Barcelona news

Ivan Rakitic has officially hung up his boots after a trophy-laden career with Barcelona and Sevilla, leaving behind a heartfelt farewell.

England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck has returned to the Women's Super League after just one year as she signed for Aston Villa on Tuesday. Roebuck left Manchester City to join Barcelona on a two-year deal last summer but she is now back in her homeland after mutually terminating her contract with the Catalan giants. Roebuck has signed a two-year deal with the Villans.

A Barcelona homecoming for Lionel Messi has been ruled out, as the Argentine GOAT “doesn’t run”, while a possible retirement date has been set.

Ronald Araujo is preparing for Barcelona preseason and looks set to stay, despite a €60 million (£50m/$69m) release clause that’s nearing expiry.

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been branded a “PlayStation” footballer and backed to break Lionel Messi’s record of eight Ballon d’Or triumphs.

Barcelona have confirmed a two-year contract extension for Wojciech Szczesny, keeping the veteran goalkeeper at Camp Nou until 2027. The Polish shot-stopper’s new deal casts fresh doubt over Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s future, with Chelsea and Monaco both monitoring the German’s situation as Barca prepare for life with a new-look goalkeeping hierarchy with Joan Garcia leading the line.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha accused the Red Devils of overburdening Marcus Rashford as he backed the United outcast to shine in La Liga if Barcelona come calling. Rashford left Old Trafford in January to join Aston Villa on a short-term loan deal. The attacker is now back in Manchester but is expected to leave his boyhood club permanently.

Bayern Munich could beat Barcelona to the signing of Liverpool forward Luis Diaz this summer after the Bundesliga club struck an agreement on personal terms. Diaz is yet to negotiate a fresh deal with the English champions and has reportedly assured Bayern Munich officials that he would consider moving to Germany in the summer.

Inter are concerned about Denzel Dumfries' future amid interest from Manchester City and Barcelona due to his €25 million (£21m/$30m) release clause.

Barcelona will wrap up the signing of winger Roony Bardghji from Copenhagen, but the role the 19-year-old will play under Hansi Flick remains unclear.

Barcelona were running out of patience with Nico Williams and his agent before the Spain international commited his future to Athletic Club by signing a new long-term contract. Williams was once again closely linked with a move to the Blaugrana this summer after transfer talks broke down last year, however, the winger eventually penned a new Atheltic Club contract which runs until 2035.

Luis Diaz wants to join Barcelona and will make his demands clear to Liverpool following Nico Williams' shock contract extension with Athletic Club.

Barcelona's sporting director Deco has expressed regret at the way in which Vitor Roque was treated at the club.