Barcelona eye Kroupi, Cucurella sale brings windfall
After Spain’s 0-0 with Cape Verde without Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Barça’s Dani Olmo urges calm, saying they ‘can do something great again’. He embraces responsibility for club and country.
Pedri excels in Spain’s 0-0 with Cabo Verde: highest xA 1.23, most key passes 5, accurate crosses 3, dribbles 3, carries 59, attacks won 6, 129 touches. SofaScore rating 9.1 despite stalemate.
Hamza Abdelkarim, signed permanently by Barça for €1.5m from Al Ahly, became Egypt’s youngest World Cup player at 18 years 5 months, debuting in a 1-1 vs Belgium after replacing Mohamed Salah.
Barça fans at Spain vs Cabo Verde boo Marc Cucurella and shout ‘Judas’ after his Chelsea exit to Real Madrid was confirmed, despite his La Masia past and previous declarations of Barcelona support.
With Mallorca relegated, Jan Virgili’s clause drops to €12m. Barça, holding 40% rights, can re-sign for ~€7.2m to use, loan, sell for profit, or deal with Betis, depending on Hansi Flick’s plans.
Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso prefers Barcelona despite Chelsea and Atletico interest. Juve would consider around €30m. Barça’s move hinges on Alejandro Balde’s future and Joao Cancelo priority.
Wojciech Szczęsny, re-signed by Barcelona after 2024 retirement, says ‘every training session is more painful’ at 36 but treats it as a daily challenge as he prepares for another season.
Piece argues Barcelona should keep Ferran Torres despite PSG interest. His 21 goals, versatility and fit for Flick’s rotation are valued, with only a very high offer deemed worth considering.
Raphinha trained individually with Brazil alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Gabriel Magalhaes as a preventive measure after a taxing 1-1 vs Morocco. CBF insist there is no injury concern for the Barça winger.
Joško Gvardiol signs new Manchester City deal to 2031, ending Barcelona and Real Madrid hopes of a summer move as both clubs assess defensive targets.
Rashford, after a 14G 14A Barcelona loan, wants to return but permanent £26m option was not used. Flick has encouraged a potential repeat loan, though Anthony Gordon’s arrival complicates a deal.
Barcelona contact Bournemouth over 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi, eyed as long-term No 9. Journalist Adrian Sanchez says Barça have ‘made a move’, with the forward valued at €100m after 13 PL goals.
Manchester United, with Michael Carrick keen, have renewed interest in Marc Casado. The 22-year-old’s Barça future is uncertain after a reduced role, and inquiries have been made though no offer yet.
Keeper Diego Kochen, Barça’s third choice last season, is set for a loan. Several La Liga 2 clubs have offered him minutes as Barça seek first-team experience for the 20-year-old, contracted until 2028.
Real Madrid sign 16-year-old ex-La Masia winger Clifford Nana from Damm after 6 goals in 15 games. A speedster and 1v1 threat joins La Fabrica, leaving Barça’s rivals to develop him.
Paul Pogba hails Lamine Yamal, advising him to ‘just play football’, and says the Barça teen is already among the world’s top three players.
Gavi starts wide in Spain’s 0-0 vs Cabo Verde, struggles and is subbed for Lamine Yamal after 70 minutes. Fans label his display ‘terrible’, citing zero shots, key passes, successful dribbles or crosses.
Spain draw 0-0 with Cape Verde. Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal returns from hamstring injury, comes on at 71 minutes and lifts Spain, but they cannot break through. Call grows for him to start next game.
Marc Cucurella joins Real Madrid from Chelsea for €55m plus €5m, triggering FIFA solidarity payments. Barcelona, his La Masia club, are set to receive about €1.35m, with more if add-ons are met.
Monaco plan to trigger Ansu Fati’s €11m clause after 12 goals in 30 games. The winger hoped for a Barça return, but Anthony Gordon’s arrival blocks it, making a permanent Monaco stay likely.
Barça shift scouting to add physical, dominant defenders, expanding beyond Spain under Joao Amaral. Names linked include Bastoni, Micky van de Ven, Luka Vuskovic and Lucas Herrington to boost European hopes.
Flick to assess right-back options in pre-season: Hector Fort and Xavi Espart compete, with Kounde, Eric Garcia, Araujo and possible Joao Cancelo also options as Barcelona seek balance for 2026-27.
