It’s not been the greatest of seasons for Xavi Hernandez and Barcelona, and yet the Catalan outfit find themselves second in La Liga and in the quarter finals of the Champions League.
Given their form across the campaign so far success in both competitions is unlikely, but it’s definitely possible if they get the rub of the green in the final part of the 2023/24 season.
In some respects, Xavi announcing his departure from the club early has galvanised his troops who will understand that they’re now playing for their places, given that any new incumbent will be running the rule over performance levels and the like once their ushered through the entrance door by Joan Laporta and Deco.
De Jong is happy at Barcelona
Both the president of the club and the sporting director are up against it in terms of turning around the fortunes of the Spanish giants both on and off the pitch.
The awful tenure of Josep Maria Bartomeu has left Barca mired in debt which clearly has a knock on effect on what standard of players can be brought in or kept.
One player that appears to be going nowhere despite persistent rumours linking him with a move elsewhere is Frenkie de Jong.
The Dutchman has often been the fulcrum for the Catalans when fit, his energetic bursts from midfield a key feature of Barca’s attacking rhythm. Not to mention a willingness to get back and help his defence as required.
Frenkie de Jong is happy at Barcelona
His all-action performances are deserving of more acclaim that he often receives, however, that hasn’t apparently curtailed his enjoyment of wearing the blaugrana.
“Despite the new rumours that have been in the news this week which suggest that Barcelona are considering selling Frenkie de Jong, I’m not aware of this honestly,” Fabrizio Romano said to CaughtOffside in his exclusive Daily Briefing.
“Frenkie has said many times in public that he’s very happy at Barça, and Laporta even said just a couple of days ago that Frenkie is a crucial part of the club’s project.
“So, at the moment, the situation between the parties is understood to be very calm.”
A week ago, we reported that Barcelona have begun contract negotiations with three La Masia jewels, namely, Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort and Marc Guiu.
Leading up to the story, a report from Mundo Deportivo has affirmed that the team from Catalonia continues to take big steps towards their goal to extend the relationship with the La Masia gems.
The rapid rise of these talented players has prompted Barcelona to take swift action. To begin with, Cubarsi’s recent debut with the senior team, following his impressive performances in lower ranks, served as a wake-up call for the club to act and prevent any potential talent drain.
In just a few months, the 17-year-old’s value skyrocketed from €1.5 million to €25 million, as indicated by Transfermarkt.
Similarly, Fort’s price surged from the initial million in December to €7.5 million presently, while Guiu’s market value saw a remarkable increase, climbing from €2.5 million to €7.5 million.
Barcelona want to be safe
It is believed that Barcelona are putting major emphasis on extending Cubarsi and Fort’s contracts, which expire in 2026 and 2025 respectively.
Notably, both players have a release clause set at just €10 million, prompting the club to expedite negotiations.
Barcelona do not want to take any risk with the La Masia gems. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Despite being aware of the players’ desire to stay, Barcelona prefer not to take any chances. They aim to prevent any potential suitors from swooping in with tempting offers.
Meanwhile, Guiu finds himself in a similar contractual situation, with his current deal also set to end in 2025. The club is hopeful that developments regarding the future of these talented youngsters will emerge in the coming weeks.
Securing their continued presence would mark a significant stride in solidifying La Masia’s role in the first team and advancing the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
Barcelona head coach Xavi has this afternoon provided an insight into the personnel situation in his squad.
And the news will no doubt bring a collective smile to the faces of Barca supporters the world over.
This comes amid confirmation that, long-term absentees Gavi, Pedri, Alejandro Balde and Frenkie de Jong aside, the Blaugrana will be without just one player for their return to action this weekend.
The man in question? Andreas Christensen.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of playing host to Las Palmas on Saturday, Xavi announced that:
“Everyone is fine and available, except for Christensen.”
Stopper Christensen, for his part, was forced to pull out of international duty with Denmark last week, owing to an Achilles issue.
Yet to be given the medical green light to return to full training alongside the rest of the Blaugrana’s squad, Xavi and his coaching staff have therefore deemed it best to afford the former Chelsea man further time to recover.
On the other hand, seemingly available to feature from the off at Montjuïc tomorrow is Ronald Araújo, who was also considered a major doubt after departing the Uruguay camp prematurely with a thigh concern.
FC Barcelona continues their search for a new starting midfielder. Now you can add another name to the list of potential targets: Khéphren Thuram.
Born in Italy, Thuram is the son of French legend Lillian Thuram, and the brother of France forward Marcus Thuram. He has represented France at all youth levels and recently made his debut for the senior team.
He is having a great season for Nice in Ligue 1, where he has been labeled one of the revelations of the French season.
It’s understood that Amadou Onana is Barcelona’s top target for the position, but the Everton midfielder could prove too costly,
Thuram may be more affordable as his contract runs out next year. Rumors say he is excited about a potential move to a top team.
Real Madrid had scouted Thuram, but they may not be able to offer him playing time. Other potential suitors include AC Milan and various Premier League teams.
Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has told the club to “look at both” Fermin Lopez and Mario Hermoso, as the former may not be at the forefront of Barcelona plans but could make them “a lot of money.”
Unai Emery has seven centre-backs in his squad at the moment. Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings started the season together in the heart of defence, but the latter picked up an injury on the opening day which has kept him out all term.
Pau Torres has shown himself to be very useful, and is now one of the starters on merit. Clement Lenglet has also been a solid understudy, but is set to return to Barcelona at the end of the season.
Diego Carlos is frequently in and around the side after missing much of last season through injury, and that leaves Calum Chambers and Kortney Hause essentially surplus to requirements.
That will be even more true if Villa manage to land the La Liga centre-backs they are tracking.
According to recent reports, they’ve offered Atletico defender Hermoso a contract, as he’ll be free to move on at the end of the season. Barcelona midfielder Lopez is also on the radar.
Emery knows La Liga well, so Villa fans will trust his judgement when it comes to recruiting from the country, after Torres and Alex Moreno seamlessly transitioned to English football.
And according to former Villa man Hutton, both men should be pursued by the club.
Hutton wants Villa to get Lopez and Hermoso
“I think you have to look at both,” Hutton told Villa News.
“You have to look at right now and for the future developing players.
“He’s [Lopez] only 20, I think he’s played a lot of games for Barcelona this season, they have had injuries don’t get me wrong, but it’s given him the ability to come in and play regular football and have a look at him.”
Indeed, the Barcelona youngster, in the wake of injuries to Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, has played 31 games in all competitions this term, scoring six goals and assisting once from the midfield.
He’d surely be one for both now and for the future, while the signing of 28-year-old centre-back Hermoso would firm up the back line for a few years, something Hutton feels is true.
“I like teams that look to the future and development to bring players in. Yes, they can play now, but they’re going to get better in time but we have an experienced player coming in that’s going to help us right at this moment,” he said.
Barcelona can make big money from Lopez
While he’s not sure if Barcelona would want to part company with the thriving youngster, Hutton believes the ability to make a good sum from him is something they might not want to pass up on.
“Is he going to play that guy who’s going to be playing every single week when their main guys come back? I don’t know, I’m not sure. Are Barcelona willing to sacrifice him, but still make a lot of money for him?” Hutton added.
Indeed, they’re in financial strife, so making money anywhere they can should be something to take into consideration.
Lopez is protected by a ridiculous £343million release clause, but nobody will actually pay that, and given the financial problems, there’s certainly a chance the midfielder is sold for a somewhat normal fee.
After a two-week hiatus due to the international break, Barcelona return to La Liga action on Saturday night as they host Las Palmas at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.
The Blaugrana go into the game on the back of a 3-0 victory over Atletico Madrid before the break. And they will be eager to build on that ahead of the huge UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie against PSG on April 10.
At the same time, Barcelona will also want to put pressure on La Liga leaders Real Madrid, who do not play until Sunday night, with a win over Las Palmas that would cut the gap between the two teams to five points.
Xavi talks Las Palmas clash
Addressing the media ahead of the game against Garcia Pimienta’s side, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez first of all expressed his relief that no players were injured while away on national team duty.
“The players have all come back well, luckily,” he said.
Discussing the challenge that Las Palmas will pose on Saturday, Xavi remarked: “Las Palmas don’t waste the ball, they have very technically gifted players, Barça DNA, you have to take the ball away from them. They come with little to lose, it can’t be easy for us.”
On whether it will be a dangerous match for his team, the 44-year-old said: “I’ve told them to forget about the national teams in order to continue this positive dynamic. It’s a very important match to continue fighting for the league title. We need the fans.”
On the transition from national team football back to club football for players, Xavi said: “I’m worried about the side coming back from the national team and adapting to club mode.
“We’re going to focus on La Liga, we believe we can fight for it and it’s vital to put pressure on Real Madrid.”
Team news and players
The Barcelona manager also confirmed that Marc-Andre ter Stegen is fit and available after an injury scare in training while ruling out Andreas Christensen out of the tie.
“Everyone is fine and available, with the exception of Christensen. Marc was just a scare, he’s fine,” he said.
Xavi then discussed Lamine Yamal’s performance for Spain against Brazil this week which earned him a standing ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu, saying:
“I see him very calm, he is digesting everything very well, he is a mature, responsible person and aware that he has to keep working. I see him with more humility than ever. He is a footballer to mark an era and I hope we can always enjoy him at this level.”
Discussing the 16-year-old’s maturity at such a young age, Xavi added: “We have done a good job physically. On a mental level, he is a cheerful and playful guy who is enjoying himself and happy.
“The team and the group have accepted him perfectly. I don’t see any problems, it’s all positive.”
Xavi praised Lamine Yamal’s maturity. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The manager also reserved praise for Robert Lewandowski, who returned after leading Poland to the UEFA Euro 2024 qualification.
“He is a natural leader, he works hard, he wants to improve, he is a great player for us and he is in great form. I told him that the other day (Atlético) was one of his best games at Barça. He is vital for our interests,” said Xavi.
Ilkay Gundogan has been one of Barcelona’s best players this season even though he only joined the club last summer. And the ex-Man City captain earned praise from his manager, as Xavi said:
“Gundogan’s having an excellent season. The numbers are there, but everything he gives us is invaluable. Everything he gives us, his personality and experience…. He is a totally differential and fundamental player for the team.”
On whether the midfielder will be rested tomorrow given his workload with Germany, the manager replied: “Tomorrow is not the ideal day to rest the players, he will most likely take part in the game.”
Confirming that both Gundogan and Lewandowski will be involved tomorrow, Xavi added: “I have spoken to them yesterday and today, they are both fine and ready. Robert has accumulated a lot of minutes, but he is ready to compete tomorrow.”
Xavi also confirmed Ferran Torres and Marcos Alonso are fit and ready to return, saying: “Yes, he’s [Ferran’s] good. Two games with the youth team and they’ve done well, as has Marcos Alonso. I’m happy for him.”
“Ferran can play in all five attacking positions and has played in all of them. He’s got versatility, he’s strong, he’s quick, he’s got a goal. He will continue to give us a lot,” he later added about what the forward brings to the table.
The 44-year-old then hailed Yamal and Pau Cubarsi as the future of Barcelona and Spain, but they must now take up the challenge to perform and maintain their level at the biggest stage.
“Let them keep up the level. Barça is the top step, and the Spanish national team. The challenge is to stay for many years in elite football, they have all the conditions.
“They have everything, we have two players who can mark an era in the club, even in world football,” he said.
Amid speculations that Vitor Roque might start against Las Palmas on Saturday, Xavi praised the youngster, saying:
“This week he has trained on the wing, on the inside, as a ‘9’. He’s doing very well, he has a great capacity to adapt and the most important thing is that whenever he’s been out there, he’s always contributed things.
“This is Vitor, he can bring things out for the group and the team.”
Xavi is happy with Vitor Roque. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Xavi also stressed that Roque and Lewandowski operate well together, saying: “I think the two of them have a very good understanding.
“Vitor’s minutes have almost always been played with Robert. Vitor is always playing in space and Vitor benefits from it and vice versa. They get on very well in the dressing room.”
On the possibility of Mika Faye getting minutes with the first team, Xavi said: “He’s already played in some friendly games with us, he’s a capable player, he’s aggressive, he’s quick. Good level, he can help us one day.”
On the importance of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, he added: “When things go wrong, we miss those who are not there. When things go well, those who have not been involved are bad….
“Frenkie and Pedri have been missed even though we have had some great games. They are vital.”
During the international break, PSG manager Luis Enrique named seven Barcelona players who could be starters at the French club.
And Xavi was asked to pick PSG stars who could be starters at the Catalan club, to which he responded:
“It’s difficult, they would have competition, but a lot of competition. They are two great teams, at a very similar level. We could say the same as Luis Enrique said about us.”
On his future
Over the past few days, there has been a lot of chatter around Xavi’s future with reports suggesting that Barcelona president Joan Laporta will do everything to convince him to stay.
But the manager insisted that his mind is made up on the matter, saying: “I’ve already told them that I’m very grateful to the staff, personally to me, to the president, to Deco. I don’t think anything changes, I think what is best for the club. Nothing changes.”
Earlier this week, it also emerged that Xavi had sued two journalists over spreading false claims. Confirming the same, the Barcelona head coach said:
“Yes, it has never happened to me before. I understand the criticism, but to a certain extent. I will not tolerate lying and making things up. These are very big lies and it’s time to say enough is enough.”
Barcelona kick off their season run-in on Saturday, when they host Las Palmas at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. A victory would keep their slim hopes of winning La Liga alive, and the Catalan giants aren’t giving up in their attempts to retain the title they won in 2022-23.
Despite Las Palmas going into the match in poor form, having failed to win any of their last five matches, it’s still been a very good season for the Gran Canaria-based side. Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez expects a very tough test this weekend, as he said during his press conference (via MD).
“In front of us, we will have an opponent who plays very good football, players who are very technically gifted and who resemble what we are looking for. Pimienta works very well and they come to show, with a lot to win and little to lose.”
Xavi also confirmed reports from MD that Andreas Christensen won’t be risked against Las Palmas, but he is counting on Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde.
“They’re all fine except Andreas, who is still suffering from discomfort. Ter Stegen was a scare. Kounde and Araujo are fine.”
It makes sense for Barcelona not to risk Christensen, as he’s likely to be their starting pivot for that first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, provided that he is fit. It gives an opportunity for Oriol Romeu to earn a rare start, or it could be Ilkay Gundogan that operates in a deeper role.
Barcelona have reportedly rejected a €35 million offer for young right-back Hector Fort who has attracted interest after breaking into the first team.
Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Barca have received the bid and quickly turned it down, although there’s no detail on which club were eager to sign the 17-year-old.
Fort is contracted to Barcelona until 2025, and has a €10m release clause in his deal, but the club are said to be keen to secure his long-term future.
The teenager certainly seems to have a bright future at the club. He’s made seven appearances in all competitions this season, playing on both flanks for Xavi’s side.
Fort will be hoping he can go on and cement his position in the squad for next season and has a great chance with doubts over who will play at right-back next year.
Joao Cancelo is only on loan from Manchester City and is not guaranteed to stay at Barca, while we all know that Jules Kounde wants to play at centre-back.
Julian Araujo is expected to return from Las Palmas and be given a chance to stake a claim, but Fort will surely also get a chance to make the spot his own.
A headline member of the first-team setup at Real Madrid has on Monday moved to reveal his appreciation for the talents of Barcelona sensation Pau Cubarsí.
Stopper Cubarsí, for his part, is currently in the midst of his first experience with the Spanish national team.
Owing to a remarkable breakout couple of months on the books of Barcelona, the 17-year-old was this month afforded his maiden call-up by La Roja head coach Luis de le Fuente.
And it did not take Cubarsí at all long to make his mark, featuring from the bench in his country’s friendly defeat at the hands of Colombia over the weekend.
Expected to be handed yet further minutes to impress against Brazil on Tuesday night, it is therefore safe to say that the defender, despite his tender years, already boasts the trust of the Spanish coaching staff.
And, evidently, Cubarsí has impressed his new teammates on the international stage over the course of the last week, too.
Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Dani Carvajal was asked for his take on the youngster’s explosion onto the scene in Spain.
And, after sending a message of congratulations the way of Cubarsí, the Real Madrid stopper went on to put Clásico rivalries to one side, in confirming his belief that the Barcelona man is a legitimate candidate to take his place in the Spanish squad for the upcoming European Championships:
“I congratulate him on his debut. In training and in the few minutes he had [on the pitch] he didn’t look out of place at all. Also with his club a very high level is being seen. He is another of the candidates to be at the European Championships.”
Barcelona are confident about recruiting Girona midfielder Aleix Garcia as they look to strengthen their squad in the summer.
In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo mentioned that Barcelona are confident about recruiting Girona ace Aleix Garcia this summer. It has been stated that the Catalan club are eyeing a move to bring the Spanish midfielder to the Nou Camp at the end of this season.
Garcia’s Impressive Form In Spanish Football
Garcia is having a decent campaign at the Spanish club after he put in a string of impressive displays at the heart of their midfield. The 26-year-old has scored three goals and grabbed six assists in 31 matches for Girona this season across all competitions.
The Spanish talent has made a positive impact in both halves as he is averaging 1.4 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 1.1 shots, 1.7 crosses and 1.4 key passes per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution after completing 91.7% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).
Garcia is under contract at the Spanish club until the summer of 2026. Hence, it won’t be easy for Barca to get a deal done for him in the upcoming transfer window.
Is Garcia A Good Choice For Barcelona Head Coach Xavi?
Garcia is a solid tackler of the ball and can scan the danger quickly to scan the danger well to earn the ball back for his side in the middle of the park. He doesn’t hesitate to clear his lines when needed and can shoot the ball with venom from long range.
The Spanish midfield ace has got the vision to create a few promising chances for his teammates in the final third. He mainly functions as a box-to-box midfielder or play in the number ten position or operate as a defensive midfielder if needed.
We can expect Garcia to add more quality and energy to Barcelona‘s midfield department. At 26, he is about to enter his prime soon which makes him a decent choice for the Catalan club to consider at the end of this campaign. However, Barca might struggle to fund a move to land Garcia as they are currently going through a financial crisis.
The Spaniard has already proven his worth in his homeland and could be a real asset in the Catalan club‘s squad if Barca can find a way to get a deal done for him ahead of the new campaign.
