500. Barcelona use dynamic pricing, meaning the figures can change with demand and the availability of seats in each section; the initial listings are not a fixed price range for the remainder of the sale. Ancelotti backs Vinícius: “I’m going to be very patient with him” Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged that Vinícius Júnior is below his best but reiterated his confidence in the forward after Brazil’s 4–2 friendly victory over Australia in Brisbane. Vinícius won and converted a second-half penalty to score Brazil’s fourth goal. “I know him very well, and he’s a key player for Brazil, and for me as well. He’s also a key player for the team’s history and for the future,” Ancelotti said. “He’s not at his best right now, but even so, he can make the difference, as he did today.” The Brazil coach also made clear that his approach would be supportive: “I’m going to be very patient with him.” Vinícius said afterwards that returning to the scoresheet was important for his confidence. He explained that Bruno Guimarães, who would ordinarily have taken the penalty in Raphinha’s absence, understood that he needed the opportunity after a run of games without scoring. Al-Khelaifi says Madrid are “in the process of returning” to EFC Nasser Al-Khelaifi has said Real Madrid are working toward rejoining European Football Clubs (EFC), the organization formerly known as the European Club Association. Speaking at its general assembly in Copenhagen, the EFC chairman and PSG president thanked Florentino Pérez for the discussions and presented a potential Madrid return as part of a move toward greater cooperation between clubs. “I would like to thank Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez for believing that the future of European football must be built on unity and collective interests; we are pleased that they are in the process of returning to the EFC family,” Al-Khelaifi said. He also welcomed Barcelona’s return to the organization. “In this regard, I would also like to thank Barcelona president Joan Laporta for his confidence in the EFC; welcome back to the family.” The distinction in Al-Khelaifi’s wording is important: he described Madrid’s return as an ongoing process, rather than announcing that its readmission had been completed. Anas Laghrari’s attendance also attracted attention because of his connections to Madrid. However, AS reported that he was present on behalf of A22, the company behind the Super League project, rather than as a Real Madrid representative. His presence therefore should not be treated as confirmation that Madrid have formally rejoined the association. Video: Zidane laughs off an introduction as Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane was briefly introduced as Real Madrid’s coach during an interview following France’s victory over Belgium. The journalist immediately recognized the mistake, prompting laughter from Zidane before the introduction was corrected: La reacción de Zinedine Zidane cuando el reportero le dice: “Estoy aquí con el entrenador del REAL MADRID” 🥹🥹🥹 Te amamos Zizou. pic.twitter.com/8Pav0nrnQL — MT2 (@madrid_total2) September 29, 2026
- Football España·10d ago··transfers
João Félix keeps Barcelona dream alive but rules out imminent return
João Félix says Barcelona remains his preferred Spanish club, while stressing he is settled at Al-Nassr and no transfer talks are underway. The post João Félix keeps Barcelona dream alive but rules out imminent return appeared first on Football España.
- Barca Blaugranes·10d ago··transfers
Gossip: Barcelona star Jules Kounde is Bayern Munich’s dream January transfer
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 9: Jules Koundé of FC Barcelonaa seen during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between FC Barcelona and Feyenoord Rotterdam at Camp Nou on September 9, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images Jules Kounde has lost his place in the Barcelona starting XI currently which means it’s no surprise to see the rumor mill getting excited about the Frenchman’s future. An update from Diario Sport claims that Bayern Munich remain interested in Kounde and could make a move for the defender in January to strengthen their defence if Kim Min-jae leaves. Kim’s future at the club is uncertain and there’s talk he could depart in a deal worth €40 million. Bayern would then look to bring in a replacement and have a few names in mind. Benfica’s Tomas Araujo is mentioned as a possible target, while Kounde is also high up on Bayern’s wanted list and is said to be the German club’s “dream” January signing. Kounde has said he wants to see out his contract at Barcelona but it’s not impossible he could have a change of heart if he continues to play a bit-part role in Catalunya this season. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: What should Barcelona do if a good offer for Jules Kounde arrives in January? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Football España·10d ago·Both·transfers
Haaland’s City future draws scrutiny amid legal case
The Haaland transfer story remains exploratory as Real Madrid and Barcelona monitor Manchester City's legal situation around Erling Haaland. The post Haaland’s City future draws scrutiny amid legal case appeared first on Football España.
- Managing Madrid·10d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Rodrygo closing in on total recovery from ACL tear
Real Madrid striker Rodrygo Goes reached a milestone in his recovery from the ACL tear he suffered in early 2026, as he completed some touches with the football during Monday’s training session with the group. The Brazilian forward won’t be expected to be cleared to play at least until January, according to reports published on the Spanish press. Even then, Rodrygo will need significant time to improve his conditioning and even his confidence before he can actually contribute for Real Madrid. Los Blancos have depth in the attacking line, so expecting Rodrygo to be a major contributor this season might not be entirely realistic. This is good news for Real Madrid, as Eder Militao also rejoined the squad in training this Monday. Rodrygo, Militao and Mendy remain the three long-term injured players on the squad.
- Sky Sports·11d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Papers: Real Madrid defender rejected interest from Chelsea and Liverpool
The top stories and transfer rumours from Tuesday's newspapers...
- Barca Blaugranes·11d ago··transfers
Cesc Fabregas has ‘Barcelona clause’ in his Como contract
Cesc Fabregas, head coach of Como 1907, participates in the matchday 5 of the Serie A Championship between Frosinone Calcio and Como 1907, at the Benito Stirpe Stadium in Frosinone, Italy, on September 20, 2026. (Photo by Domenico Cippitelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Cesc Fabregas has already be tipped to be a future Barcelona manager after making a great start to his coaching career with Como and reportedly has a clause in his contact if the Catalan giants come calling. The former midfielder has guided Como into the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history and has his team just three points off top spot in Serie A right now. There’s been talk already he could head to Camp Nou at some point in the future, and reporter Gianluca Di Marzio told Betarades.gr that Fabregas’s contract contains an interesting detail. “Fabregas will leave only Como for a super top club like Barcelona or Arsenal, but they’ve renewed the contract of [Hansi] Flick and Arsenal are obviously happy with [Mikel] Arteta,” Di Marzio explained “I don’t see him going to the first top club that needs him. He’s like a calculator. He knows that he will coach one of these top clubs. He’s not in a hurry because, even last year, he said no to Inter, no to AS Roma, he said no to Bayer Leverkusen, and also Como didn’t want to let him go. “He had an exit clause for top clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona, so it depends on which of these clubs will begin to struggle. Everything can change.” Sergio Busquets has also backed Fabregas for the role recently, saying he thinks it is possible that the Como boss could manage Barca one day.
- Barca Blaugranes·11d ago··transfers
‘Silly thing to do’ – Javier Aguirre opens up on x-rated World Cup blast at Anthony Gordon
England's Anthony Gordon (left) as Mexico manager Javier Aguirre looks on during the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match at Mexico City Stadium, Mexico. Picture date: Sunday July 5, 2026. (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images) | PA Images via Getty Images Javier Aguirre is set for a reunion with Anthony Gordon this season after taking over as manager of Valencia. The former Mexico boss had an interesting clash with Gordon at World Cup 2026, as tv cameras caught him shouting “Gordon, f*** you” during the teams’ last 16 match. Aguirre has been asked what he’ll say when he catches up with Gordon again and saw the funny side at a press conference. “I’m going to do it like this,” he said and then covered his mouth. He went on to add: “It was a silly thing to do. A spur-of-the-moment thing in the World Cup frenzy, these things happen, that’s it. “I’m not going to dwell on it. I greeted him warmly, there’s a really nice photo, maybe I’ll ask him to sign it for my kids. He speaks Spanish well, that guy.” Barcelona are due to meet Valencia next in La Liga in January.
- Guardian Football·11d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Defensive flux gives Tuchel headache but Alexander-Arnold could be remedy | Jacob Steinberg
Chopping and changing the back four has been a big feature for England this year and the Real Madrid man could be a solution England ended 2025 protected by a shield of deceptive strength. They went through qualifying for the World Cup without conceding a goal and secured a shutout during a routine friendly win against Wales. However, clean sheets have been harder to come by this year. England have kept four in 13 games in 2026, meaning it may not be long before Thomas Tuchel rethinks his suggestion that the way to deal with his side’s lack of control is to embrace chaos. There is, of course, an irony to telling Tuchel to sort out his defence. Isn’t this what we wanted? England were limp and passive when they lost their World Cup semi-final against Argentina. At least the mindset was positive when Tuchel’s side opened their Nations League campaign with a sprightly but flawed 3-2 defeat against Spain last Saturday. Continue reading...
- Managing Madrid·11d ago·Both·transfers
Madrid Daily: Militão rejoins training, Florentino’s court date, and Cestero’s omission
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Eder Militao player of Real Madrid during a training session at Ciudad Real Madrid on September 28, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Maria Jimenez/Real Madrid via Getty Images) | Real Madrid via Getty Images Éder Militão took another step toward his return on Monday, joining part of Real Madrid’s training session as preparations continued for the October 10 meeting with Villarreal. With several teammates still recovering, his progress was the main development at Valdebebas. Elsewhere, Barcelona’s dispute with Florentino Pérez has a conciliation date, Thomas Tuchel has discussed Jude Bellingham’s competitive edge, and Cestero’s absence from Castilla has drawn attention. Militão takes another step in his recovery Éder Militão participated in running exercises alongside his teammates on Monday, beginning his reintegration into group training after the tendon injury that has kept him out since April. The Brazilian’s involvement was the principal development in a session focused on physical work, with much of Mourinho’s squad still away on international duty. Militão underwent surgery on April 28 to repair a rupture of the proximal tendon of the biceps femoris in his left leg. Five months later, his participation with the group represents progress toward a competitive return, although it does not establish that he is ready to play against Villarreal on October 10. His workload is expected to increase gradually rather than move immediately from rehabilitation to match selection. The defender’s return to group exercises follows a visit to Valdebebas by Dr. Lasse Lempainen, the specialist who performed the operation. Lempainen examined Militão and worked with Madrid’s medical and performance staff to assess the next stage of his recovery. “Great day in Madrid with Éder Militão and the medical and performance staff of Real Madrid. A full day dedicated to his return as Éder continues to progress according to plan following surgery for his serious tendon injury,” Lempainen wrote on social media. “It was a pleasure for us to contribute our expertise and experience to his return to the pitch, with the ultimate goal of helping him return safely and perform at the highest level again. Many thanks to Éder and all the Real Madrid staff for the excellent collaboration and a very successful day. Returning to the pitch is a milestone. Getting back to your highest level of performance is the goal.” Elsewhere in the session, Ibrahima Konaté, Kylian Mbappé and Fede Valverde continued their recovery work. Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo also remained in rehabilitation, although both were able to work with the ball on the pitch. Barcelona and Florentino Pérez given November conciliation date Barcelona and Florentino Pérez have been summoned to a conciliation hearing in Madrid on November 25 at 9:40 a.m., according to EFE, citing judicial sources. The hearing concerns Barcelona’s request for the Madrid president to retract statements about the Negreira case before the Catalan club potentially proceeds with a criminal complaint alleging calumnias. It is a preliminary conciliation proceeding, not a criminal trial or a ruling on the disputed statements. Barcelona submitted its application on June 12, following Pérez’s press conference on May 12 and an interview the following day. The club argues that his remarks damaged its image and reputation. Among the statements Barcelona challenged was Pérez’s allegation that Madrid had been deprived of league titles. “I’ve been here I don’t know how many seasons and I’ve only won seven Champions Leagues and seven Leagues, which could have been 14 because seven Leagues were stolen from me,” Pérez said. Pérez also called for UEFA to intervene over the Negreira case and announced that Madrid were preparing a dossier for the governing body. Barcelona rejected his accusations and set out its position in the statement announcing the conciliation request. “The aim of this request is for Mr. Pérez to retract certain statements he made knowing them to be false, statements which are defamatory and offensive to the Club’s image and reputation. Should this request not be properly addressed, FC Barcelona will proceed with filing the corresponding criminal complaint,” Barcelona stated. The November hearing will therefore provide an opportunity to resolve the dispute before the further legal action Barcelona has announced. The club’s description of Pérez’s statements remains its allegation, rather than a conclusion reached by the court. Riquelme: “Selling Real Madrid remains a red line” Enrique Riquelme has discussed his electoral defeat and the circumstances that could prompt him to become involved in Real Madrid’s institutional affairs again. Speaking to Expansión, the businessman, who received 35% of the vote against Florentino Pérez, said he accepted the result and had not intended to maintain a daily campaign against the club’s leadership. “It was expected that I would be there afterwards, day after day, battling, but that’s not the case. I accept the result and support the team like any other Madrid fan,” Riquelme said. He left open the possibility of another candidacy but stopped short of committing to one. “I respect the results that occurred and the only thing I ask for is unity within Real Madrid, even though there are things I don’t like. Time will tell if I run again or not,” he said. “I ran when I saw what was happening and I didn’t like it from an institutional point of view.” Riquelme identified a possible change to the club’s ownership model as the issue he would continue to monitor, while explicitly acknowledging that he did not currently see a sale taking place. “The sale of the club remains a red line. I will be very attentive to any possible change in the statutes to prevent the sale from happening. I will take action if I see that happening, although I must say that I don’t see it happening at the moment.” For now, he has made no announcement about another presidential campaign, saying only that time and the club’s circumstances would determine whether he runs again. Tuchel on Bellingham: “It’s better for him to play with some anger” Thomas Tuchel has backed the competitive intensity Jude Bellingham displayed during England’s 3–2 defeat to Spain at Wembley, while emphasizing that the midfielder’s workload will be assessed throughout the international window. Bellingham provided an assist and created five chances in the match, which also included an exchange with Madrid teammate Marc Cucurella. Speaking ahead of England’s meeting with the Czech Republic on Tuesday, Tuchel suggested that those confrontations can bring out Bellingham’s best football. “It’s better for him to play with some anger. That’s what he likes to do. I think sometimes he looks for those moments to ignite his fire,” Tuchel said. Asked about the incident with Cucurella, the England manager distinguished between Bellingham’s relationships with his club teammates and his approach when facing them internationally. “I don’t think he knows any of his teammates when he’s with the national team. He wants to win. He doesn’t know any of his teammates. He’s still friends with them, but not for the full 90 minutes.” Tuchel would like to use Bellingham throughout England’s four-match schedule, but said the medical staff would help determine what was appropriate. “I’d love to have him on the field four times. But we’ll have to consult with the physiotherapists; we’re not going to put Jude at risk.” Moleiro says Villarreal have their own reasons to demand a win Alberto Moleiro has acknowledged Madrid’s need to respond when league football resumes, but says Villarreal will approach the meeting with ambitions of their own. Speaking to AS, the midfielder framed the match as an opportunity for his team to demonstrate that it belongs near the top of the table. “Yes, we know how important it is for Real Madrid to win, but we also need to win, and we want to win because we want to be at the top. And if we want to be at the top, we have to compete in these kinds of matches, win them, and show that we deserve to be there. And I think we can do it, so let’s see what happens.” Madrid host Villarreal at the Bernabéu on October 10, their first competitive fixture following the international break. Report: Mourinho chose Madrid return after Portugal discussions José Mourinho held discussions about becoming Portugal’s national-team coach before accepting Real Madrid’s offer to return, according to a report attributed to AS. The account places the Portuguese federation’s approach before the World Cup, as it prepared for Roberto Martínez’s departure. According to the report, Mourinho had spoken with federation officials about the conditions of the role when Pérez approached him about returning to Madrid. The coach was then in charge of Benfica, and Madrid subsequently met the contractual requirements to secure his departure. The report identifies Pérez’s relationship with Mourinho as an important factor in the decision. It says the two had remained in contact after the Portuguese coach’s first spell at the club, with Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez ultimately deciding to pursue another managerial return, as Madrid had previously done with Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti. Portugal subsequently turned to Jorge Jesus. The account concerns the discussions preceding Mourinho’s appointment at Madrid, rather than a new approach during the current season. Cestero’s Castilla omission reportedly followed disciplinary issue Jorge Cestero’s absence from Castilla’s squad against Alcorcón was a disciplinary measure following a disagreement over his substitute role against Sant Andreu, according to reporting carried by Mundo Deportivo. The midfielder’s omission was described publicly as a technical decision rather than an injury-related absence. The reports say Cestero expressed his dissatisfaction after being left out of the starting lineup, prompting a response from the club. Whether he will return for Friday’s reserve-team derby against Atlético Madrileño remains unclear. Julián López de Lerma did not publicly detail the disagreement when asked about the midfielder. Instead, Castilla’s coach emphasized the developmental role of the team and Cestero’s continued importance. “We are focused on player development; we want all the players to be able to showcase their abilities, compete, and be part of the team. Jorge is and will be a very important player for us this season.” The omission interrupts a period in which Cestero had featured in Mourinho’s preseason plans and helped Madrid win the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup at the Bernabéu. His next involvement with Castilla will depend on the coaching staff’s decision over his return to the squad.
- Barca Blaugranes·11d ago··transfers
Lamine Yamal offers advice to Hamza Abdelkarim and backs Barcelona striker to ‘become an excellent player’
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 31: Hamza Abdelkarim of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between FC Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on August 31, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) | Getty Images Lamine Yamal has offered Hamza Abdelkarim some advice about life at Barcelona and has told the Egypt international to stay “calm and focused.” The striker made his move to the club permanent this summer and has been with the first-team squad for the first weeks of the season, featuring as a substitute in the win over Rayo Vallecano. Yamal has praised his new team-mate and has also been asked what advice he could give the youngster as he settles into life in Catalunya. “We have all seen it; He is a striker who scores a lot of goals. He will benefit from the time he plays at Barcelona. He is a very adaptable player. We make a great team. We always try to make him feel comfortable,” he told On Sport. “Let him stay calm and safe when he plays. The most important thing is that you stay calm and focused, and you will have plenty of time. No one will ask you for anything, and no one will blame you for anything. You’ll need time to adjust, and that’s normal. “We’ve all been there. He comes from another league and from another country. You just need to stay calm and collected. We all know his great level and that he is a prolific goalscorer. Everything will come in due time. So I advise you to stay calm and focused. He will become an excellent player.” Barcelona have since offered Abdelkarim a new contract at the club which runs until 2030. The deal also includes an increased release clause in a bid to ward off any potential admirers.
- Barca Blaugranes·11d ago··transfers
FC Barcelona News: 28 September 2026; Injured Eric Garcia withdraws from Spain camp, Karim Adeyemi returns from Germany duty
Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images | Getty Images Upcoming targets for Raphinha – FC Barcelona Brazilian has 89 goals for Barça, is an all-time top 30 blaugrana goalscorer and can soon surpass various Club legends. Germany 0-1 Greece: Germany stunned at home – UEFA Although Germany were in control for most of the game, Greece were there when it counted to pick up maximum points in consecutive League A fixtures. In their second outing under new coach Jürgen Klopp, the hosts again showed sparks but this time were unable to convert when it counted and are now in a tricky position after two games in this Nations League group. Norway 1-2 Portugal: Portugal stay perfect – UEFA An entertaining game with good chances at both ends. Norway started the stronger, but João Félix gave Portugal a first-half lead. The hosts built momentum and Erling Haaland equalised six minutes after the break. Just three minutes later, Gonçalo Ramos punished an error from Ørjan Nyland to restore Portugal’s advantage. The visitors held on to secure an impressive away win. Le Normand replaces Eric Garcia in the Spanish national team camp – RFEF The FC Barcelona center-back felt some discomfort in his left knee and after the tests carried out, it has been decided to withdraw him from the squad due to the proximity of the upcoming international matches, thus avoiding any risk and preserving the player’s health. Lamine’s thoughtful gesture towards Declan Rice and the Englishman’s praise: “You’re the best” – Mundo Deportivo After shining at Wembley and leading Spain to victory against England, the Barcelona player starred in a lovely scene with the son of the English Arsenal midfielder, who was clearly impressed by the Barça star. Adeyemi will return after two starts for Germany, but without a goal and without victories – Mundo Deportivo He was one of the few bright spots in Germany’s defeat to Greece (0-1) and now makes way for the second 22-man squad in Klopp’s revolutionary project. Barça Atlètic is already the leader of Group 2 of the Second RFEF – Mundo Deportivo Osasuna B, the only team that could have overtaken them this Sunday, lost 3-2 to Girona B and remains with 9 points, the same as Espanyol B, one point behind the 10 of the Barcelona reserve team. Rosalía Domínguez (Barça), Golden Ball of the Under-20 Women’s World Cup – Mundo Deportivo Spain, champions with Barcelona players Aïcha Camara, Carla Julià, Noa Jiménez and Julia Torres, as well as Celia Segura and Ainoa Gómez, on loan to Atlético and Deportivo.
- Managing Madrid·11d ago·Both·transfers
Mbappé expected to be available to face Villarreal right after the FIFA break -report
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé sustained a hyper-extended knee during France’s match against Turkey and while some reports initially indicated that he could miss several weeks, it looks like he will be ready to face Villarreal in Los Blancos’ first game after the FIFA break, according to a report from COPE. Mbappé escaped a serious injury as France coach and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane told the press after the game that his injury “didn’t look good.” The French Football Federation then announced that he had suffered a tendon injury, with Real Madrid’s own medical team publishing the hyper-extension report on Saturday. With a crucial El Clásico against Barcelona less than a month away, Real Madrid will need to make sure that Mbappé stays healthy and fresh during their next few games. In that context, seeing him getting some rest during one of Madrid’s upcoming matches would not be surprising.
- Managing Madrid·11d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Camavinga: “I need to focus on the field and not make mistakes”
Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga talked to the press during France’s training camp and answered some relevant questions about his current role in the Spanish capital but also with the national team. When asked about what he needs to do in order to get a more prominent role, Camavinga was self-aware. “I need to be consistent. I think right now what makes things happen is consistency. The most important thing is to concentrate on the field and not make mistakes. That gives you consistency,” he said. He was also asked about his best roles and positions as a player. “We have quite a few left backs, I won’t say left back. I have the opportunity to play as an ‘8’ and ‘6’ right now. The coach knows it. I think you guys know what my preferred position is,” he added. Camavinga also shared his feelings about missing the World Cup. “The fact that I didn’t get to play in the World Cup really got to me, because every player dreams of competing in it. Rome wasn’t built in a day. These kinds of disappointments hadn’t come my way in my career. It’s something I need to deal with,” he explained.
- Managing Madrid·11d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Endrick: “Being a football player is not hard, waking up at 5 AM is”
Real Madrid striker Endrick talked to Ge and shared some thoughts about his career and his last few months as a football player. “There can be moments of a lot of pressure, but you have to be grateful for what football gives you. It’s not hard to be a football player. What’s hard is getting up at five in the morning and working on a Sunday. I just play football, which is what I love most,” said Endrick about the reality of being a professional football player. Endrick went back and shared some memories about Brazil’s shocking loss to Norway in the FIFA World Cup. “It was a very difficult moment. It’s a wound that still remains, and that we have to try to heal as quickly as possible,” he added. Endrick hasn’t made his season debut for Real Madrid yet and some rumors suggest that he could be considering another loan deal during the winter transfer window so that he can get consistent minutes to polish and develop his game.
- Barca Blaugranes·11d ago·Both·transfers
Barcelona linked with USMNT gem Cavan Sullivan amid Man City chaos as agent offers update
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 26: Cavan Sullivan #8 of United States celebrates following the team's victory in the International Friendly match between United States and Peru at Inter.co Stadium on September 26, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/USSF/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona and Real Madrid are being credited with interest in USMNT gem Cavan Sullivan as the fallout of news that Manchester City have been found guilty of multiple financial breaches continues. Sullivan is currently set to join the Premier League side in 2028 when he turns 18, but his agent has suggested that may not be the case after all. “Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world. What they have built cannot be erased from history. It is true that there is a pre-agreement with them for Sullivan, but you never know what can happen. We hope that they solve everything in the best possible way,” Dan Segal said, according to Sport. The report adds that Barcelona were among a host of top clubs keen on Sullivan before he opted for Manchester City. There is now doubt over whether that deal will actually go through due to the uncertainty hanging over City in the wake of last week’s blockbuster news. There’s still no clear indication of what sanctions City may face if found guilty, but there’s been speculation the club could be fined, be handed a hefty points deduction or even have their titles stripped. The news has already led to talk of top players – such as Erling Haaland potentially leaving – and it seems Sullivan’s future may be in doubt as well. The teenager is widely regarded as America’s top young talent and made his debut for the USMNT earlier this month against Peru at the age of just 16.
- Sky Sports·12d ago··transfers
Papers: Barca monitoring as Estevao grows impatient with Chelsea role
The top stories and transfer rumours from Monday's newspapers...
- Barca Blaugranes·12d ago·Both·transfers
Gossip: Barcelona keeping an eye on Estevao’s situation at Chelsea
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Estevao of Chelsea reacts during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on September 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona were heavily linked with Estevao Willian before the Brazilian made the move to Premier League side Chelsea from Palmeiras. Yet it seems the Catalans are still thinking about the Brazilian as he struggles to impress new boss Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge. An update from Diario Sport claims that Estevao is still liked at Barcelona, with Deco “closely following” his situation at Chelsea. Estevao has played only 23 minutes for the Blues so far this season and is said to be growing frustrated with life in west London. There’s also a claim that there have been some disagreements between club and player, not least because “the footballer is not willing to continue gaining muscle mass, as he did in his first season in England because he fears that he may end up losing ability, which is his best offensive weapon, and speed.” There’s no suggestion yet that Estevao wants out of Chelsea, but Deco is said to be keeping tabs on the situation. Barca’s sporting director has said previously that one of the reasons that Barcelona didn’t go for Estevao was because “we have a player for the same position and with similar characteristics called Lamine Yamal.” Meanwhile, Estevao’s agent pointed to the club’s difficult financial situation as the reason the deal failed to materialize and added that the Brazilian still has “a special affection for Barcelona.”
- Barca Blaugranes·12d ago·Both·transfers
‘Lamine Yamal is pure football’ – Joao Felix backs Barcelona star for Ballon d’Or
Lamine Yamal right winger of Barcelona and Spain celebrates the second goal of his team during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on September 19, 2026 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Joao Felix has described Lamine Yamal as “pure football” and backed the Barcelona star to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The Portugal international, who spent time at Barca on loan, says Yamal is the type of player that keeps fans “glued to the TV.” “I’ve always maintained that the Ballon d’Or goes to the player you see and think, ‘Wow.’ This is a star and deserves to be remembered in football history,” he told AS. “If there’s a player who keeps you glued to the TV, it’s Lamine. “It’s true that Mbappé and Kane have had great seasons, but Lamine is pure football. “He also won the World Cup. In World Cup years, winning it is always crucial to be closer to the Ballon d’Or.” After winning the World Cup with Spain, Yamal has gone on to start the season in great form for Barcelona. The teenage has also been impressing with Spain again, scoring in Saturday’s 3-1 win over England.
- Football España·12d ago··transfers
€65m Bastoni Valuation Brings Chelsea Into Focus
Alessandro Bastoni is a shared target for Chelsea and Barcelona, with Transfermarkt valuing him at €65m and his Inter contract running until 2028. The post €65m Bastoni Valuation Brings Chelsea Into Focus appeared first on Football España.
- Barca Blaugranes·12d ago··transfers
What should Barcelona do if Bayern Munich make January offer for Dani Olmo?
Dani Olmo of FC Barcelona performs warm-up exercises during the La Liga EA Sports match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville, Spain, on September 19, 2026. (Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images Bayern Munich are being linked with a move for Barcelona’s Dani Olmo in the January transfer window. According to Sky Sports, the Bavarians are lining up the World Cup winner as a “contingency plan” amid interest in their stars Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise. The German club are said to have been interested in Olmo “since a successful four-year spell in Germany with RB Leipzig, and they have been watching his continued growth at Barca.“ Olmo is valued at around €70 million and “could be offloaded as Barcelona look to build funds to sign Julián Álvarez from Atletico Madrid,” according to ESPN. The Spain star has made eight appearances for Barcelona so far this season, but just three as a starter, contributing three assists. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Should Barcelona consider selling Dani Olmo if Bayern Munich make an offer in January? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Sky Sports·12d ago··transfers
Papers: Man Utd keeping close eye on Barca left-back Balde
The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday's newspapers...
- Barca Blaugranes·12d ago··transfers
FC Barcelona News: 27 September 2026; Lamine Yamal scores in Spain win, Eric Garcia injured
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between England and Spain at Wembley Stadium on September 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images) | Getty Images England 2-3 Spain: World champions punish Three Lions’ errors to complete comeback at Wembley | ESPN World champions Spain came from 2-1 down to beat England 3-2 at Wembley Stadium in the Nations League. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring for the visitors, while Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal were also on target for La Roja. Man City handed Erling Haaland to Barcelona transfer warning | Evening Standard Former Barcelona star Gaizka Mendieta thinks that Erling Haaland could end up joining Hansi Flick’s side following news Manchester City have been found guilty of breaching financial fair play rules. Barça Atlètic 4-0 Peña Sport: On a roll and unbeaten | FC Barcelona Barcelona Atletic continued their strong start to the season with a 4-0 win on Saturday over Pena Sport. Ignasi Quer scored a penalty, Landry Farre was also on target and Shane Kluivert bagged a brace for Juliano Belletti’s side. Eric Garcia is out during warm-up! | Mundo Deportivo Eric Garcia was forced to withdraw from Spain’s Nations League clash with England at Wembley Stadium after picking up an injury in the warm-up. La Roja confirmed that Garcia had some knee discomfort. Adeyemi: “The first thing I did when I arrived in Barcelona was go to the beach” | AS Karim Adeyemi has been chatting about life at Barcelona following his summer transfer to Hansi Flick’s side from Borussia Dortmund. The two strategic sales that Barcelona are preparing | Diario Sport Barcelona are already preparing for two sales. The Catalans are optimistic that Liverpool will sign Ronald Araujo on a permanent transfer and are also hopeful tha Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be sold next summer. Flick doesn’t forget about Gavi | Marca Hansi Flick hasn’t forgotten about Gavi despite his lack of playing time this season. The German coach makes sure to talk to the midfielder a lot and has also praised him publicly during press conferences. Barcelona’s start to season is best in Europe’s top 5 leagues for almost 100 years | ESPN Barcelona’s impressive start to the season is the best in Europe’s top five leagues for almost 100 years. Hansi Flick’s side have scored 36 goals in just eight matches in all competitions so far in 2026-27.
- Football España·12d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
Kylian Mbappe’s Knee Injury Leaves Return Date Unclear
Mbappe injury remains under review after Real Madrid confirm a left-knee hyperextension, with no recovery timetable announced for the France international. The post Kylian Mbappe’s Knee Injury Leaves Return Date Unclear appeared first on Football España.
- Barca Blaugranes·12d ago··transfers
Jurgen Klopp explains decision to drop Marc-Andre ter Stegen despite being ‘very, very happy’ with Barcelona loanee
AMSTERDAM - Germany goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen during the UEFA Nations League match between the Netherlands and Germany at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on September 24, 2026, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. MARCEL TER BALS / ANP (Photo by ANP via Getty Images) | ANP via Getty Images Marc-Andre ter Stegen was back in the Germany team in midweek against the Netherlands after missing World Cup 2026 due to injury but will drop back out of the team for their next match against Greece. Manager Jurgen Klopp explained that the Barcelona loanee won’t play on Sunday and explained why he has decided to give the stopper a break. “Alexander Nübel will start in goal, that was the agreement. I heard – and it surprised me – that Marc-André was viewed critically. And that’s very unusual for a game where the opposing coach said afterwards that the goalkeeper – how did he put it? – saved our bacon?” he said. “Marc played exceptionally well. It’s true, he made a few mistakes, but I have absolutely no criticism of him. I’m very, very happy with his performance. Alexander Nübel will still get a chance. I hope he enjoys it tomorrow. He deserves it too, because all three goalkeepers have made a sensational impression here.” Germany go on to play Serbia and Greece again over the international break, giving Klopp plenty of changes to cast his eye over his squad after taking over as boss of the national team.
- Barca Blaugranes·12d ago··transfers
Barcelona already prioritizing two summer 2027 sales
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Ronald Araujo of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on September 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) | Getty Images Barcelona offloaded a number of players in the summer transfer window and are working on more exits in 2027. The first two players out of the exit door come next summer could well be Ronald Araujo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, according to Diario Sport. Araujo has enjoyed a bright start to life in the Premier League with Liverpool and the hope is that the Reds will make his transfer permanent at the end of the season for a fee of around €55 million. Barcelona are also determined to sell Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the club are eager to get his hefty salary off the wage bill. Ter Stegen is out on loan at Ajax, and has also been recalled to the Germany squad, giving Barcelona hope a permanent deal can be found next summer. With Barca set to return to Montjuic for the first half of next season, the club are aware that sales may well be needed if the club want to strengthen the squad in the coming transfer window. Barcelona’s economic vice-president Ferran Olive has already said players must move if the club want to bring in any new players in January.
- Managing Madrid·13d ago·Real Madrid·transfers
OPEN THREAD | SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
Welcome to The Daily Merengue! THESE ARE YOUR MODS: Ezek XI, Valyrian Steel, KungFuZizou, NeRObutBlanco, Felipejack, and Juninho HOW SOON IS TOO SOON? Should young players make the switch to top clubs at 18? or wait till 21/22 before making the move? Personally, i think we shouldn’t sign any youngster unless they’re really exceptional. And most youngsters under 21 shouldn’t make any big switches till they’re 21/22. Maybe i’m pragmatic and looking for the exceptional. But my criteria are as follows: The age range for all these categories are 18-22 FOR FORWARDS: The player needs to have played 2-3 full seasons as a regular starter with 30-40 games or more under their belt. And no less than double digit goals in each season. minimum, 14-15/season. FOR MIDFIELDERS: Likewise, they need 4-5 years of starting football under their belt, an extra year because midfielders require time and setting to bloom and hone their craft. FOR DEFENDERS: 3 seasons tops, of first team football. Young defenders need to work on their mentality & maturity twice as much as their other abilities. because consistent concentration is more important for them than anything. FOR GOALIES: 2 Seasons of first team football with consistent individual progress. Goalies take much longer to mature than most other positions. What do you think? We’re in a world where everything is rushed, so they give these kids 1 season tops. which is why you tend to see alot of “wonder kids” turned average, pretty quickly.
- Guardian Football·13d ago··transfers
Republic of Ireland’s Gavin Bazunu boycotts Israel match ‘as a person of principle’
Bolton goalkeeper issues statement after withdrawal Ireland players will wear black armbands in match The Republic of Ireland will fulfil their fixture against Israel in Hungary on Sunday night, but only after lengthy deliberations between the players resulted in a “significant majority” voting to play. The Bolton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, however, will not be involved, after pulling out in protest. After a week in which the Irish team and officials have come under increasing domestic pressure to boycott the match due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza, training was delayed by five hours on Saturday while the squad discussed whether to go ahead. Continue reading...
- Barca Blaugranes·13d ago··transfers
‘I like the whole package’ – Jurgen Klopp praises Barcelona’s Karim Adeyemi
AMSTERDAM - Karim Adeyemi of Germany during the UEFA Nations League match between the Netherlands and Germany at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on September 24, 2026 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. MAURICE VAN STEEN / ANP (Photo by ANP via Getty Images) | ANP via Getty Images Karim Adeyemi is back in the Germany squad following his move to Barcelona and featured in the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands last time out. New manager Jurgen Klopp has been quizzed on the Barcelona star ahead of Germany’s next match and had a little bit of a joke at Adeyemi’s expense but was then quick to shower him with praise. Asked about Adeyemi wasting a good opportunity against the Dutch, Klopp said with a laugh: “I was just about to ask which miss?” He quickly added: “He would have put that away normally, even if the ball bounced and was played sharply “Dealing with that is the biggest challenge in a footballer’s life, but we’re working on it. He had many really good moments.” Klopp went on to speak about Adeyemi a little bit more and made his affection for the Barcelona star clear. “He’s a wonderful guy and a very pleasant person. I really like the whole package he offers. I know few people who can choose whether to take the ball with their left or right foot when they’re running. And he has incredible speed,” he added. “Karim offers so much. Can he play better? Yes! But he could have been much worse. Onwards and upwards!” Germany’s next game is against Greece in the Nations League on Sunday night.
- Barca Blaugranes·13d ago··transfers
Could Man City guilty verdict see Barcelona sign Erling Haaland?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Erling Haaland of Manchester City gestures towards the Sunderland fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester City and Sunderland at Etihad Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) | Getty Images The football world is abuzz currently after it was reported by The Athletic that Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial rules they were accused of breaching by the Premier League. An official verdict is still yet to be made, and has been a long time coming, but is now expected to send shockwaves across the football world and have an impact across the Premier League and Europe. It’s still unclear what sanctions may be imposed on City if they are indeed found guilty. There is talk of points deductions, relegation fines, and titles being stripped. There’s also a possibility the club could lose it’s top players. And that’s where it gets interesting from a Barcelona point of view. The club have long been linked with a move for goal machine Erling Haaland, with the striker believed to be president Joan Laporta’s “dream” signing. Barcelona are also a little short on strikers after a summer which saw the club miss out on Julian Alvarez following the departures of Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski. Raphinha has of course come in and done a superb job as No. 9 but it would be no surprise if Barcelona did try and sign a striker again next summer. So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is: Do you think Manchester City’s guilty verdict could see Erling Haaland move to Barcelona? Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
- Barca Blaugranes·13d ago··transfers
Gossip: Juventus planning loan offer for Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde
BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 16: Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Racing Santander at the Camp Nou on September 16, 2026 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Alejandro Balde’s future is making headlines again in Spain after spending the majority of Barcelona’s first eight games of the season on the bench. The left-back has had to watch Xavi Espart and Joao Cancelo play instead of him and has only managed 12 minutes of action for Hansi Flick’s side so far in 2026-27. Balde’s lack of game time has Diario Sport reporting that Juventus are monitoring his situation and could potentially try to sign the defender on loan in the January transfer window. The Turin giants are said to be keen to bring in a left-footer and have already “sounded out” a potential transfer for the Barcelona star. Premier League sides Manchester United and Liverpool have also been mentioned previously, but it seems that Balde is not really interested in heading to England. Balde does still have time to try and play his way into Hansi Flick’s plans for the season but, as things stand, it looks a tough task for him to get regular minutes at Camp Nou.