Barcelona add Kugel to Flick’s staff as contract moves and injuries shape plans
Andreas Christensen renews with Barcelona to 2028 on reduced pay with bonuses. Club can terminate the second year if he plays under 30% of matches in the first season, paying small compensation.
Diego Simeone hails Julián Álvarez as Atlético’s best player and urges him to focus on Argentina, as Barcelona pursue the striker to replace Robert Lewandowski.
Harry Kane opts to stay at Bayern Munich and plans to discuss a renewal after the World Cup, closing the door on Barcelona, who continue to prioritise Julián Álvarez.
Reports in Spain claim Anthony Gordon’s move cost Barça €104m including €24m in agent fees, on top of €70m fee plus €10m add-ons, after choosing Barcelona over Bayern Munich.
Barça Atlètic extend Òscar Gistau to 2028, while goalkeeper Diego Kochen joins Lyngby on a season-long loan with option to buy until 2027 as he seeks senior minutes.
Barcelona near a loan sending Marc-Andre ter Stegen to Ajax, but the Dutch side would cover only 10-15% of his wages, leaving Barcelona to pay most of his high salary despite him being out of Flick’s plans.
Barça’s 2026-27 home kit debuts a Gaudi-inspired ‘FC Barcelona Modernista’ typeface, but La Liga rules force standard league lettering, limiting use to Europe and cups despite strong early sales.
Barça track Pablo Torre after Mallorca’s relegation, retaining 50% of his rights. A clause allows a La Liga loan if wages are covered. He ended 2025/26 with 4 goals and 5 assists, prefers top-flight stay.
Barcelona inquire with AC Milan about Rafael Leão’s conditions for a move despite signing Anthony Gordon. Interest remains exploratory amid competition from Manchester United, Tottenham and Saudi clubs.
Raphinha rejoins Brazil training after a hamstring issue but is unlikely to face Norway in the Round of 16. Brazil target his full return for the World Cup quarter-finals amid Barcelona’s caution.
Barça youngster Hamza Abdelkarim, ever-present for Egypt, says focus is on Argentina not Messi, praises Mohamed Salah’s guidance and aims to ‘be the reason we win’ before the World Cup last-16 tie.
Al Hilal push to sign Marc Casado with a lucrative offer. Barça expect around €30m via fixed plus add-ons. The 22-year-old weighs Saudi move against European interest from AC Milan, with decision due soon.
Lamine Yamal, 18 years and 354 days, becomes the youngest European to be on the winning side in 10 major-tournament matches after Spain beat Austria 3-0, surpassing Kylian Mbappé’s mark.
Barcelona appoint Benjamin Kugel as first-team fitness coach, replacing Julio Tous, who leads a new performance department. Kugel, trusted by Hansi Flick, is tasked with reducing muscular injuries.
