Barcelona are building momentum at the start of the LaLiga season, and the arrival of Rodri has given that momentum a significant boost. The former Manchester City midfielder made his long-awaited debut in a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez scoring the goals. The win keeps Barcelona fourth in LaLiga with six points from two games, and Hansi Flick's side have now kept back-to-back clean sheets in the league.

The transfer window continues to reshape the squad in both directions. Barcelona agreed a cut-price £8.6 million deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal, adding attacking cover as the summer deadline approaches. That move partially offsets the collapse of the club's pursuit of Julian Alvarez. Atletico Madrid blocked that transfer outright, publicly accusing Barcelona of unprofessional conduct in a bitter public dispute that has soured relations between the two clubs. With Atletico having since given Alvarez a deadline to choose between Arsenal and staying in Madrid, Barcelona's interest is effectively dead.

On the outgoing side, La Masia defender Hector Fort completed a permanent €8 million move to Real Sociedad, ending a 13-year association with the club. His departure carries an emotional dimension, with Lamine Yamal publicly saying goodbye to a close friend. Flick has since spoken positively about Yamal's mood and form ahead of Monday's home fixture against Rayo Vallecano, describing the teenager as rediscovering his best self after a challenging period.