The 2023/24 season will be long-remembered by FC Barcelona fans as the one during which a 16-year-old homegrown talent, Lamine Yamal, enjoyed his breakthrough.
In a very short career, the La Masia graduate has made it a habit of breaking record after record, be it with Barça or the Spanish national team.
With such a rapid rise to stardom, pressure and expectations are also bound to grow. But, so far, the teenage prodigy has shown no signs of being overawed by the biggest stage, displaying great maturity.
A special ovation
Already a regular for Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona, the 16-year-old Yamal is also carving out a spot for himself in the Spain starting XI under Luis de la Fuente.
The biggest indicator of that came this past Tuesday when the teenage sensation weaved his magic and danced around the Brazil defence during an international friendly.
Played at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s home, Yamal stood out as the best player on show on the night as Spain and Brazil played out a 3-3 draw.
The Barcelona wonderkid had a hand in each of the three goals that La Roja scored and when the time came for him to be taken off in the 93rd minute, the entire Santiago Bernabeu rose and gave him a grand ovation, a thunderous applause.
Achieving what very few have done
Even though he was playing for Spain on the night, it is not a normal occurrence for a Barcelona player to receive such an ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu.
In fact, in history, only three Barcelona players – absolute legends of the game – Diego Maradona (1985), Ronaldinho (2005), and Andres Iniesta (2015) have managed to achieve such a feat.
And now, Yamal has forever etched his name alongside those greats by earning a well-deserved ovation at the home of the rivals.
With the La Liga El Clasico only a few weeks away at the Santiago Bernabeu, it is highly unlikely that Yamal might receive the same treatment.
But the Tuesday night of March 26, 2024, will always remain a special one for a 16-year-old who is very much in the nascent stages of his career and is bound for the top.
A recent report from Diario SPORT has highlighted Barcelona’s plans for the attacking department in the years to come.
While there were initial doubts about the continuity of Robert Lewandowski, it appears the player will stay at Barcelona, especially after rejecting a ‘triple-your-salary’ offer from Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona’s plan to sign Erling Haaland
As per the report, Lewandowski’s continuity is sought so that the club can have more time to prepare for the ‘dream signing’ that is Erling Haaland.
Barça have been linked with a move for Haaland in the past, but have been unable to make a strong case due to the club’s poor finances.
But it appears Joan Laporta has plans to sign the Man City forward in the summer of 2025, as he looks to counter Real Madrid’s purchase of Kylian Mbappe.
Barcelona are aware that Real Madrid cannot be allowed to have both Mbappe and Haaland in the same team. With that in mind, the club will do everything it can to secure the services of the Norwegian in 2025.
What about Lewandowski and co?
Everything suggests Lewandowski will continue at Barcelona next season. But it seems Laporta has plans to sell the Polish hitman in the summer of 2025.
With Lewandowski having a contract until 2026, offloading the player next summer could help the club bring in fresh revenue while also freeing up space in the wage bill.
By having Lewandowski as part of the team next season, Barcelona can also buy Vitor Roque enough time to adapt to the conditions and become a trusted option in the first team.
Between now and then, though, Barcelona must make serious efforts to balance their finances if they are to truly sign Haaland in 2025.
The player is reportedly keen on plying his trade in Spain, but without proper financial resources, the club can barely hope to compete with Real Madrid, for the pursuit of the Norwegian.
After a two-week-long international break, FC Barcelona will be back in action this Saturday as they face Las Palmas in La Liga matchday 30. The Catalans will be facing a familiar face in this tie, as Garcia Pimienta will be returning to the club where he spent a considerable time as the head coach of Barcelona Atletic.
Several Barcelona players were in action in the international break, with the most prominent one being Lamine Yamal, who received a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Pau Cubarsi also made his international debut at only 17 years of age, while Lewandowski was able to lead his Poland side to the EURO 2024.
Now, all these players have returned to Barcelona, and will be available for Xavi to face the Canary Islanders, and then train for the monumental tie against PSG in the Champions League semi-finals.
However, the Catalans will be still without some key players like Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Balde, and Gavi, who all remain sidelined due to injuries.
However, the winger Ferran Torres has recovered from his injury, and has been named in the squad for this upcoming game against Las Palmas. The Spaniard thus returns after two months of inaction following the injury suffered in the femoral biceps of his right thigh on January 31st.
FC Barcelona have officially announced the squad that will be representing the club in this upcoming match, and the players who will be available to Xavi are as follows:
It is in the best interests of FC Barcelona to secure their future beforehand. The Catalan giants do not have the luxury of waiting and then getting to decide what their spontaneous plans will be. Instead, Barcelona need to act timely and accordingly to ensure their sustainability.
Thus, one of their major objectives becomes the continuity of their integral players. The kind of players that Barcelona have no intentions of letting go, and must thus retain their services. One of those players just so happens to be 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi, who has exploded for the Catalan giants this season.
However, his continuity for the Blaugranes is still not a guarantee in the long term. For this reason, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed and SPORT has highlighted, Barça have already sent their proposal to the entourage of the player. Previously, there was no confirmation about when such a proposal would be sent, but it has now been confirmed.
This specific proposal would be a long-term agreement and several reports suggest it could make Cubarsi stay at Barcelona until the year 2030 or even 2031. Moreover, as Romano has highlighted, it would include a €1 billion release clause, mirroring the clauses in the contracts of other key Barcelona players.
It would also see Cubarsi’s salary increased, and would be reflective of the great performances he has had. The young academy product has essentially taken Barcelona on his back and become a mainstay in the team already. Despite his age, his importance to Xavi’s team is crucial.
At the moment, Barcelona await his reply to the proposal they have sent. It will undoubtedly take some time to come to a conclusive agreement, but Romano states that Barcelona hope to reach an agreement before the end of the season and are confident that they will get it done.
For now, Cubarsi continues to focus on and help Barcelona remain competitive this season. He seems to be improving himself with every passing game, while also simultaneously being praised by all those who witness him playing. Now also a representative for the Spanish National team, the Barcelona defender is ascending rapidly.
Right before their all-important Champions League clash, Barcelona have an encounter in La Liga. While it may not be as fateful as the one in Paris, the clash at the Montjuic against Las Palmas is important nonetheless. To ensure Barcelona remains alive in La Liga, victory is essential.
TOPSHOT – Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder #32 Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on March 12, 2024. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
However, given the importance of the match against Paris Saint-Germain, rotations seem like a likely option for Xavi. Many stars need the rest, and others could use a break to shake off any lingering discomforts, so it would not be a surprise to see Barcelona lineup a bit unconventionally.
Here is how Barcelona could line up against Las Palmas.
Expected Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
Even before a big game such as the one against PSG, the goalkeeper for Barcelona remains an absolute. Ter Stegen continues to be Barça’s undisputed first choice, and his presence against Las Palmas is almost taken for granted.
Left-back: Joao Cancelo
After suffering a late scare not too long ago, Joao Cancelo is finally back and available for action. The Portuguese fullback should slot right back in for Barcelona as their temporary answer to the left-back dilemma.
TOPSHOT – Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder #32 Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg football match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on March 12, 2024. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Centre-back: Inigo Martinez
With both Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen looking unlikely to start against Las Palmas, Inigo Martinez is presented a great opportunity. The veteran Spaniard could once again showcase his mettle and use this chance to show off his best traits once again.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsi
The young teenage sensation, who has already been sent an extension proposal, should once again be fit to feature for Barcelona. With Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen both housing an injury or discomfort of some kind, the young Spaniard’s presence could provide them some comfort.
Right-back: Jules Kounde
An improved version of the Frenchman continues to aid Barcelona now. Gone are the turbulent initial waves of Kounde’s rather uncharacteristic mishaps, and he now provides both defensive and offensive stability to Barcelona even as a right-back.
CDM: Oriol Romeu
With Andreas Christensen still looking unlikely to start for Barcelona against Las Palmas, another pivot will need to step up. For Xavi, Oriol Romeu is an option that is expendable and has plenty of rest. Moreover, his selection would allow others to finally catch a break.
CM: Sergi Roberto
Speaking of catching breaks, Ilkay Gundogan could really use one. That is where Sergi Roberto comes in. Coupling his technical skills, recent good form, and even his experience, Roberto offers Xavi a solid backup option.
CM: Fermin Lopez
In red-hot form, Fermin Lopez absolutely deserves to continue starting. Against both Napoli and Atletico Madrid, two of Barça’s toughest opponents, Lopez managed to find himself on the scoresheet. Beyond just that, his workrate and determination remain second to none.
Left-winger: Joao Felix
Crucial against Atletico Madrid, Joao Felix may start once again for Barcelona. His ability to think outside the box and come up with clever solutions in spontaneous moments could be useful for Barcelona against a formidable Las Palmas side.
Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski
While there is a chance that Vitor Roque potentially starts this game, but Robert Lewandowski’s form in 2024 is simply too immense to not let him continue starting. The Polish striker is back to scoring goals, and those too with the quality and viciousness of a young version of himself.
Right-winger: Raphinha
To afford Lamine Yamal some rest, Raphinha could be told to step in. The Brazilian has been providing solid performances recently so he could once again be of use to Barcelona against Las Palmas.
In the early parts of the 2023/24 season, Barcelona defender Jules Kounde was reinstated to his natural position at the heart of the backline as he did not enjoy playing at right-back last season.
But a series of dodgy performances and injuries to others around him have landed the Frenchman back in the right-back position.
And even though there have been one or two missteps along the way, the former Sevilla ace has been consistently reliable in the right-back position, especially in the past few weeks when Barça’s results have taken a turn for the better.
Factors behind Kounde’s improvement
Now, SPORT has come forward with an insider report on the factors that have brought about the sudden improvement in Kounde’s performances of late.
Firstly, one of the main factors behind his improvement is the work he has been doing to improve his physical tone.
Instead of doing recovery work after matches, the 25-year-old trains with the substitutes to improve his physical condition and the results are there for all to see.
Furthermore, another aspect that has helped Kounde improve is, at the initiative of Xavi and his assistants, he has become accustomed to playing as a pivot in training to gain fluency and fluidity with the ball. This is paying off when it comes to linking up with agility on the wing.
Lastly, having been reinstalled on the wing, he is now being asked to push forward without fear when the play requires it because the staff believes that he can contribute in attack if he believes in it.
The combination of all this has led to this step forward by a player who is emerging as a top-level full-back for Barcelona this season.
Only time will tell if he accepts to continue in that role on a long-term basis or if he will again ask to be moved back to centre-back at the end of the season. But, for now, Kounde is delivering for Barça.
It has been suggested that Barcelona may even listen to offers for the French international, especially with Manchester United and Chelsea interested.
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.
