Barcelona eye teen talent as Cancelo readied for Copa test
Barça visit Racing Santander in Copa del Rey: La Liga leaders vs La Liga 2 leaders, Araujo set for minutes after return, and João Cancelo could make his second debut off the bench.
Barça agree LDU Quito trial for 17-year-old Ederson Castillo, a Man Utd target. He will train in Spain and could join Barça Atlètic if signed. LDU president: “It’s official… internship at Barcelona.”
Raphinha credits Hansi Flick for his resurgence: “If Flick hadn’t come, I would have left Barça.” Under Flick he has 45 goals, 26 assists in 74 games, now a key attacker and captain.
CSKA bid €25m for Levante’s Etta Eyong, a Barcelona target. Levante prefer deferred sale to keep him until June, with talk of €40m summer clause. Barça must act fast if keen.
After Barça’s 3-2 Supercopa win over Real Madrid, Flick said he stayed calm late on: “With Joan García in goal, I’m calm,” ahead of the Copa del Rey tie vs Racing.
Barça will scout Racing’s 18-year-old left-back Jorge Salinas in the Copa del Rey. The Spain U19 prospect, renewed to 2029, draws top-flight interest and offers versatility at LB/LCB.
After Real Madrid’s 3-2 Copa loss to Albacete on Arbeloa’s debut, Gerard Pique quips “Good debut of the new Madrid,” stoking Barça–Madrid rivalry before Los Blancos face Levante.
João Cancelo gets the traditional ‘tunnel of slaps’ at Barça training on return. Flick says the full-back “can have some minutes” in the Copa del Rey vs Racing after Supercopa win.
Espanyol negotiate Porto deal for ex-La Masia forward Angel Alarcon. Barça hold 50% sell-on, so a permanent move would bring cash; loan vs sale structure still undecided.
Report claims Hansi Flick wants Ronald Araujo sold, doubting his reliability and consistency. Deco and staff allegedly agree as Barça eye a new defensive leader this summer.
Samuel Umtiti hails Frenkie de Jong as “one of the best”, praising his versatility at Barcelona—No.6 or No.8—his bravery on the ball and leadership during tough spells.
