Barcelona buzz as Yamal shines, Elche on alert
Man City boss Pep Guardiola gave a pro-Palestine speech at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi, calling for action and solidarity after City’s 2-0 win over Galatasaray.
Laporta shuts door on January exits for Marc Casado and Marc Bernal, hails Cancelo loan and Fermin renewal. Says market is “closed” and Barça enjoy a “sweet moment” after UCL top-eight finish.
Barcelona sell 18-year-old centre-back Andrés Cuenca to Como with a 20% sell-on; he heads on loan to Sporting Gijón. Barca Atlètic prospect is a Spain U20 regular.
Barça eye 22 Feb vs Levante to open Gol Nord (phase 1C), lifting capacity to 62,657. Technical work done; administrative sign-off pending under ORPIMO rules and city procedures.
Raphinha says “I think I deserved to win” the 2025 Ballon d’Or after a 60+ G/A year; he finished 5th as PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé took the prize.
Newcastle make multiple approaches for 17-year-old Barça midfielder Guille Fernandez amid frustration over minutes. Talks ongoing as Barça risk another La Masia exit after Marc Guiu, Dro Fernandez.
PSG eye Marcus Rashford if Barcelona avoid his €30m buy, despite 21 G/A and his wish to stay. Wage cut and clause talks key for a permanent deal.
Despite beating Copenhagen 4-1, Barcelona concede for an 11th straight UCL game, 24 allowed since the 2024-25 Dortmund tie, highlighting Flick’s defensive concern.
Elche boss Eder Sarabia praises Barcelona’s press and counters, warns on Raphinha and Lamine Yamal threat, and stresses preventing early Barça dominance before their La Liga meeting.
Sevilla’s Nico Guillen, tracked by Barcelona, renews to 2029 with €20m clause. Interest from Real Madrid and Man City cooled as the 18-year-old returns to train under Matias Almeyda.
Lamine Yamal makes UEFA’s UCL Team of the Week after starring in Barcelona’s 4-1 win over Copenhagen with a goal and assist, dazzling on the right flank.
Report claims Barcelona could move for Man United centre-back Lisandro Martinez, admired as a left-footed, ball-playing option. Argentine’s deal runs to 2027.
Barça agree loan with option to buy Al Ahly’s 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim. No loan fee; buy clause up to €3–5m. Set for Barça Atlètic after medical; first Egyptian to wear Barcelona colours.
Deco says Barça passed on Estevao Willian as priorities lay elsewhere with Lamine Yamal in same role. Chelsea paid €34m + add-ons. “Timing, not quality,” and profile overlap were key factors.
Barcelona sit 3rd in FIFA CWC qualifying rankings on 63 points, ahead of Real Madrid (45) and Atletico (43), boosted by Flick’s UCL runs and consistent form.
Pedri, injured on 21 January vs Slavia Prague, is out about a month but shows calmer mindset. UCL top-eight qualification eases pressure as he targets late-February return for Barça.
