Barcelona gain from Rodri choice as Raphinha shines
Lamine Yamal said he deserves the Ballon d'Or after a strong year with Barcelona and Spain, arguing his ability to entertain should count alongside trophies.
Barcelona have reportedly ruled out a January move for Julián Alvarez, with the Atletico Madrid forward waiting to see whether PSG or Arsenal make a bid.
Barcelona believe Marc-Andre ter Stegen's Ajax loan is rebuilding his value after injury, with regular minutes and Germany's No 1 role boosting a summer sale.
Jules Koundé has been named in France's new four-man captaincy group under Zinedine Zidane, underlining the Barcelona defender's standing with Les Bleus.
Barcelona are pushing to sign JJ Gabriel from Manchester United, but Sport say Real Madrid's offer is significantly higher. The 15-year-old's decision is expected within days.
Barcelona are seeking up to 510m euros in new debt to finish Camp Nou and cover delay-related shortfalls, with the full project now pushed back to 2028-29.
Michael Owen said Barcelona and Real Madrid could tempt Harry Kane, though he noted the Bayern striker is settled in Germany and a Premier League return remains possible.
Hansi Flick is shortlisted for La Liga's September manager award after Barcelona won 4 from 4 and scored 19 goals. Diego Simeone and Manuel Pellegrini are also nominated.
Barcelona Femení marked their 900th official win by thrashing Paris FC 5-2 in the Women's Champions League, with Ewa Pajor scoring twice.
Raphinha has hired agent Ali Barat to oversee final renewal talks with Barcelona, with the framework for a long-term contract extension already in place.
RB Leipzig's Castello Lukeba would prioritise Barcelona over Premier League interest, with Hansi Flick convinced by the left-footed defender as Barcelona monitor a deal.
Barcelona say their rising wage bill remains under control at 53% of revenue, but renewals and a temporary return to Montjuïc could tighten finances next season.
Rodri said Real Madrid 'really tried hard' and held direct talks, but chose Barcelona because Hansi Flick's setup suited him better.
Ronald Araujo has impressed on loan at Liverpool, but a 55m euro permanent move remains uncertain as it may clash with the club owners' recruitment strategy.
Rodri backed six Spain World Cup winners for the Ballon d'Or, including Barcelona pair Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, saying all have 'solid arguments'.
After Andreas Christensen's injury, Hansi Flick is considering giving young centre-back Hafiz Gariba a first-team chance to ease Barcelona's shortage in defence.
Barcelona plan an official ceremony for Andreas Christensen's 2028 renewal, though no date is set. The defender is sidelined again after his latest injury setback.
On-loan midfielder Marc Casadó has returned to Barcelona to begin recovery from a broken collarbone. He underwent surgery and is expected to be out for around 3 months.
Rodri said Real Madrid 'did everything' to sign him, then defended referees, insisting mistakes do not decide a 38-game league and claims of favouring Barcelona harm football.
Barcelona are already benefiting from Rodri's control in midfield, while Real Madrid's failure to sign him is being exposed despite Bernardo Silva's arrival.
Bild say Barcelona are interested in 15-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Niko Iličević, with Bayern, Real Madrid and Chelsea also tracking him.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí is among the nominees for La Liga's September Under-23 award, alongside Yassir Zabiri, Alberto Moleiro, Miguel Sierra and Yoel Lago.
Raphinha admitted doubts over becoming Barcelona's No 9, but has 14 goals in eight games, matching César Rodríguez's club record under Hansi Flick.
Xavi Espart said he is 'living a dream' after becoming a Barcelona regular, adapting from midfield to left-back and targeting a future Spain senior call-up.
