How Barcelona will react to Vitor Roque’s agent’s complaints

Vitor Roque’s agent Andre Cury has made it clear the Brazilian’s not happy with his bit-part role at the club and could even seek a permanent transfer if the situation doesn’t change.

Xavi has already said that he thinks Vitor Roque could go out on loan in the summer, but Cury has insisted that’s simply not an option for the forward.

Yet Barcelona aren’t willing to change their stance on the Brazilian despite Cury’s words, according to Marca.

The club “will not give in to any blackmail” are not interested in Cury’s ultimatums about Vitor Roque’s future.

Xavi’s future in danger if Barcelona fail to meet important end-of-season goal

As a horror show of a season soon comes to an end, Barcelona had the chance to save some dignity and cement their spot as the runners-up of the 2023/24 La Liga season when they took on Girona this weekend.

However, things did not play out in their favour as Michel’s team hit Barça for four goals again, winning 4-2 despite losing 1-2 at half-time.

Now a point behind their Catalans rivals, Barcelona have a lot of work that needs to be done before the season ends while hoping that Girona face a speed breaker or two along the way, as well.

If the blaugranes do not finish second, they will miss out on the Spanish Super Cup spot next season, and in the process, lose a ton of money, too. And as it turns out, it will put Xavi’s future in danger, again.

Spanish Super Cup quota

According to a report published by AS, Xavi’s continuity is in danger if Barcelona are unable to qualify for the Spanish Super Cup next season.

Xavi had announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the season, but after three months of mostly good results and a lot of convincing – public and otherwise -, from the club, he took the U-turn, deciding to stay put for another season, at least.

As a horror show of a season soon comes to an end, Barcelona had the chance to save some dignity and cement their spot as the runners-up of the 2023/24 La Liga season when they took on Girona this weekend.

However, things did not play out in their favour as Michel’s team hit Barça for four goals again, winning 4-2 despite losing 1-2 at half-time.

Now a point behind their Catalans rivals, Barcelona have a lot of work that needs to be done before the season ends while hoping that Girona face a speed breaker or two along the way, as well.

If the blaugranes do not finish second, they will miss out on the Spanish Super Cup spot next season, and in the process, lose a ton of money, too. And as it turns out, it will put Xavi’s future in danger, again.

Spanish Super Cup quota

According to a report published by AS, Xavi’s continuity is in danger if Barcelona are unable to qualify for the Spanish Super Cup next season.

Xavi had announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the season, but after three months of mostly good results and a lot of convincing – public and otherwise -, from the club, he took the U-turn, deciding to stay put for another season, at least.

Barcelona seem to have lost the plot since the PSG game and Xavi’s announcement, and have conceded nine goals in three La Liga games.

Can Barcelona overtake Girona?

With four games left to play in La Liga this season, Barcelona and Girona have a largely equally complicated path till the finish line.

Girona, for example, will take on Deportivo Alaves (A), Villarreal (H), Valencia (A), and Granada (H), while Barcelona have Real Sociedad (H), Almeria (A), Rayo Vallecano (H), and Sevilla (A) on their calendar.

Villarreal and Valencia are challenging for a spot in the Conference League and could prove to be a problem for Girona, while Alaves do not have much to play for.

Similarly for Barça, Sociedad are challenging for a Europa League spot, while Vallecano are trying to stay out of relegation danger.

There is no scope for mistakes for either team right now, but especially Xavi and his squad.

Barcelona consider only five stars as untouchables heading into the summer

With Real Madrid officially sealing the league title, Barcelona are set to endure a trophyless 2023/24 campaign.

Barcelona’s poor season could only help double down their effort to undergo a major overhaul in the coming summer, with the future various star players likely to come under scrutiny.

Five untouchables at Barcelona

To that end, a recent report from Diario AS has pointed out how Barcelona could be set for a mass clearout this summer, especially if the club fail to finish second in the league.

In fact, Barça have identified only five players who are untouchables. That means the departure of these select individuals will not be considered as they are too important to the Barcelona project.

Unsurprisingly, the list is led by Pau Cubarsi – the young centre-back who has emerged as one of the best defensive prodigies in the world.

Barcelona will not consider the exit of Cubarsi, even as the club are open to listening to offers for defensive duo Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo.

Another defensive player who is considered an untouchable is Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The German international has failed to replicate his performances from last season but remains a key individual in between the sticks. His exit, therefore, won’t be considered.

Moving into midfield, Barcelona are sure about continuing with Gavi, but Pedri surprisingly fails to make the list.

It appears Barça are increasingly worried over Pedri’s poor injury record and the youngster could be allowed to move on if he fails to move past his leg injuries.

Fermin Lopez, meanwhile, is also considered an untouchable, largely thanks to his breakthrough campaign this term and his ability to rise to the occasion when his team needs him the most.

Finally, the list concludes with none other than Lamine Yamal, who is undisputedly the most promising prospect at Barcelona right now.

Yamal is expected to become the face of the Barcelona frontline in the years to come, with many even considering him as a potential candidate for the iconic number ten jersey next season.

Barcelona aiming to sign at least three new starters this summer

As Xavi himself expressed after the loss to Girona, a lot of things need to be changed at FC Barcelona ahead of the next season. This is particularly true for the team, which needs several reinforcements in the coming summer transfer window.

But making these signings will only be possible if the Catalans are able to return to the 1:1 rule, which will allow all of their revenue from player sales to be spent on new signings. The Blaugranes are already working towards this goal, and it is hoped that they will be able to achieve it in the coming weeks.

But planning is already underway at the club for the summer transfer window, and according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are thinking of bringing in three or four new players this summer to replace some of the key players, like Busquets and Dembele, lost last year.

The top priority of the Catalans is still a midfield pivot, with Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi being the most favoured players. Both these players have been linked with the Catalans for some time now, and Kimmich can leave for an affordable price this summer as his contract goes only till 2025, and he has not agreed on a renewal yet.

Zubimendi, who has fulfilled the dream of playing for his beloved Real Sociedad side in the Champions League before leaving for greener pastures, can decide either to join Barcelona or an English club this summer. Guido Rodriguez is also a candidate for Barcelona for this position, especially as he can arrive for free.

After the pivot, the Catalans will also be looking to sign a left winger, and Dani Olmo and Nico Williams are the two players on the top of the list for Barcelona for this position. The former has a release clause of €60 million while the latter’s release clause stands at €50 million.

Bernardo Silva also remains one of Xavi’s great dreams for his midfield, and his release clause is currently set at €58 million. Olmo can also play as an interior in the midfield.

Lastly, as the team struggled with finishing its chances in front of goal, a goal-scorer can be the last summer arrival for Barcelona. However, the future of Robert Lewandowski will have to be sorted before another striker arrives at the club.

Tottenham set to hold talks with Barcelona to sign Raphinha

Tottenham will soon hold talks to sign Raphinha from Barcelona, with Arsenal and Chelsea also interested in the €60 million-rated winger.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Raphinha is the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The North London giants are ready to initiate discussions to sign the Barcelona attacker, valued at €60 million. Meanwhile, the Brazilian international is also a target for Arsenal and Chelsea.

Raphinha and his topsy-turvy Barcelona spell

Raphinha has been a solid performer for Barcelona since arriving from Leeds United in a deal worth around €60 million in July 2022. While the 27-year-old has had bouts of inconsistency, he has been one of the top game-changers for the Blaugrana in the last two years, with his stock rising in recent weeks.

The Brazilian international has enjoyed a decent 2023/24 campaign, contributing to 21 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions, having found the back of the net nine times while providing 12 assists. However, Raphinha’s Barcelona future is uncertain due to the crippling financial situation at the club. Such a situation has captured the attention of several high-profile clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.

A man in demand

Arsenal and Chelsea were also keen on securing Raphinha’s services before Barcelona came calling in July 2022. The two London giants retain their interest in the former Leeds United talisman, looking to bring him back to the Premier League. Arsenal will consider the Barcelona forward as an alternative to the underperforming Gabriel Martinelli.

On the other hand, Chelsea’s continued interest in Raphinha is somewhat surprising, considering Mauricio Pochettino has several wide attackers in his squad. However, the Barcelona attacker, who will cost around €60 million in the summer transfer window, should be an upgrade on all options. However, Chelsea and Arsenal are falling behind Tottenham in the race to sign the player.

The North London giants are ready to open talks with Barcelona for Raphinha’s services. Daniel Levy wants a world-class wide attacker to provide a multi-faceted threat in the final third. So, the 27-year-old has emerged as a viable target, with his price tag of €60 million being within Tottenham’s reach.

It will be interesting to see if talks between Tottenham and Barcelona progress well in the coming weeks. However, with the competition for Raphinha’s signature being high, the North London club should ramp up the efforts to sign the €60 million-rated Brazilian international before another suitor can turn his head.

Barcelona have made their first signing of next season

A sensational report from SPORT has affirmed that Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign midfielder Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer this summer. He will be the club’s first signing for the upcoming season.

Barcelona have been in talks with the Argentine midfielder for months, quite specifically, ever since the last national team break.

The negotiation has been led by Deco, who pushed for the deal that had initially been considered last summer.

Despite Rodriguez being one of Xavi’s desired options last summer, no agreement was reached at the time.

A lot of work has gone into Rodriguez’s signing

It is to be noted that Rodriguez’s contract with Betis will come to an end in June, allowing him to join Barcelona on a free transfer.

During the last FIFA international break, Barcelona’s sporting director met with Rodriguez’s agent to finalize the groundwork for an agreement that will be formalized when the current season concludes.

A sensational report from SPORT has affirmed that Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign midfielder Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer this summer. He will be the club’s first signing for the upcoming season.

Barcelona have been in talks with the Argentine midfielder for months, quite specifically, ever since the last national team break.

The negotiation has been led by Deco, who pushed for the deal that had initially been considered last summer.

Despite Rodriguez being one of Xavi’s desired options last summer, no agreement was reached at the time.

A lot of work has gone into Rodriguez’s signing

It is to be noted that Rodriguez’s contract with Betis will come to an end in June, allowing him to join Barcelona on a free transfer.

During the last FIFA international break, Barcelona’s sporting director met with Rodriguez’s agent to finalize the groundwork for an agreement that will be formalized when the current season concludes.

Interestingly, Barcelona’s plan with Rodriguez is to line him up to fill the void left by Oriol Romeu, who is set to depart.
On the other hand, his signing does not mean Barcelona will stop exploring other options for the position, with Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich still being a potential target for the club.

Rodriguez, 30, has been a key player for Betis this season, enjoying a regular spot in the starting lineup.

His move to Barcelona marks an important step in his career and is expected to strengthen the midfield for the Catalan club.

Why Guido Rodriguez?

It must be remembered that Barcelona’s financial situation affects their ability to scout new talent.

Even though they have managed to offload costly contracts, they are still dealing with budget limitations.

In this scenario, Rodriguez emerged as an appealing choice as his acquisition would not involve much spending since he would arrive as a free agent.

At the same time, for someone like Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi, the team from Catalonia will have to spend a fortune.

19-year-old Barcelona forward fed up with his situation – report

Everything, at least for right now, is far from sunshine and rainbows at FC Barcelona. The recent defeat to Girona has left La Blaugrana crumbling with their hopes to finish second in La Liga. However, beyond just that humiliation, Barcelona are struggling with their players as well.

A specific case that is proving to be quite problematic for Barcelona is that of Brazilian striker Vitor Roque. One of the most underused and under-utilized assets currently at the disposal of Xavi Hernandez, it would appear that the consequences of neglect have managed to finally catch up to the Barcelona youngster.

According to Mundo Deportivo, there is currently a great disconnect between the Brazilian forward and the Barcelona coach. The 19-year-old striker, who arrived in January, feels more uncertain than ever about his Barça future beyond this point in time.

As per the report, Roque does not understand why Barcelona even ended up betting on him or advancing his arrival to the Catalan club if they were not willing to give him the opportunities to grow and adapt. Instead, all he was allocated were 310 minutes across all competitions, and he also did not get to feature even once in the UEFA Champions League nor in El Clasico.

The South American pearl, renowned for his mental fortitude, has finally begun to crumble as well. Sources close to the player suggest he has been struggling even in his personal life due to the negligence from Barcelona, to the point where he has cried in solitude as well due to his

Furthermore, updates from his camp suggest that the Barcelona coach has chosen to neglect him completely and does not even hold regular communication with him, something that has bothered him a lot.

Sources close to the coaching staff reject this information, instead stating that they have even put in extra effort to help Vitor Roque get acclimatized.

For now, there is great suspicion from Roque’s side about his future at Barcelona. Beyond just being a massive financial bet for the club, he also can not find a reason in the fact that he has been trusted so little.

He has scored twice in the 310 minutes that he has played, and only two games have also come for him with the opportunity to play as a starter.

Robert Lewandowski tells Barcelona to stick together after Girona defeat

Robert Lewandowski sent out a message to fans and called on Barcelona to improve after the team’s 4-2 defeat to Girona on Saturday.

The Poland international was on target in the defeat, from the penalty spot, to take his tally to the season to 17 in La Liga.

Lewandowski’s goal had put Barcelona 2-1 up and in control at Montilivi but another collapse saw Girona take all three points.

The striker took to social media after the match with the following post: “We haven’t accomplished the goals this club and its supporters deserve. We must do better, and we will give our all to achieve it. We must stick together culers.”

Barcelona’s latest defeat is another dismal day for the club. The team have now conceded 13 goals in their last four games – a run that includes losses to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Fabrizio Romano: Girona push to keep Barcelona loanee next season

Eric Garcia is one of four Barcelona loanees set to return to Camp Nou at the end of the season.

The former Man City centre-back is currently on loan at Girona. He has been quite successful as well, playing a central role in Girona’s defensive line that has emerged as one of the best in the league.

In a recent media interaction, Xavi Hernandez reiterated his trust in Garcia, reinforcing the idea of Barcelona potentially including him in next season’s plans.

Girona to try and keep Garcia

However, as pointed out by Fabrizio Romano recently, Barcelona may face a strong pushback from Girona in their bid to keep Garcia.

It appears Girona are keen on retaining the services of the Spanish centre-back, who has adapted very quickly to Michel’s defensive unit.

Girona, therefore, will make a strong push to try and keep hold of Garcia and perhaps extend his loan spell at the club.

What should be Barcelona’s play here?

Barcelona are facing a sticky situation in regard to their defensive unit. Inigo Martinez has not performed well and could be allowed to move on.

Recent reports suggest Barça may also listen to offers for Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde, in a desperate attempt to bring in fresh revenue.

Keeping that in mind, someone like Eric Garcia must be looked at before Barcelona make any decisions regarding his future.

Even if the Catalans look to offload Garcia, they are only expected to look for a permanent deal, knowing his valuation could come down in the event he fails on his second loan spell at Girona or anywhere else.

Xavi asks Barcelona director to negotiate the return of La Masia-graduated PSG midfielder

Barcelona’s recent 4-2 defeat at the hands of local rivals Girona is set to wide-ranging consequences, as far as the club’s squad planning for next season is concerned.

Coach Xavi Hernandez, in particular, is facing the heat once again despite confirming his desire to remain at Camp Nou a little more than a week ago.

With pressure mounting, Xavi is determined to make significant changes to the team ahead of the next season, aiming for more than just a small makeover.

Barcelona coach eyeing another ‘Xavi’

Among Xavi’s ambitious plans is the return of Dutch talent Xavi Simons to Camp Nou, according to Diario SPORT.

Simons, who previously shone in Barcelona’s youth ranks before joining Paris Saint-Germain, has caught Xavi’s eye with his versatility, and goal-scoring ability. The coach sees him as a player who can inject creativity and flair into the team’s attack.

Currently on loan at RB Leipzig, Xavi Simons has been involved in 24 goals in all competitions this term – emerging as one of the club’s top performers.

Keeping Simons’ success in mind, Xavi is now banking on Deco’s negotiation skills to bring the former La Masia starlet back to Catalonia.

Several complications for Barcelona

However, the road to Simons’ return is fraught with obstacles. Despite Xavi’s keen interest, PSG are adamant about keeping hold of the young midfielder, viewing him as a valuable asset with immense potential.

Moreover, PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, intends to include Simons in his plans for the upcoming season, citing the player’s growth during his loan spell.

Complicating matters further is PSG’s strong ties with RB Leipzig, who hold a priority option for Simons’ loan if they so desire. This alliance could potentially tip the scales in Leipzig’s favour, should they express interest in securing Simons’ services again.

Deco thus faces the daunting task of negotiating with PSG for Simons’ return, knowing full well the club’s limited financial resources and PSG’s reluctance to part ways with the promising midfielder.