Barcelona president Joan Laporta has heaped praise on Paris Saint-Germain, describing the French club as one of the most exciting and dominant forces in European football and expressed optimism about a potential matchup with the Blaugrana in the upcoming campaign. Luis Enrique’s squad clinched both the Ligue 1 title and the UEFA Champions League and the Barcelona chief was quick to highlight the style and substance of the Parisian outfit.
Tension is said to be building in the Barcelona dressing room as team-mates Fermin Lopez and Gavi are at loggerheads due to their girlfriends, who repotedly do not get along. Gavi and Lopez are known to be close friends since childhood as they spent a significant amount of time at La Masia together, before featuring for Barcelona's senior side. Gavi, who recently celebrated his 21st birthday, notably did not receive any message from Lopez.
Barcelona launched disciplinary action against Marc-Andre ter Stegen and stripped him of the captaincy earlier this week after a dispute over a medical consent form related to his injury. The German goalkeeper has now broken his silence, calling the rumours around his intentions 'unfounded' while expressing willingness to resolve the matter with the club.
Barcelona have confirmed Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been reinstated as club captain after resolving a dispute over his medical records following back surgery. The Germany international had initially refused to sign an authorisation form for La Liga, resulting in the temporary removal of his captaincy and the opening of disciplinary proceedings. The matter has now been settled, with the goalkeeper back in his leadership role.
Robert Lewandowski has made it clear he is not ready to walk away from Barcelona, turning down approaches from Saudi Arabia and setting his sights firmly on continuing his career in Catalonia. The veteran striker is determined to see out his current deal, and possibly extend it, despite being linked to a lucrative move to the Middle East.
Marcus Rashford left Raphinha stunned as he missed the chance tap into an open goal during a friendly against Como. The 27-year-old forward, who arrived at the Nou Camp on loan from Manchester United this summer with an option for a permanent deal, was handed a golden chance to pad the scoreline. Instead, he somehow contrived to miss an empty net in front of a stunned crowd.
Argentine musician Nicki Nicole caused a stir as she turned up for Barcelona’s Joan Gamper Trophy clash with Como wearing Lamine Yamal’s No.10 shirt. The global celebrity, who has been romantically linked to the teenage wonderkid, was joined by friends also donning the winger’s name – fuelling further talk about their relationship.