Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andres has drawn comparisons to Rodri following his impressive start in Germany, with rumours now stating that Real Madrid are considering re-signing him next summer. While the former Real Madrid youngster is "privileged" to be compared to the Manchester City midfielder, he is not particularly a big fan of the comparisons.
Pep Guardiola has been urged to leave Manchester City and seek a new challenge by one of his most trusted confidants. The Catalan coach has enjoyed remarkable success since moving to England in 2016, lifting 18 major honours during the greatest period in City’s history, and is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2027.
Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is hoping he is not the man between the posts when the Catalan giants take on Real Madrid in the highly-anticipated Clasico later this month. Instead, the veteran shot stopper hopes that the injured Joan Garcia is fit in time for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu as he talked up the world-class potential of the summer signing.
Villarreal have unveiled plans to fly fans to Miami for their La Liga clash against Barcelona, offering free travel for supporters attending the December 20 fixture. CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles defended the controversial move, insisting the game is “about image and the future, not business,” as UEFA reluctantly approved Spain’s first-ever domestic match staged abroad.
Barcelona have created a detailed recovery plan to ensure Lamine Yamal is fully fit for the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid. The 18-year-old winger has been battling a groin injury but continues to train individually under strict supervision. The club aim to gradually reintroduce him to the team by limiting his playing time in the build up to the showdown against Madrid.
Real Madrid are preparing two key bargain signings for 2026 as part of a long-term squad rejuvenation plan. The Spanish giants are monitoring Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andres, viewed as a potential successor to Aurelien Tchouameni, while also finalising plans to bring back Nico Paz from Como. Both moves could cost under €20 million combined.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has suggested they will not sign a new striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, calling it “a mistake” to be obsessed with a No.9. Amid ongoing links to Erling Haaland and Serhou Guirassy, Deco insisted that Barca should focus on renewal and internal stability instead of pursuing high-profile transfers.
Kylian Mbappe’s mother, Fayza Lamari, has opened up on the emotional cost of her son’s fame, revealing how life in Paris “no longer felt human” under the relentless spotlight. Speaking candidly about the pressures that came with superstardom, she reflected on the loneliness, media obsession and the moment she realised her son had “slipped away” during his Paris Saint-Germain years.
Barcelona have reportedly come under investigation for allegedly avoiding taxes linked to the signing of Brazilian winger Malcom in 2018. The club are accused of paying €10 million to intermediaries for “non-existent” services, with police also probing former president Josep Maria Bartomeu and several ex-executives for financial misconduct.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's girlfriend Estelle Behnke shared a loved-up snap with the "amazing" Real Madrid star to mark his 27th birthday. The German model, who commands an Instagram following of over 155,000, took to her stories to share a dreamy photo of herself locking lips with Alexander-Arnold against a tranquil waterside backdrop.
And then there was one. According to RAC1, Barcelona have withdrawn their support for the European Super League (ESL), leaving Real Madrid as the only remaining member of the original 'Dirty Dozen' still supporting the controversial project.
Ex-Chelsea star Joe Cole has taken aim at football's administrators, claiming that the over-saturation of the football calendar is putting stars at heightened injury risk, and diluting the quality of the overall product. Cole pointed towards PSG and Chelsea's current injury problems, as well Rodri's persistent fitness issues and Lamine Yamal's concerns, as examples of players being 'flogged for financial reasons'.
Steven Gerrard has fired a stern warning to full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as the Liverpool legend revealed his own transfer links to Real Madrid when Jose Mourinho was managing the Spanish giants. Alexander-Arnold rejected a new contract from the Reds and parted ways with the club this summer to join Los Blancos for a meagre fee of £10 million ($13m).
Ivan Rakitic has revealed the "biggest regret of his career" is the decision to pass up the chance to team up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus. The former Croatian midfielder, who enjoyed successful spells with Sevilla and Barcelona during the era when the Portuguese icon was starring for Real Madrid, says Ronaldo personally called him in 2019 in an attempt to lure him to Italy – an offer he ultimately had to decline.
Inter president Beppe Marotta believes that Luka Modric thriving in Serie A at the age of 40 is not a bad thing, but in fact a "positive advert" for Italian football. Marotta highlighted the financial disparity between clubs in Serie A and those in leagues like the Premier League and La Liga, pointing to Real Madrid's big-money signing of Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono as a prime example.
Wojciech Szczesny has opened up on his challenging start to life at Barcelona, admitting he “didn’t fit” the team's playing style as he came out of retirement to join the Spanish giants. The Polish goalkeeper revealed how adapting to Hansi Flick’s high-risk system required mistakes, ego-checks and relentless effort, culminating in last season's domestic treble.
Chelsea sensation Estevao Willian has been told how to become a Ballon d'Or contender like Lamine Yamal after his game-changing display against Liverpool. The 17-year-old Brazilian, affectionately dubbed “Messinho” in his homeland, has taken to English football like a natural, blending flair, courage and creativity in a way few foreign youngsters ever manage. Signed for €34 million (£30m) from Palmeiras plus a hefty €23m (£20m) in add-ons, Estevao is already looking like a bargain for the Blues.
After finishing in the Ballon d'Or top 10 eight times, Rodrygo believes 2026 could be the year Kylian Mbappe finally gets to lift the prestigious individual award. The Real Madrid No.10, described by Rodrygo as a "football phenomenon" who is getting "faster every day", has been in unstoppable form, scoring a staggering 14 goals in the first 10 games of the 2025-26 season.
Over the summer, Rodrygo seemed like the Real Madrid player likeliest to depart the club, with teams such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain all expressing their interest. However, the Brazilian winger has reiterated that he never had any desire to leave Los Blancos, proving that there was never any weight to any rumours linking him with an exit.
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has issued a stark warning to Barcelona despite praising Hansi Flick’s side as "the most attractive in Europe". The former midfielder believes the Blaugrana’s high-risk approach leaves them vulnerable in the Champions League, claiming fatigue and tactical rigidity could cost them deep into games.
Marcus Rashford has been backed to take one of Robert Lewandowski's key jobs at Barcelona by Gary Lineker. The England forward, who endured a rocky spell under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, has found new life under Hansi Flick, showing flashes of the ruthless finishing that once made him one of England’s brightest stars.
Barcelona have reportedly intensified contact for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi amid growing competition from Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Real Madrid. The England international, whose deal runs until 2026, was close to joining Liverpool in the summer but a collapsed transfer could now trigger a full-scale bidding war across Europe.
Barcelona legend Xavi has explained how “chosen one” Lamine Yamal compares to Lionel Messi and Neymar, with the teenage wonderkid becoming a global superstar in his own right. That standing has been achieved at just 18 years of age, with Yamal - who has been compared to Argentine GOAT Messi on a regular basis - rewriting the history books as a La Liga and European Championship title winner.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi saw a proposed summer transfer to Liverpool fall through at the 11th hour last month. But rather than simply resurrect a deal that would see him switch to Anfield by next summer at the latest, the England international looks set to have a number of other high profile clubs to choose from – including Bayern Munich as they make their own move.
UEFA has approved requests to play two La Liga and Serie A matches overseas, on different continents, despite European football's governing body insisting it is against domestic fixtures being hosted abroad. Supporters infuriated by the news, that includes Barcelona playing an official competitive game in Miami, have now rounded on UEFA to make their feelings known.
Former Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has suggested that Mikel Arteta's record of achievement since being appointed by Arsenal in 2019 will give him his pick of jobs whenever he decides the time is right to leave the Emirates Stadium. One of those could be at Barcelona in the future, where Arteta made key strides in his formative years as a footballer.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri is reportedly on Real Madrid’s radar once more, with the Spanish giants prepared to part with €150 million (£130m/$175m) in order to bring the midfielder onto their books. The Ballon d'Or winner is, however, considered to be a priceless commodity at the Etihad Stadium and the Premier League heavyweights have no intention of parting with a prized asset.
Despite the thumping 4-1 loss to Sevilla, the Barcelona board has kept full faith in manager Hansi Flick. Although critics have raised eyebrows over his mentorship and tactical prowess, the main decision-makers at the club have confidence in his project.