Barcelona news

Every month, GOAL brings you the top stories involving teenage wonderkids and the world's best young footballers. During September, there was plenty to be said about the likes of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid's Franco Mastantuono, but there were also plenty of other headlines made by the planet's emerging stars in both the men's and women's games.

Barcelona’s summer transfer window had its fair share of drama and speculation, with Manchester City reportedly showing interest in Jules Kounde. The French defender was on Pep Guardiola’s radar after a successful season with the Blaugrana, but sporting director Deco has now explained why the story never went any further.

Wednesday's Champions League clash between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain should have immediately seen the top two players in the 2025 Ballon d'Or vote squaring off against one another. However, while Lamine Yamal has returned to full fitness just in time for the game at Montjuic, Ousmane Dembele will remain sidelined for at least another couple of weeks.

Mic'd Up: Villa talks Barcelona, the Spanish national team and why Barcelona's Yamal will win a Ballon d'Or

Barcelona sporting director Deco has provided details regarding Marcus Rashford's season-long loan move from Manchester United, confirming that the reigning La Liga champions will not have to pay any penalty should they decide not to sign the Englishman permanently next summer. United have inserted a purchase option for the in-form Rashford but Barca appear set to wait until late in the season before making any decision.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has sent the Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal a firm reminder that “talent alone isn’t enough” ahead of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The German urged the 18-year-old to back up his dazzling skills with work rate and discipline, playing down the hype around him and insisting the winger must step up defensively to reach the next level.

Barcelona’s long-awaited return to Camp Nou appears to be edging closer, with UEFA listing the revamped stadium as the host of their Champions League clash against Olympiacos on October 21. The development comes amid growing optimism that the Blaugrana could also host Girona in La Liga three days earlier. However, final approval from city authorities and UEFA remains the key before the doors officially reopen.

Barcelona have made Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez their top target for the 2026 summer window. He has been identified as the replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who could leave the club in 2026, creating financial room for Barcelona to sign Alvarez. The Argentine has admired the club since childhood, inspired by his Argentina teammate and idol Lionel Messi.

Lamine Yamal’s father has come to spotlight once again after appearing in a lighthearted cooking video where he joked he will “live off” his son. Mounir Nasraoui, often outspoken on social media, defended the Barcelona starlet while brushing off critics. The remarks came just days after Yamal’s decisive return for Barca ahead of a huge Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen might have turned 33, but sporting director Deco is of the firm opinion that the German international can still create more history at the club. Ter Stegen was embroiled in controversy throughout the summer, as the reigning La Liga champions decided to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol, who arrived to displace the long-time servant as the first-choice.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has taken aim at Athletic Club’s Nico Williams following the collapse of a summer transfer, revealing that it was the player’s agent who initiated contact rather than the Catalan club. While acknowledging Williams’ quality, Deco stressed that he was not the type of player Barcelona were looking for. Instead, the former midfielder expressed his admiration for Marcus Rashford, who ultimately arrived as the alternative signing.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has lifted the lid on contract renewal discussions between the club and key midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The Netherlands international’s current deal expires next summer but the Blaugrana hierarchy have now revealed they are confident fresh terms will be agreed soon as negotiations are set to continue between both parties.

Barcelona are reportedly planning to block Lamine Yamal from being called up by Spain for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria as the fallout from the forward’s recent groin injury continues. The Blaugrana were incensed after discovering the 18-year-old aggravated a groin issue by taking painkillers to play in his country’s international double header earlier this month.