Barcelona’s youth moves and Olmo shines in Prague
La Masia alumni thriving away: Grimaldo starred at Benfica and Leverkusen, Fabregas became Arsenal leader before returning to Barça, and Xavi Simons blossomed at PSV, PSG loan and Premier League.
Cancelo makes first start since return as Barça face bottom side Oviedo. Casado partners De Jong, Olmo ahead. Balde benched for Gerard Martin; Garcia with Cubarsi. Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski lead.
Barça eye 19-year-old Aron Yaakobishvili for next season’s keeper trio after strong FC Andorra loan: 17 starts, ~75% saves, Barça DNA with ball. Contract to 2028; Deco and Bojan monitoring.
Report: Bernardo Silva wants a free move to Barça despite Saudi offers. Mendes has informed Laporta, but with Fermin, Olmo and Gavi, midfield is not a priority for Hansi Flick.
Barca set to add Hamza Alaa, Ajay Tavares, Oier Olazabal and Patricio Pacifico to Barca B; Chadi Riad departs with 20–25% sell-on. Youth focus led by Deco and Joan Soler.
Eric Garcia went from exit doubts to 50 straight games, a 2031 deal and a key role under Flick, excelling at centre-back and in the double pivot after a turning display vs Benfica.
Ferran Torres, Barça’s top scorer, pushes to return from muscle issue for must-win UCL tie vs Copenhagen. Pedri injured, De Jong suspended. Flick cautious; Lewandowski leads, ‘Shark’ likely sub.
Slavia Praha hail Dani Olmo’s top-corner strike in Barca’s 4-2 Champions League win in Prague, posting “Sometimes you just gotta appreciate a great goal” on social media.
Barcelona join Arsenal in chase for Julian Alvarez, with Atletico open to a summer exit. Alvarez, ex-Man City and World Cup winner, could prefer to stay in La Liga.
Barça open talks to extend Fermin Lopez to 2031 with pay rise amid outside interest. The 22-year-old has 20 G/A, recent UCL brace and MVP, turned down Chelsea. Club see him key long term.
