Newcastle pegged back by Barcelona late penalty
The Premier League form table shows Newcastle 15th, with two wins from six games before visiting Chelsea, who are 5th over the same span. Chelsea sit nine points and seven places above Eddie Howe’s side ahead of Saturday.
After Newcastle scored, Raphinha ripped his Barcelona shirt in frustration, mirroring a 2017 Suárez moment, underlining the intensity around the Champions League tie at St James’ Park.
Newcastle track Palmeiras midfielder Allan, but the Brazilian outfit plans a new renewal to 2030 and wants €40 m-plus. Earlier bids of €30m-€35m were rejected, and any deal is likely to be structured with bonuses.
Barcelona right-back Xavi Espart, who debuted late in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle, is tipped for more minutes against Sevilla, with Jules Kounde out and Hansi Flick backing the 18-year-old.
Bruno Guimarães, valued at around £100m and under contract to 2029, is unlikely to leave this summer despite Manchester City links. No bids received, with his bond to fans and Howe underlined.
Newcastle are open to offers for Tino Livramento amid interest from Arsenal and Man City, with intermediaries briefed. A fee above £60m is expected despite his injury-hit season.
Barcelona’s 18-year-old Marc Bernal, forced off in the 1-1 at Newcastle, says he is fine, confirming ‘just cramps’ after starting at St James’ Park amid Frenkie de Jong’s absence.
