Barcelona face Olmo interest as Deco rules out Alvarez move
Anthony Gordon said he watches every Real Madrid match, partly to follow Jude Bellingham and partly ‘hoping they lose’, as Barcelona set the early pace.
Rodri said Raphinha has surprised him most at Barcelona, praising the captain’s switch from winger to No. 9 after his superb start to the season.
Gabriel Jesus could make his first Barcelona start against Getafe, with Flick considering rotation after the break and Raphinha facing long Brazil travel.
Marc Cucurella said he sent Rodri a ‘subtle’ message before his summer decision, admitting he wanted the midfielder to join him at Real Madrid, not Barcelona.
Barcelona are reportedly open to selling Alejandro Balde for €40m in January, with Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all approached.
Pedri has won back possession 44 times this season, more than any other La Liga player, underlining his off-ball importance for Barcelona under Hansi Flick.
Marc-André ter Stegen praised Barcelona’s flying start under Hansi Flick after Germany’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, saying from afar that ‘they cannot be stopped’.
Deco ruled out a renewed Barcelona move for Julián Alvarez, saying the Atlético Madrid forward is ‘in the past’ after the club’s failed summer pursuit.
Deco confirmed Barcelona liked Lautaro Martinez in the summer, but ended their pursuit once Inter said the captain was not for sale.
Andreas Christensen’s injury could hand Jules Kounde more minutes, with the Frenchman in line to compete for Barcelona’s left-sided centre-back role.
Brian Farinas is pushing in training to earn his Barcelona debut, with Flick set to rotate more as a packed schedule after the break opens chances.
Thomas Tuchel backed Harry Kane over Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d'Or, citing Kane’s goals, titles and all-round ‘committed’ displays.
Fermín López said Anthony Gordon is the summer signing who has surprised him most, backing the winger to help Barcelona greatly after impressing in training.
Barcelona teenagers Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal start for Spain U21 against Finland, with Espart making his debut at that level.
Bayern Munich are weighing up a January move for Barcelona’s Dani Olmo after his limited starts under Hansi Flick, with the German champions drawing up attacking contingency plans.
Deco denied Barcelona are pursuing Manchester United teenager JJ Gabriel, saying the club are not interested and are not involved in his situation.
Castello Lukeba is reportedly ready to approve a January move to Barcelona, with the RB Leipzig centre-back still keen on a switch as Barça weigh defensive cover.
Rodri said Atlético ‘could’ have seen Lee Kang-in sent off in the 2-1 win over Real Madrid, while adding referees can make mistakes in such incidents.
Ronald Araujo is impressing on loan at Liverpool, featuring in defence and at right-back, with the Premier League side weighing a €55m permanent deal.
Raphinha said he was ready to leave Barcelona in 2024 until Hansi Flick’s call changed his mindset. He also backed Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d'Or.
