Barça NewsBarcelona heavyweight’s new contract to have an ‘escape route’ for the summer – report

Barcelona and Ronald Araujo have indeed come a full circle from where their situation was a week ago.

The Uruguayan international, who appeared set to leave the club and join Juventus this month, turned his decision around after a discussion with Deco and is now set to stay until the end of the season.

Barcelona now hope to use his change of heart to pioneer a new contract renewal agreement that will tie him down to the club until 2030, four years beyond the current expiry of his contract in 2026.

Renewal with a clause

Barcelona met with the captain’s agents earlier this week to discuss the future plans they had with Araujo and how he was a crucial member of their plans.

Utilizing the good moment, they hope that the defender will sign his new contract next week.

The new deal will not only see him on improved terms but also provide him an ‘escape route’ for the summer if the player has a change of heart.

Given the options Flick has in defence, Araujo wishes to have some leverage over his future should he lose prominence later this season or fall behind Inigo Martinez on the pecking order.

The club have agreed to meet his demand and will thus insert a lower release clause that would be affordable for any team interested in June.

The valuation of that clause and a possible condition as to when it will come into play are yet to be decided.

Barcelona out-of-favour duo wanted by Cesc Fabregas’ Como – report

When Sergi Roberto signed for Cesc Fabregas’ Como in the Serie A as a free agent, the Italian side was still relatively unheard of.

They have, however, done decent under the former Barcelona player’s tutelage and are in 16th place in the standings.

However, they are looking for reinforcements for the second half of the season and see players of utility in Catalonia.

As reported earlier this week, they are close to signing Barcelona youngster Alex Valle who is currently on loan at Celtic to reinforce their defence.

The two outcasts

As relayed by the Spanish outlet, Como are interested in signing Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati this winter and hope to use their lack of minutes under Hansi Flick to manifest a transfer.

After all, both players have not been involved much in the German tactician’s plans and head into the second half of the season lacking a clear direction.

It will, however, not be easy for the Serie A side to pull off the transfer given that both players have also received interest from better-placed teams in La Liga who are even fighting for a spot in Europe.

Garcia has two Spanish giants waiting for his signing in Girona and Real Sociedad and may well prefer to stay in Spain and play for the relatively higher-ranked teams.

Fati, for his part, has received interest from Real Betis and Sevilla who are both not opposed to a six-month loan.

Predicted Barcelona lineup against Getafe: Balde, Casado to return; Lewandowski up front

Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado, and Robert Lewandowski will return to the Barcelona starting lineup against Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Saturday.

Barcelona will aim to continue the recent winning run when they lock horns with Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Saturday night. And Hansi Flick has greeted a positive update on the team news front ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

Wojciech Szczesny has served the suspension he incurred after seeing red in the Spanish Super Cup final. The veteran Polish goalkeeper will be in contention to return between the sticks against Getafe on Saturday.

However, Marc-Andre ter Stegen (knee), Inigo Martinez (hamstring), and Marc Bernal (knee) remain on the sidelines. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided a fitness update on his squad while confirming Andreas Christensen’s impending return.

The Barcelona manager said, “I am very happy with the team and the players, we only have three injured. Inigo [Martinez] will be out for a short time. We have worked very well medically. Christensen is also back and that is good news.”

Flick also commented on Ansu Fati’s situation, saying, “It’s very important to be honest with the players. I have been honest with Ansu. We talked about several options and now it’s his decision. If he wants to stay, that’s fine, he’s a La Masia player. This is professional football and performance counts. My job is to help him improve and that’s what we want to do with all players. Ansu is very professional and always focused. I want to help him.”

Fati will miss out again, but Robert Lewandowski will return to the starting lineup, leading the line for Barcelona against Getafe on Saturday. Raphinha, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal will accompany the Polish striker in the final third. As for the midfield unit, Marc Casado should pair up with Pedri in the double pivot, with Frenkie de Jong dropping to the bench.

The backline should see one change, with Alejandro Balde replacing Gerard Martin in the left-back spot. Balde will join Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, and Pau Cubarsi in the defensive quartet. Finally, Inaki Pena will retain his place between the sticks.

Getafe vs Barcelona Predicted XI

Predicted Barcleona XI: Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Arsenal can repeat Trossard trick by signing Brentford forward this winter

Arsenal are exploring the transfer market for new signings and manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the same in multiple press conferences.

With the ongoing injury crisis, a new striker and winger could be prioritised, but marquee signings could be difficult to pursue this winter.

In that case, Arsenal could consider cost-effective options with Premier League experience. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is on their radar.

The DR Congo international has had a fine campaign with the Bees. He has registered 12 goals and two assists across all competitions.

11 of those goals have come in the Premier League from 18 appearances with an exceptional shot-to-goal conversion rate of 26 percent.

Arsenal’s interest in the 28-year-old has been confirmed by The Telegraph, and we won’t be surprised if they make a late swoop for his services.

The former Lorient man has played as a striker for the Bees this campaign, but he can comfortably operate from the left and right-wing roles.

His versatility could be a big reason behind the Gunners’ interest. We believe he could emerge as a shrewd signing just like Leandro Trossard.

Trossard was signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in January 2023 after the Gunners missed out on a big-money move for Mykhailo Mudryk.

The decision was rather forced on them, but it has proved dividends with 38 goal involvements in almost 100 appearances across all competitions.

Wissa won’t be a big-name signing for Arsenal, but his finishing skills would provide an upgrade on a misfiring Kai Havertz in the number nine role.

Arsenal transfer news: Viktor Gyokeres concern arises as striker’s agent speaks out

Arsenal have just two weeks remaining of the 2025 January transfer window – and it’s now or never in their search for a striker.

The Gunners desperately need some attacking recruits following Gabriel Jesus’ long-term injury. And it appears that work on getting a new forward is ongoing.

A number of Europe’s most in-form strikers have already been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium. And we’ll find out very shortly whether they put pen to paper on transfers to Arsenal.

Away from attack, Mikel Arteta’s side have also been linked with a whole host of other players. Take a look at all of the latest transfer news and rumours from North London right here:

Gyokeres issue arises

One of the forwards linked with a move to Arsenal this month has been Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres. Previous reports suggested that Arteta had given his approval to Arsenal activating the £83m release clause written into the forward’s contract with the Portuguese giants.

But a Premier League rival is doing all they can to derail a deal. As per The Independent, Manchester United are still hopeful of securing Gyokeres services.

It is suggested that they are optimistic that their positive relationship with Sporting and the chance to work with Ruben Amorim once again will be enough to push a move through. However, the Red Devils cannot afford his signature as it stands so will have to shelve a swoop until the summer for now.

Sesko agent cools rumours

The agent of Benjamin Sesko has claimed that his client is NOT set to join Arsenal on loan this January. It was previously suggested that the Slovenian hitman could make a temporary switch to the Emirates before a blockbuster permanent move.

Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Aston Villa, two changes on the cards

Arsenal will be aiming for back-to-back Premier League wins when they host Aston Villa this evening.

The Gunners registered a 2-1 comeback triumph over Tottenham Hotspur in midweek. They dominated proceedings and should have won the derby by a bigger scoreline.

Manager Mikel Arteta could make a couple of changes against Unai Emery’s side today.

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted Line-up:

David Raya had another solid game in goal against Spurs. He made a crucial save to deny Dejan Kulusevski but was beaten by Heung-min Son due to a big deflection. The Spaniard is guaranteed to start between the sticks.

In the backline, no changes are on the cards. Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori are back in training, but the game could come too soon for the duo. Jurrien Timber is expected to start at right-back.

The same can be said for Myles Lewis-Skelly on the opposite end. The Gunners graduate had a stand-out performance versus Spurs. He completed 94 percent of his passes with six recoveries and three tackles.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are nailed-on starters in the heart of the defence.

In midfield, Arteta could opt for a solitary change. Thomas Partey could make way for Jorginho in the number six role. The £45 million signing had a mixed performance in the north London derby.

He was dribbled past on a couple of occasions and was guilty of losing possession multiple times. The midfielder also made an error which contributed to a shot on goal from Spurs.

Jorginho is likely to replace the Ghanaian star. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard could start in front of him from the central midfield roles. Further forward, Raheem Sterling may be dropped.

Sterling had a good passing accuracy against Spurs, but he kept things safe. Aside from his early counter-attacking run, he provided no goalscoring threat before his substitution.

He could make way for Gabriel Martinelli, whose pace could be key to outclassing Villa’s backline.

The Brazilian should start on the right wing. Leandro Trossard is guaranteed to keep his place on the left side of the attack following his sublime goal to beat Spurs on Wednesday night.

Kai Havertz has been in poor form leading the line but remains the main striker with Gabriel Jesus out injured for the long term. The German needs to step up with a goalscoring return.

How Arsenal could line up vs Aston Villa

Philadelphia Phillies So-So Offseason Doesn’t Change Lofty Season Goals

Aug 12, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (26) advances toward first after hitting a double against the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park.

The MLB offseason has been surprisingly quiet for the Philadelphia Phillies.

After a disappointing end to the 2024 campaign, which saw them eliminated by the New York Mets in the NLDS, rumors began to swirl that some significant changes could be on the horizon

When the other contenders in the National League began making major moves, it felt like a matter of time until the Phillies pulled the trigger on a move of their own.

But, to this point, that move has not yet come.

There were rumors of All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm and right fielder Nick Castellanos being on the trade block. But, no deals were made for either player; the asking price on Bohm was reportedly sky-high and no team was taking on the money owed to Castellanos.

Unable to clear any money off their books, the Phillies went bargain bin hunting in free agency, agreeing to three one-year deals with outfielder Max Kepler and relief pitchers Jordan Romano and Joe Ross.

Certainly not the shake-up many were expecting, as the biggest move the team made was acquiring starting pitching Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins.

That addition should not be overlooked as Philadelphia has arguably the best starting rotation in baseball. Zack Wheeler remains a legitimate ace, Aaron Nola is a reliable workhorse and Cristopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez were both All-Stars.

The starting rotation will be the backbone of their success, as top prospect Andrew Painter is expected to help at some point during the summer as well.

All-in-all, their moves this winter have resulted in Jim Bowden of The Athletic giving them a “B” grade.

Have they done enough to remain ahead of the Mets, who made the biggest splash by signing Juan Soto to the largest contract in sports history and the Atlanta Braves in the NL East?

The former MLB executive certainly believes so, as he has predicted the Phillies to still finish first in the division.

It certainly doesn’t feel as though Philadelphia is done making moves, as they have to do something with their outfield.

It is too big of a risk to have Kepler in left field for the first time in his career, Brandon Marsh in center field and Castellanos in right. Making a move for a legitimate center fielder, which would enable Marsh to move back to left, creating an intriguing platoon in right field, is their best route to improvement.

That will cement their status atop the NL East as one of the main contenders who can hang with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers

Barcelona set Lamine Yamal wage limit to avoid repeat of Lionel Messi crisis

The 17-year-old winger may still wear braces and only recently moved out of the club’s academy accommodation, but is already considered to be one of the best in the world in his position. At the current campaign’s halfway stage, Yamal has already surpassed his personal tally for goals and assists across the entirety of last season.

Such startling statistics, which don’t capture the jaw-dropping flicks and blood-twisting shimmies that litter each performance, have unsurprisingly prompted talk of a contract renewal for Yamal.

The Spain international has already confirmed his intention to pen a new deal, as his existing agreement is set to expire in June 2026. However, Barcelona are thought to have put a ceiling on any salary offer they make, per AS.

Yamal is reportedly one of Barcelona’s lowest earners, collecting a reported €1.7m per year after signing his current deal in October 2023 when he had only made ten first-team appearances. Barcelona’s best-paid player, Robert Lewandowski, earns around €33m per year (more than €540,000-per-week) while Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Jules Kounde also take home between €15m and €20m.

While Barcelona are well aware that Yamal deserves to become the team’s top earner “sooner or later”, they have been burned by showering left-footed prodigies with endless contract renewals.

Lionel Messi and his agent-father Jorge infamously commanded a new deal almost on a yearly basis during his storied Barcelona career. Ultimately, the club could not afford to renew his last contract in the summer of 2021, which led to Messi’s tearful Camp Nou departure.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Getafe – La Liga

After scoring 16 goals in their first four matches of 2025, Barcelona must now transfer their Supercopa de Espana and Copa del Rey form across to LaLiga.

The Catalan giants ended 2024 in pretty miserable fashion, losing back-to-back games against Leganes and Atletico Madrid to fall adrift of the pace set by Diego Simeone’s table-toppers.

Comprehensive wins over Athletic Club and Real Madrid in Saudi Arabia enabled Hansi Flick’s side to get their hands on Supercopa silverware, and they didn’t miss a beat when dismantling Real Betis in domestic cup competition.

A trip to Getafe now awaits Flick’s charges, who must keep their foot on the gas.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1)

GK: Inaki Pena – Marc Andre ter-Stegen remains on the treatment table, enabling academy graduate Pena to continue between the sticks.

RB: Jules Kounde – The Frenchman is a steady, consistent performer for Barcelona, capable of making a nuisance of himself in the final third.

CB: Pau Cubarsi – The 17-year-old is approaching his milestone 18th birthday – what better way to celebrate early than with a clean sheet in the capital?

CB: Ronald Araujo – With Inigo Martinez sidelined, the recently returned Araujo should continue alongside Barcelona’s wonder boy. The Uruguayan looks set to pen a new contract after rumours swirled over a potential transfer to Juventus or Arsenal.

LB: Alejandro Balde – The young Spaniard would be offloaded if Barca were to receive a suitable offer, should the Spanish press be believed. It’s hard to imagine why that would be the case given Balde’s potential.

CM: Marc Casado – Frenkie de Jong’s regular watching brief attests to how good Casado has been in the defensive midfield role. He just loves mopping up and intercepting the ball.

CM: Pedri – The 22-year-old finally looks to have put his injury troubles behind him, much to the delight of Pedri’s teammates, the coaching staff and Barca’s supporters.

RM: Lamine Yamal – Barcelona’s world-beating teenager played 77 minutes of the Copa del Rey thrashing of Real Betis but should still be as fresh as a daisy here.

AM: Gavi – Dani Olmo was restored to Barcelona’s team for the Copa del Rey – handing Robert Lewandowski a handy rest – but the Spaniard may watch on as Gavi operates in the hole.

LM: Raphinha – The Brazilian’s Barcelona career seemed all but over once upon a time. Now, he’s one of the first names on Flick’s teamsheet after a blockbuster six months.

ST: Robert Lewandowski – 17 league goals is Lewandowski’s worst goalscoring return since his debut season with Bayern Munich in 2010/11. He already has 16 LaLiga strikes to his name this season from 18 appearances.

Christensen returns for Barcelona as Flick looks to regain LaLiga momentum

Defender Andreas Christensen, out since August with an Achilles injury, is fit to play again, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said on Friday.

Barcelona fell to third in LaLiga after losing two games in a row last month, but Flick said they were keen to build on a bright start to the calendar year where they have won four in a row in domestic cups, bagging the Spanish Super Cup title on Sunday.

However, the manager admitted that attacker Ansu Fati, who has been with the club since he was 10, could be on his way out.

Flick said he anticipated a tough game at 15th-placed Getafe, who are on a three-match winning streak in all competitions.