Barcelona is in advanced talks to sign Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal for a fee between €10-15 million, with reports indicating a deal is close to completion. The 29-year-old, under contract until 2027, is seen as a replacement for departing Robert Lewandowski. Multiple journalists confirm negotiations, with Jesus keen on the move and a medical scheduled. The transfer aims to bolster Barcelona's attack before the window closes.
Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, 22, is expected to leave the club after being omitted from the squad for their La Liga opener against Elche. Agent Jorge Mendes met with sporting director Deco and Balde to discuss his future, with Manchester United reportedly preparing a €40 million bid. Balde’s playing time has been reduced by Joao Cancelo’s return, and head coach Hansi Flick questioned his commitment. Barcelona also discussed youth players Marc Casadó and Guille Fernández’s potential departures.
FC Barcelona successfully registered three new signings—Rodri, Anthony Gordon, and Karim Adeyemi—just before their La Liga season opener against Elche, avoiding previous registration issues. Rodri, a major signing from Manchester City, trained individually due to fitness recovery and missed the opener, while Cancelo joined full training. Coach Hansi Flick managed player workloads carefully, with Bernal starting in midfield. The club still lacks a replacement for Lewandowski up front, but expectations remain high.
FC Barcelona has officially promoted 19-year-old La Masia graduate Xavi Espart to the first team, assigning him the No. 12 jersey. Espart impressed coach Hansi Flick during preseason, showcasing versatility across defense and midfield. He started in Barcelona’s La Liga opener against Elche and has since overtaken Alejandro Balde in the left-back pecking order. Espart joins fellow 2007-born talents Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Marc Bernal, highlighting a historic youth generation at the club.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick left-back Alejandro Balde was dropped from the squad for the La Liga opener against Elche, citing a lack of 100% commitment. Balde, who rejected summer transfer offers to stay, was told to stay home and clear his mind. Flick later clarified he did not ask Balde to leave. Meanwhile, Gavi suffered a knee injury (same knee as 2023), but initial reports suggest it may be less severe than feared. Barcelona won 5-0, with Raphinha scoring twice.
Portuguese full-back João Cancelo is set to rejoin FC Barcelona as a free agent after terminating his contract with Saudi club Al-Hilal. Cancelo agreed to forgo part of his remaining salary to facilitate the move, which was confirmed by multiple journalists and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. He will sign a two-year contract, marking his first permanent stint at Barcelona after previous loan spells. Cancelo expressed happiness and relief upon arrival, citing his admiration for Barcelona’s style and his willingness to make financial sacrifices for the transfer.
FC Barcelona is actively pursuing Manchester City midfielder Rodri, reportedly offering €60 million and accepting his high salary demands. Multiple Spanish media outlets indicate Rodri has rejected a generous offer from Real Madrid, choosing Barcelona for personal reasons. Barcelona must resolve registration issues and negotiate with City, who seek at least €50 million. The club hopes to finalize the deal quickly for Rodri to join training next week.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is pursuing Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, who has expressed his desire to join the French club. With only one year left on his contract and feeling neglected by Barcelona, Torres has agreed personal terms with PSG. Barcelona is motivated to sell due to a financial clause requiring an additional €8 million payment to Manchester City if they extend his contract. PSG, seeking a replacement for injured striker Gonçalo Ramos, is preparing an offer between €40-45 million. Talks are expected to accelerate, with both clubs pushing for a resolution within ten days.
Barcelona is aggressively pursuing Argentine forward Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, with sporting director Deco meeting his agent in Madrid. Atletico has rejected Barcelona's €100 million offer, demanding his €500 million release clause. Alvarez has resumed training with Atletico but may push for a move. Barcelona plans to increase its offer but won't exceed €150 million. A critical deadline of August 10th looms as Alvarez meets with Atletico officials.
Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji, 20, suffered a serious right knee injury during training on August 10, later confirmed as an ACL rupture. This is his second major knee injury, following a 10-month layoff in 2024. He will undergo surgery and miss most of the 2026-27 season, derailing a planned loan move. The Swedish international made 28 appearances last season but was expected to leave due to limited playing time.
Liverpool has reached a verbal agreement with Barcelona to loan Uruguayan center-back Ronald Araujo for one season, with a non-mandatory buy option. The deal, confirmed by journalist Fabrizio Romano and approved by Barcelona’s sporting director Deco, was driven by Araujo’s desire for more playing time after coach Hansi Flick warned of limited opportunities. Liverpool will cover his salary during the loan. The transfer is expected to be finalized within 24 hours.
Portuguese full-back João Cancelo is at the center of a transfer dispute between Saudi club Al-Hilal and FC Barcelona. After a €10 million fee was reportedly agreed, tax issues and Cancelo’s absence from Al-Hilal’s pre-season camp in Austria have caused tensions. Al-Hilal considered disciplinary action, but later denied a boycott, stating the absence was mutually agreed. Cancelo remains in Portugal training individually, awaiting a permanent move to Barcelona, where he is a priority for coach Hansi Flick.
Real Madrid's attempt to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri this summer has hit major obstacles. While Rodri initially agreed to personal terms, negotiations broke down due to a significant gap in transfer fee demands—City wants €65-75 million, while Madrid offers only €50 million plus variables. Barcelona has now entered the race, monitoring the situation as Rodri reconsiders his options after advice from Spanish teammates. The 30-year-old Ballon d'Or winner has one year left on his contract.
FC Barcelona, under coach Hansi Flick, has started its preseason training camp at St George's Park in Staffordshire, England, instead of a long-haul tour due to the 2026 World Cup schedule. The squad includes new signing Karim Adeyemi and youth prospects, while eight Spain World Cup winners are absent. Barcelona will play friendlies against Birmingham City (July 31) and Preston North End (August 3). The camp focuses on fitness, tactics, and integrating new players.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is set to join Ajax on a season-long loan after resolving double taxation issues between Spain and the Netherlands. Barcelona will cover 90% of his salary. The transfer, delayed by tax complications, has now been finalized, with ter Stegen leaving Barcelona’s training camp to travel to Amsterdam. He aims to regain form after nearly two years sidelined by injuries.
FC Barcelona has finalized the signing of 18-year-old Belgian winger Jesse Bisiwu from Club Brugge for approximately €8.5-10 million, with a five-year contract until 2031 and Club Brugge retaining a 20% sell-on clause. Bisiwu, known for his speed, dribbling, and physicality, will initially train with the first team under coach Hansi Flick while being registered with Barcelona B for gradual integration. The deal was driven by the player's strong desire to join Barcelona, despite interest from other European clubs.
Atlético Madrid has filed a formal complaint with FIFA and the Spanish Football Federation, accusing Barcelona of illegally contacting and harassing Argentine forward Julián Álvarez to force a transfer. Barcelona received the complaint and will respond within legal timeframes. Atlético admits lacking concrete evidence, and historical precedent (the Griezmann case) suggests minimal penalties. The dispute highlights escalating tensions between the two La Liga clubs and could affect Álvarez’s transfer prospects.
Barcelona's board of directors has officially approved a project to integrate the structures of the first team and Barcelona B team, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. The move aims to achieve more flexible, efficient, and coordinated management across sports, economics, and operations. Football director Deco and his assistant Bojan will be more directly involved in coordinating between the two teams, maintaining direct communication with first-team coach Hansi Flick and B team coach Belletti. Their responsibilities include team signings and arranging B team players' promotions to the first team. The scouting department head, Joao Pedro Amara, is also part of Deco's team. Previously, youth football director Alexanco, who also managed the B team, will now focus exclusively on the U19 A team and lower-level youth teams.
Portuguese full-back João Cancelo, 32, is set to permanently join FC Barcelona from Saudi club Al-Hilal for around €10 million, following a loan spell. Despite Al-Hilal initially summoning him for pre-season, reports confirm a deal for a six-month loan then two-year contract. Cancelo criticized Portugal’s 1-1 World Cup draw with DR Congo, while Barcelona manager Hansi Flick pushed for the transfer. Agent Jorge Mendes facilitated talks, ending uncertainty over Cancelo’s club future.
Barcelona captain and winger Raphinha has ended his vacation in Orlando and Ibiza and will join coach Hansi Flick's training at St George's Park starting Wednesday, preparing for the La Liga opener against Elche on August 23. The Brazilian, who suffered a right thigh muscle injury during the World Cup and was eliminated early with Brazil, aims to regain his peak form. Despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, Raphinha has committed to staying at Barcelona until his contract expires in 2028. In Flick's first season, he achieved career-best stats of 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 matches, but injuries limited him to 33 appearances and 21 goals last season. New fitness director Benjamin Kugel has designed a personalized recovery plan to help Raphinha return to his best level, strengthening Barcelona's attacking lineup alongside Yamal, Gordon, and Adeyemi.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has brought 17 young players from the club's youth academy to a training camp at St George's Park in England. The squad will play two friendly matches: one against Birmingham City on July 31 and another behind closed doors against Preston North End on August 3. Flick is impressed with the youngsters' performance during the first two weeks of preseason in Barcelona. The article profiles several players including Álvaro Cortés (21), a center-back who debuted last season; Jofre Torrents (19), a left-back expected to go on loan; Xavi Espart (19), a U-19 European champion compared to Kimmich and Lahm; Guille Fernández (18), a physically strong midfielder with contract extension talks; and Toni Fernández (18), an attacking player. The report highlights Barcelona's strategy of developing homegrown talent and potentially loaning some players for first-team experience.
Barcelona held their second day of training at St. George's Park in England under increased intensity led by new fitness coach Benjamin Kugel, who replaced Julio Tous. Kugel previously worked with head coach Hansi Flick during their time with the German national team, helping win the 2014 World Cup. The training saw Fermín López and Araújo return to grass recovery, while Balde trained normally after missing last week due to pubic pain. Fermín is in the third month of recovery from a fractured fifth metatarsal and aims to play before the La Liga opener against Elche on August 23. In contrast, German winger Karim Adeyemi is expected to make his Barcelona debut sooner, in a friendly away against Championship side Birmingham City on Friday. Ter Stegen continues full training while his loan to Ajax remains unresolved due to tax details. Barcelona will hold another closed session later in the day.
Bournemouth have rejected two bids from Barcelona for 20-year-old striker Eli Junior Kroupi, who impressed in his debut Premier League season with 13 goals in 33 games. The French forward, signed from Lorient in February 2025 for £11 million, is versatile across attacking positions. Barcelona view Kroupi as a backup option to Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, who has expressed a desire to leave. Manchester United also have the player on their shortlist. Both rejected bids were reportedly under £85.7 million (€100 million).
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the head coach of the French national team. According to Transfermarkt, since Zidane became a head coach in 2016, he has managed 263 matches across all competitions in the top five leagues, averaging 2.19 points per game. This ranks him fourth among all managers in the same period. The top three are Hansi Flick (2.42), Luis Enrique (2.29), and Pep Guardiola (2.27). Other notable managers in the top ten include Xabi Alonso, Thomas Tuchel, Massimiliano Allegri, Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti, and Xavi. The data covers all competitions in Europe's top five leagues.
Barcelona's medical report confirms Frenkie de Jong has suffered a medial collateral ligament tear in his right knee, likely requiring surgery and a 5-6 month absence. Despite this setback, the club's sports management plans to proceed with selling midfielder Marc Casadó if a €30 million offer is received, with interest from Premier League and Saudi League clubs. Casadó has acknowledged his limited playing time prospects and will discuss his future with coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, though he has not ruled out staying. Barcelona internally believes it has sufficient alternatives, including promoting defensive midfielder Tommy Marks to a larger first-team role and temporarily delaying Bryan Fariñas' move to Girona to evaluate him during preseason.
Atlético Madrid accuses Barcelona of illegally contacting striker Julián Álvarez, who publicly expressed a desire to leave after Argentina's World Cup win over Austria. Atlético refuses to sell, citing his €500 million release clause and contract until 2030. The club plans to file a formal complaint with FIFA, citing Barcelona's alleged "harassment" tactics similar to past transfers like Griezmann. If found guilty, Barcelona could face a transfer ban, and Álvarez a suspension.
Uruguayan center-back Ronald Araujo returned to Barcelona training on July 20 after the 2026 World Cup, where he played no minutes due to injury. He will meet new coach Hansi Flick to discuss his role amid fierce competition for starting spots. Araujo, club captain with a contract until 2031, is committed to staying and regaining form. Atletico Madrid is monitoring his situation as a potential defensive reinforcement.
FC Barcelona youth midfielder Brian Fariñas has joined the first team's preseason tour in England, leaving his potential transfer to Girona in limbo. The 20-year-old, who has a contract with Barcelona until 2028, was initially expected to move to Girona either on loan or permanently. However, his desire to prove himself with the first team, combined with Frenkie de Jong's long-term injury, has changed the situation. Fariñas will now train under coach Hansi Flick during the UK tour, and his performance will determine his future. Girona remains on standby, monitoring the situation while also exploring other market options. Fariñas had a strong season with Barcelona B, playing all but one league game, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is set to join Ajax on loan until June 2027, with Ajax covering most of his salary. The 34-year-old German, who lost his starting spot under coach Hansi Flick, plans to travel to Amsterdam for a medical. However, the deal is stalled due to unresolved tax details from Barcelona, causing Ajax to lose patience as they need a goalkeeper for upcoming qualifiers.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was diagnosed with a serious right knee ligament injury during pre-season medical tests on July 14, 2026, potentially sidelining him for up to four months. The injury, which may have originated during the 2026 World Cup where he played with cortisone injections, threatens his availability for the start of the 2026-27 season. The setback also impacts Barcelona's transfer plans, possibly preventing a sale and forcing the club to retain Marc Casadó.
26 reports · 7 sources · Updated
Periodic recap
What changed for this subject in each tracking window — generated from matched events, delta-first.
→· 1 event in window
As the transfer window closes, Hansi Flick has found an internal solution for his forward line. Brazilian winger Raphinha has scored five goals in the first three La Liga matches of the season, becoming the first Barcelona player to do so since Lionel Messi. Flick now considers him a reliable number 9 option, which may affect the urgency of the club's pursuit of Gabriel Jesus.
Raphinha scored five goals in the first three La Liga rounds, including a brace against Rayo Vallecano, earning Man of the Match honors twice.
Hansi Flick has publicly stated that he now views Raphinha as a reliable number 9 option.
This development comes as Barcelona is in talks with Arsenal to sign Gabriel Jesus as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Earlier recaps
→· 1 event in window
Hansi Flick's Barcelona is closing in on a forward signing before the transfer window shuts. The club is in advanced talks with Arsenal to sign Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus for a fee between €10 and 15 million, as a replacement for the departing Robert Lewandowski. Reports indicate the deal is nearing completion, with the player keen on the move and a medical already scheduled.
→· 1 event in window
Hansi Flick welcomed a key player back to the pitch this period. Rodri, who had missed the opener for fitness recovery, made his debut as a substitute in a rescheduled match against Athletic Bilbao. Flick praised Rodri's leadership and tactical impact, believing his integration will further strengthen the team's midfield control.
→· 1 event in window
Hansi Flick's squad building at Barcelona reached a key milestone this period as the club registered three new signings just before the La Liga opener. Marquee addition Rodri missed the first match due to fitness recovery, with Flick taking a cautious approach to player workload management. The team still lacks a replacement for Lewandowski up front, but overall expectations remain high.
→· 1 event in window
Hansi Flick's reshaping of the Barcelona squad took a new turn this period with the promotion of another La Masia graduate. 19-year-old utility player Xavi Espart has been officially promoted to the first team and handed the No. 12 jersey after impressing Flick during preseason. Espart started the La Liga opener and has already overtaken Alejandro Balde in the left-back pecking order, following the latter's public rift with the coach.
→· 1 event in window
Following the public rift with Balde in the previous period, Hansi Flick continues to reshape the Barcelona squad. In this period, young defender Héctor Fort has been deemed surplus to requirements by Flick, with the club setting an asking price and seeking a sale before the transfer window closes. Meanwhile, midfielder Marc Casadó has also attracted interest, with Barcelona placing a higher valuation on him.
Tracked events
Events matched to this subject by the tracking pipeline, with signal scores.
· Signal 189.4
Raphinha scores five goals in first three La Liga matches, first since Messi for Barcelona
Brazilian winger Raphinha has scored five goals in Barcelona’s first three La Liga matches of the 2024/25 season, the first Barcelona player to achieve this since Lionel Messi in 2017/18. He scored a brace in a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano and a goal in a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, earning Man of the Match honors. Coach Hansi Flick now considers Raphinha a reliable number 9 option.
Rodri Makes Barcelona Debut in 2-0 La Liga Win Over Athletic Bilbao
Rodri debuted for Barcelona as a 62nd-minute substitute in a rescheduled La Liga match on August 27, helping secure a 2-0 home victory over Athletic Bilbao. The midfielder played 27 minutes, recording 25 passes and one key pass, while showcasing aerial defensive skills. Coach Hansi Flick praised his leadership and tactical impact, noting Rodri’s integration will improve midfield control. Rodri expressed satisfaction with his debut and praised Barcelona’s midfield depth.
Barcelona's Hector Fort and Marc Casadó Attract Transfer Interest from Multiple Clubs
Barcelona defender Héctor Fort, 18-20, is set to leave the club after being deemed surplus by coach Hansi Flick. Borussia Dortmund, Real Sociedad, and several Premier League clubs have shown interest. Barcelona seeks €10-20 million, with a sell-on clause or buy-back option. Fort reportedly rejected Dortmund for Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, midfielder Marc Casadó has drawn inquiries from RB Leipzig and a Turkish club, with Barcelona valuing him at €40 million. Both transfers aim to free salary space before the window closes.
Barcelona's Araujo to Join Liverpool on Loan with €55M Buy Option
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo has agreed to a season-long loan move to Liverpool, with the Premier League club covering 100% of his salary. The deal includes a non-mandatory €55 million purchase option valid until June 2027. Araujo, who lost his starting spot at Barcelona, will undergo a medical in Liverpool on August 9, 2024. The transfer frees up salary space for Barcelona to pursue Manchester City's Rodri and other targets, while Liverpool fills a defensive vacancy left by Konate's departure.