Barcelona news

Wojciech Szczesny has recommended the Real Madrid and Barcelona players to practice "meditation and breathing" in the aftermath of last weekend's El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. Tempers flared between the players of the two rivals following the hosts' 2-1 win, with the likes of Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Vinicius Junior, and Lamine Yamal engaging in a tense exchange.

Barcelona have confirmed they will host an open training session for 23,000 fans at the Camp Nou in a test run ahead of the renovated stadium's official reopening. After many lengthy delays to the team's return to the iconic ground, the event will serve as a test to help secure the necessary licence to begin playing games there again.

Unai Emery has been warned that Ollie Watkins could still be "upset" over how the manager used Marcus Rashford as Aston Villa's "main man" last season, only to fall back upon the ex-Brentford forward this campaign. Rashford, who has since joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United to resurrect his career, became the focal point of Villa's attack during his short stay in the West Midlands, but not everyone in claret and blue may have been thrilled about it.

Lazio forward Pedro has announced that he will leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season. The former Barcelona and Chelsea star expressed his desire to help Lazio return to European competitions, aiming to finish his time at the club on a high. Pedro, however, hinted that he could consider continuing his playing career even after his contract concludes.

Spain's anti-violence commission have recommended a Real Oviedo supporter is fined £3,521 (€4,000/$4,625) for allegedly directing racist abuse towards Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford. The incident is alleged to have taken place during the Spanish champions' 3-1 victory over Oviedo in La Liga on 25 September - a match in which the Manchester United loanee recorded an assist.

Xabi Alonso has responded to Vinicius Junior's public apology in light of his unpleasant reaction to being taken off during the 2-1 win against Barcelona last weekend. Speaking to reporters, the Real Madrid head coach put all doubts to bed once and for all by claiming that the "matter is closed" while also admitting that the Brazilian was "impeccable" during the conversations they had.

Former Atletico Madrid star Gabi has blasted Vinicius Junior's Clasico antics as "unacceptable and egocentric," telling Xabi Alonso he "has to take action" against the Real Madrid star. The criticism follows Vinicius storming down the tunnel after being substituted against Barcelona, reportedly saying he will leave the Spanish side as he walked down the tunnel.

Former Arsenal fan favourite Andrey Arshavin has once again made headlines, and not for his footballing flair this time. The Russian icon was spotted inside a Real Madrid store this week, proudly sporting a Barcelona jersey with his name across the back. The bizarre sight instantly went viral, sparking laughter and outrage as the ex-striker displayed his anti-Madridista feelings yet again.

Barcelona have identified Victor Osimhen as a potential successor to the ageing Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to leave the reigning La Liga champions at the end of the season. Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli ahead of the 2025-26 season in a record-breaking move, but he could return to one of Europe's big five leagues next season if Barca are serious about signing him.

Ex-Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez remains in no hurry to return to the dugout. Since his Barcelona exit in 2024, the Spanish legend has turned down multiple approaches, including a latest managerial offer from Spartak Moscow in Russia, as he waits for a project that truly matches his footballing philosophy. While clubs circle, Xavi’s intent is to wait for the next step must as he prioritises vision over convenience.

Levante striker Etta Eyong is eyeing a move in the upcoming January transfer window, despite only joining the club in the summer. Barcelona were keen on signing the Cameroonian forward but were unable to complete the deal due to financial restrictions. The 21-year-old has been in impressive form this season, recording six goals and three assists in all competitions to attract interest from Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Barcelona’s injury crisis deepens as star midfielder Pedri suffers a distal hamstring tear, sidelining him for crucial fixtures including the Champions League clash against Chelsea. With Gavi, Raphinha and Andreas Christensen also out, coach Hansi Flick faces a mounting midfield crisis that threatens to derail Blaugrana's season before the year’s end.

Scotland international Scott McTominay has moved to quell talk of him moving away from Napoli and returning to the Premier League or making a remarkable switch to Catalan giants Barcelona. McTominay has impressed in Naples since joining from Manchester United for £30 million ($39.6m) last summer, landing the Serie A title in his first season and becoming a cult hero.