Barcelona superstar only thinking about staying at club amid exit speculations

As Barcelona start preparing for the season ahead, the club will have to make some tough decisions in the coming summer.

Players like Robert Lewandowski, who was earlier untouchable, may have to leave in order to free up the salary bill so that Barcelona can secure a deal for new players.

Lewandowski, along with three other stars, are facing an uncertain future at the club and Barcelona have not entirely ruled out the idea of selling him this summer.

Can Lewandowski lead Barça forward?

Lewandowski enjoyed a superb debut campaign in La Liga last season, notably helping Barcelona secure the league title by scoring 23 goals.

However, Lewandowski’s performances this season have divided the Barcelona fanbase, with a significant section of fans not entirely happy with him.

The Pole has only scored 13 league goals this term, most of which came during the second half of the campaign. Lewandowski’s performances have degraded while his salary remains higher.

Barcelona need to find a striker who can score more goals and offer prospects for the future ahead. With that in mind, Lewandowski’s sale could prove to be imperative this summer.

Lewandowski wants to continue

However, Spanish journalist Xavi Lemos has recently claimed that Lewandowski has no desire to leave Barcelona just yet and only thinks about continuing at the Catalan outfit.

The Polish international has rebuffed offers from Saudi Arabia in the past. Even now, there is no shortage of offers for the former Bayern Munich superstar.

Lewandowski’s contract at Barcelona does not expire until 2026. Barça, therefore, could be running the risk of losing his valuation, especially knowing the player turns 36 this summer.

All things considered, Barcelona certainly have a decision to make as the club look to reshuffle their squad ahead of the new season.

Report: Barcelona’s stance on the future of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo

Not too long ago, Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix were regarded as two of Barcelona’s stalwarts and it was thought that the two are going to continue at Camp Nou at any cost.

However, a lot has changed since and Barcelona appear to have changed their perception on both Felix and Cancelo.

Barcelona will not make any effort for two Joaos

According to a report from SPORT, Barcelona are not expected to make any effort to sign either Cancelo or Felix this summer.

This is quite significant given the fact that Barça were desperately seeking an agreement with Man City for Cancelo, not too long ago. A deal to extend Felix’s loan deal was also sought.

But now, with Barça staring at the prospect of a trophyless campaign, the club will not make any economic effort to sign either Cancelo or Felix.

Barcelona are aware that the club must be smart with their finances this summer, even if they are able to return to the 1:1 rule.

Keeping that in mind, Barça will only seek a continuation of both Cancelo and Felix if the operation is economically beneficial.

Cancelo remains the priority

The report adds that Barcelona are prioritising Cancelo over Felix. The Man City fullback is considered more important to the team, particularly due to his technical efficiency and versatility.

Felix, on the other hand, has struggled with consistency this season and Barcelona are open to leaving him out of the plans for the season ahead.

The Catalans, after all, have no shortage of options in the final third, especially with youngster Marc Guiu also pushing for a promotion to the senior side next season.

Barcelona ‘future first-team pivot’ approached by clubs in Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A

La Masia is once again churning out exciting talents one after the other, with Barcelona reaping the rewards.

Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort, Fermin Lopez, and Marc Guiu are some of the names to have made their first-team breakthroughs this season and more are knocking on Xavi’s doors.

One such player happens to be young defensive midfielder Marc Bernal, who is seen as the future first-team pivot midfielder at Barcelona, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Bernal rated very highly at Barcelona

Just 16 years old, Bernal has already become a regular in the Barça Atletic setup under Rafa Marquez and has shown great progression.

The teenage pivot has been a regular in first-team training sessions under Xavi as well, with the club legend holding him in the highest regard.

Bernal is seen as one of the possible solutions for the pivot midfield position for the future, along with the likes of Marc Casado and Pau Prim.

The youngster stands out for his impressive physique at such a young age while being capable of playing as a pivot and an interior.

No shortage of suitors

The report from MD states that Bernal’s progression with Barça Atletic this season has not gone unnoticed.

A number of clubs from the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A have enquired about him and tried making approaches for him with lucrative proposals.

Bernal, though, remains focused on succeeding at Barcelona while the club, too, are eager to secure his long-term future, with his current contract running until 2026. The Blaugrana are proposing an additional year on his deal with an option for two more seasons.

1 IN, 1 OUT: BARCELONA’S SUMMER PLANS FOR ON-LOAN DEFENSIVE PAIR

An insight into the plans of the brass at La Liga giants Barcelona for two members of the club’s loan army has this weekend been provided.

The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, and surrounds Eric García, and Chadi Riad.

How Barcelona could line up against Valencia

Barcelona boss Xavi must find a solution to Frenkie de Jong‘s absence for Monday’s La Liga contest with Valencia at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Deep into first-half added time during last weekend’s Clasico defeat to Real Madrid, the Dutchman was withdrawn with a severe ankle sprain and will not play again this season.

De Jong should recover in time to represent the Netherlands at Euro 2024, but the ex-Ajax man will watch on helplessly from the sidelines as Barcelona attempt to keep the title race just about alive on Monday night.

Thankfully for Xavi, he has a ready-made replacement in the shape of Pedri, who has not been training at 100% this week due to load management but is expected to be fine to step in for De Jong here.

Gavi (ACL) and Alejandro Balde (hamstring) are also missing, and the latter’s absence should see Joao Cancelo retain his place at left-back, in spite of his abysmal defensive display in the Real Madrid defeat.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Pau Cubarsi, Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo should reprise their defensive roles too, with Andreas Christensen operating just ahead of the backline as Xavi’s number six.

Ilkay Gundogan completes the three-man engine room with Christensen and De Jong, while there should be no alteration to the three-pronged attack of Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski or Raphinha either.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Cancelo; Pedri, Christensen, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha

Chelsea FC Women vs FC Barcelona: A tense UEFA Women’s Champions League showdown at Stamford Bridge

On Saturday, April 27, at 18:30 CET, Stamford Bridge in London will host the eagerly awaited UEFA Women’s Champions League return leg between Chelsea FC Women and FC Barcelona.

This match comes on the heels of a remarkable 1-0 victory for Chelsea in Barcelona—a result that broke the Catalan club’s long-standing unbeaten home record in European competitions.

Breaking the Unbeaten Streak

Chelsea’s victory in Catalonia was underscored by Erin Cuthbert’s crucial first-half goal, marking a significant achievement as Barcelona had not lost a home competitive match since 2019 and had been scoring consistently in home Champions League games for over eight years. Chelsea’s disciplined strategy restricted the formidable Barcelona to just one shot on target throughout the match.

Historical Context and Pressure

The win in Barcelona adds to Chelsea’s impressive record of victories on the road over the past two years, with successes against top teams such as Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, and Ajax. However, their track record at Stamford Bridge has shown some vulnerability. After a narrow win in Lyon last season, Chelsea faced a challenging home game where they needed extra time and a shootout to advance. They later experienced a home defeat to Barcelona, with Caroline Graham Hansen making a critical impact.

The Tactical Battle and Managerial Insight

Chelsea’s manager, Emma Hayes, acknowledges the challenges her team faces at home against Barcelona, suggesting that the Spanish side has another level to reach and that her team must be prepared for Barcelona’s resurgence. On the other side, Barcelona’s coach, Jonatan Giráldez, emphasizes the importance of strategy and character, especially during challenging phases of the game, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to overcome the first-leg deficit.

Emma Hayes, Chelsea manager: “We have underperformed against Barcelona at home. Barcelona have another level in them and I think that’s clear. Maybe they don’t feel they were at their best [in the first leg] and we have to anticipate that.”

Jonatan Giráldez, Barcelona coach: “The strategies we work on will be the key. It’s OK in the good moments when things are easy. But in the bad moments, when the performance is not as good as we expected before the game, we all have to show our real character. I have a lot of confidence in my team. All we have to do at Chelsea is win the game.”

Key Players and Strategies

Chelsea’s approach in the first leg was effective, but they will be without several key players due to injuries, including Sam Kerr and Aniek Nouwen, which might affect their game plan. Barcelona, while missing defender Mapi León, will look to leverage their experienced players like Aitana Bonmatí and Patricia Guijarro to overturn the deficit.

Historical Rivalry and Championships

Barcelona, having won the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice in the last three seasons, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the 2020/21 final, are familiar with the pressure and expectations of such high-stakes matches. Chelsea, despite their domestic success, are still in pursuit of their first UWCL title, with their past encounters with Barcelona playing a significant role in their European journey.

Player Connections and Added Intrigue

The connections between the two teams add an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter. Players like Cankovic, who has played for both clubs, and others such as Batlle, Bronze, and Walsh, who have spent recent times in the WSL, bring a deeper understanding and familiarity, potentially influencing the dynamics of the match.

What to Expect

As the teams prepare for the crucial second leg at a sold-out Stamford Bridge, one can anticipate a tense and strategic battle. With both teams led by experienced managers nearing the end of their tenures and looking to leave on a high note, the match promises not only to be a showcase of top-tier women’s football but also a tactical chess match where every move could dictate the path to the finals.

In conclusion, as Chelsea and Barcelona prepare to face off once again, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With history, pride, and a spot in the finals on the line, this match is set to be another classic encounter in the rich narrative of women’s European football.

Watch the exciting second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona. It’s live from Stamford Bridge and free only on DAZN.

Barcelona no longer ruling out the exits of four key heavyweights in the summer

With the managerial situation now resolved, Barcelona’s focus shifts to building a solid project for the upcoming season.

Needless to say, a large onus of the same falls on the upcoming summer transfer window and the acquisitions Barcelona make come June. That, in turn, depends directly on the sales the club can generate from the existing squad.

With Xavi now bearing in mind a fixed plan towards the future, the administration are in the process of identifying the players they could part ways with come June.

Achraf Ben Ayad brings some breaking news regarding the club’s stance on the same.

No longer untouchable

According to the ever-reliable journalist, four players who were considered untouchable to this point are no longer assured a place in the squad for next season.

The players in question are Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha and Ronald Araujo.

The Polish striker, given his age, could attract healthy offers from the Middle East and the US, and selling him for a decent sum would work out well for Barcelona who already boast a replacement in Vitor Roque.

His companion in attack, Raphinha, is a surprise inclusion on the list given his recent form. Needless to say, his sale will depend largely on the amount offered for his signing.

Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, has been touted as the number 1 target to leave in June considering the number of midfielders at Xavi’s disposal.

With Bayern Munich, PSG and Manchester United open admirers of the player, Barcelona can remain optimistic about his sale.

The final name, Ronald Araujo, has emerged as a candidate to leave after the rise of Pau Cubarsi.

The Uruguayan defender also has been a long-term target for Bayern Munich and could leave for a large fee should the board and manager deem it right.

Three targets

While it is unlikely that all four of the aforementioned players make a move away from Catalonia, Barcelona will look to make at least two big sales in June.

After all, the manager has pre-identified positions of concern with a pivot, an attacking midfielder and a left-winger on the club’s agenda.

Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi are well-placed targets to take over in deep midfield while Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva remains a target in the attacking midfield.

For the wing, Barcelona are looking towards Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Leroy Sane amongst others.

Chelsea Women vs Barcelona Women: Preview, predictions and lineups

 

Chelsea host UWCL holders Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Saturday for the second leg of their semi-final clash.

Emma Hayes’ side hold a one-goal advantage heading into the weekend’s fixture after Erin Cuthbert scored the only goal of the first leg in Barcelona last week. However, Chelsea are well aware of the threat their opponents pose as their Champions League hopes have been shattered twice by the Catalan club in the last four years.

 

Barcelona are the current holders of the competition and will be hoping to reach the final for a fourth consecutive year. Chelsea, on the other hand, have featured in the UWCL final just once in their long history but were comfortably beaten 4-0 by Saturday’s opponents back in the 2021 showdown.

The London outfit may be one of the most successful clubs in England, but their record in Europe fails to match up. With Hayes set to depart Chelsea at the end of the season after more than a decade at the club, this represents one final chance at securing the trophy that has somehow always evaded her.

Here’s 90min‘s preview of Saturday’s UWCL semi-final second leg.

What time does Chelsea vs Barcelona kick-off?

  • Location: London, England
  • Stadium: Stamford Bridge
  • Date: Saturday 27 April
  • Kick-off time: 17:30 BST / 16:30 GMT / 12:30 ET / 09:30 PT
  • Referee: Luliana Demetrescu (ROU)
  • VAR: Ovidiu Hategan (ROU)

Chelsea vs Barcelona H2H Record (All Games)

  • Chelsea: 1 win
  • Barcelona: 2 wins
  • Draws: 1
  • Last meeting: Barcelona 0-1 Chelsea (20 April 2024) – Women’s Champions League

Current Form (all competitions)

Chelsea

Barcelona

Barcelona 0-1 Chelsea – 20/04/24

Levante Las Planas 2-4 Barcelona – 24/04/24

Chelsea 3-0 Aston Villa – 17/04/24

Barcelona 0-1 Chelsea – 20/04/24

Man Utd 2-1 Chelsea – 14/04/24

Barcelona 5-1 Villarreal – 13/04/24

Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea – 31/03/24

Levante 0-5 Barcelona – 31/03/24

Chelsea 1-1 Ajax – 27/03/24

Barcelona 3-1 Brann – 28/03/24

How to watch Chelsea vs Barcelona on TV and live stream

Country

TV Channel/livestream

United Kingdom

TNT Sports 3, DAZN

United States

DAZN

Canada

DAZN

Chelsea team news

Chelsea captain Millie Bright returned to the matchday squad in the first leg last week following a long spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. Hayes confirmed she’s available for the second leg, but it remains to be seen whether she gets any minutes on the pitch having not featured since the 2-2 draw against Real Madrid in the group stages back in November.

Elsewhere, the Chelsea boss also confirmed Nathalie Bjorn and Maren Mjelde trained as normal and are likely to be in the squad on Saturday. Bjorn has been sidelined since early March with a calf problem.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Barcelona

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Barcelona (3-5-2): Hampton; Charles, Carter, Buchanan; Lawrence, Nusken, Leupolz, Cuthbert, Kaneryd; Ramirez, James

Barcelona team news

The visitors remain without long-term absentee Mapi Leon after she underwent knee surgery at the end of last year. The defender has not been named in the squad to face Chelsea, but has travelled with her teammates to London.

Jonatan Giraldez’s side were in league action midweek against Levante Las Planas, but the manager took the opportunity to rest some key players ahead of another huge European fixture. Keira Walsh was named on the bench on Wednesday, while Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, Salma Paralluelo, Fridolina Rolfo and Caroline Graham Hansen were not involved at all.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Chelsea

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-3-3): Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Engen, Rolfo; Bonmati, Walsh, Guijarro; Hansen, Paralluelo, Caldentey

Chelsea vs Barcelona score prediction

Chelsea’s form has been staggered over the last few weeks following defeat in the Conti Cup final against Arsenal and against Manchester United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. However, in the league they remain dominant and, unlike Barcelona, had no midweek fixture to contend.

The one-goal advantage is slim and a goal early doors from the visitors could make it a long and arduous afternoon for Chelsea. But, with the experience in the squad, the Stamford Bridge crowd behind them and if they build on last week’s defensive masterclass, they should have enough to get over the line.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Barcelona

Barcelona youngster believes he can convince Xavi during pre-season

Now that Xavi has decided to continue as coach of Barcelona, the club can move on to the other details, like fixing the squad. They have a fair few headaches in regard to the same, with the priority being offloading players.

While some players, such as Clement Lenglet, Eric Garcia, and Sergino Dest are expected to leave the club after successful loan tenures, others such as Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, and Robert Lewandowski are facing uncertain futures.

Then there are players that Barcelona would be open to listening to offers for, such as Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen, but these players are not ready to leave the club.

Ansu Fati is also on the borderline on these lists after an underwhelming loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion. While it seems that Barça are ready to sell him, the player has other ideas.

Fati ready to find his spot

According to a report by SPORT, Ansu Fati is very motivated right now ahead of his arrival back to Barcelona ahead of the new season, and is convinced that he can find a spot in the team under Xavi during pre-season.

The La Masia graduate left the team last summer to look for more minutes, but Barça is still his dream club and he is not thinking about succeeding anywhere else right now.

Ansu Fati is also on the borderline on these lists after an underwhelming loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion. While it seems that Barça are ready to sell him, the player has other ideas.

Fati ready to find his spot

According to a report by SPORT, Ansu Fati is very motivated right now ahead of his arrival back to Barcelona ahead of the new season, and is convinced that he can find a spot in the team under Xavi during pre-season.

The La Masia graduate left the team last summer to look for more minutes, but Barça is still his dream club and he is not thinking about succeeding anywhere else right now.

Fati still feels connected to Barcelona, and follows the news around the club. His learnings from the academy have not left him, either, and the player believes he can succeed at the club, especially after the one-season distance from it.

In fact, Fati has offers from within La Liga last season, including a very special proposal from Sevilla. However, he decided to leave for England because he could not muster the courage to play against Barça twice in the season.

The Spaniard now wants to leave behind his injuries and insecurites in the past and focus on Barcelona for next season. He believes that he can convince Xavi to give him another chance, and that the 2024/25 season will be his best one yet.

 

Jorge Mendes to deliver Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal transfer message to PSG

Barcelona are ready to double down on their message that Lamine Yamal will not be sold to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 16-year-old has enjoyed a sensational start to life in the Barcelona first team after making his senior debut 12 months ago.

Xavi Hernandez has kept him as part of his first team plans throughout the 2023/24 campaign, despite not turning 17 until July, and his meteoric rise has continued.


Conflicting reports emerged last month of PSG offering €200m to bring the Spanish international to Paris.

That offer was instantly rejected by Barcelona and the player himself with PSG sources claiming no interest was put forward by the club.

As per reports from Diario AS, Lamine Yamal’s agent Jorge Mendes is due in Paris this weekend, to meet with the PSG hierarchy.

That has reignited speculation over Mendes negotiating a transfer deal, but the meeting is regarding his other clients at PSG, and he will repeat Barcelona’s official line over their teenage superstar.