Barcelona news

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 According to RAC1, Barcelona have withdrawn their support for the European Super League (ESL), leaving Real Madrid as the only remaining member of the original 'Dirty Dozen' still supporting the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'.

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.

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.

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.

GOAL US unpacks the main weekend storylines from the Premier League, La Liga and other top competitions in The Euro XI

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.