Barcelona close on Adeyemi as pre-season plans take shape
Mikel Merino, back from a rare foot stress fracture, struck late off the bench to oust Belgium after doing the same vs Portugal, while Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal waits for a defining World Cup moment.
Pedri is benched for Spain’s World Cup quarter-final vs Belgium in Los Angeles, with Fabián Ruiz starting alongside Rodri and Dani Olmo. Lamine Yamal keeps his place.
Barça will face Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy on 19 August at Spotify Camp Nou, their first home outing of pre-season, after exploring RB Leipzig and Ajax. Friendlies include CE Europa, Udinese and Forest.
Ex-Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski joins Chicago Fire on a deal running to 2028. He could debut after the World Cup break, potentially facing Messi. The move raises questions over MLS top scorer Hugo Cuypers’ role.
Barça have told Ferran Torres to renew or be sold, amid PSG interest and Atletico’s admiration. Valued at around €50m, talks to extend his 2027 deal will resume after the World Cup as he focuses on Spain’s semi-final.
Ajax prospect Aaron Bouwman has hinted Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to join on loan, praising his Barça experience. The move would give the captain minutes and could ease Barcelona’s crowded goalkeeping set-up.
Barcelona will submit a new bid for Club Brugge winger Jesse Bisiwu after a rejected €9m offer. The player has given the green light, with Brugge seeking a big sell-on clause. Initial plan includes B team minutes.
Young Barça goalkeeper Áron Yaakobishvili, 20, after 21 league games on loan at Andorra and a Hungary cap, is on the lists of Mallorca, Racing Santander and Levante, with another loan likely.
Barça begin pre-season on 13 July with nine called up: Wojciech Szczęsny, Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martín, Andreas Christensen, Marc Casadó, Marc Bernal, Roony Bardghji, Fermín López and Héctor Fort.
Héctor Fort, back from an injury-hit loan at Elche where he produced 5 goal contributions in 17 games, will fight in pre-season to earn a place in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona squad.
New Barça winger Anthony Gordon spoke with David Beckham at England’s camp before facing Norway. Gordon has 2 assists, won a key penalty, and is pushing to start on the left in the quarter-final.
Nike’s Barcelona 26-27 away kit appeared on online stores in an apparent leak.
Barça youngster Xavi Espart reflects on his Champions League debut, versatility at full-back and midfield, and La Masia roots, as he targets the U19 Euro title and praises Hansi Flick’s faith in youth.
Barcelona plan a new offer for Julián Álvarez despite Atletico’s €500m clause, believing around €130m could land him. Manchester City and Tottenham are tracking Sporting winger Francisco Trincão amid a possible €50m move to Al-Ahli.
Lamine Yamal praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘aura’, calling him a prime example after Spain’s 1-0 win over Portugal, adding the Madrid icon gives a ‘wow’ effect.
Spain’s 2-1 win over Belgium ensures a Barça player will be in the World Cup final for a fifth straight edition, with eight Barcelona players in La Roja and Jules Kounde with France in the semi-final.
Lamine Yamal, man of the match vs Belgium in Spain’s 2-1 win, said: ‘If France has to fear anyone, it should be us.’ Spain face France in the semi-final at the Cowboys’ stadium on Tuesday.
Bayern Munich admire Jules Kounde but have made no move due to a defensive surplus. Barça are relaxed with his deal to 2030, though offers around €65m would be heard. Kounde is happy at the club.
Barça are close to signing Karim Adeyemi from Dortmund for €22m plus €7m add-ons. He would follow Anthony Gordon, with Julián Álvarez still targeted to replace outgoing Robert Lewandowski under Hansi Flick.
