Barcelona news

The Portuguese full-back’s future will once again be up in the air as the summer approaches

Barcelona have received some bad news at a critical juncture of the season following confirmation that Raphinha has withdrawn from the Brazil squad. The Blaugrana winger was forced to pull out of the international camp due to a muscular issue sustained during the 2-1 friendly defeat against France.

Robert Lewandowski’s future beyond this summer remains unclear. A top club appears to be positioning itself already.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Raphinha was withdrawn at half-time during Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to France due to a muscle issue. The Barcelona winger, a vital component of the Selecao’s attacking trident, was replaced by Luiz Henrique after a promising opening 45 minutes in the United States. With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, his fitness remains a primary concern for the technical staff.

Barcelona starlet Fermin Lopez has opened up about his decision to reject a move to Chelsea earlier in his career, insisting he is exactly where he wants to be. The Barca academy graduate is currently enjoying a breakout season that has reportedly caught the eye of Manchester United, but his focus remains firmly on domestic and European dominance with the Catalan giants.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has moved to quell concerns regarding the fractured relationship between Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal. The Barcelona wonderkid and Real Madrid captain were involved in a heated confrontation following October's feisty El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite the domestic animosity, the national team boss insists that international duty transcends club rivalries as La Roja prepare for upcoming fixtures.

At FC Barcelona, defender Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly at the top of their wish list. However, his club, Inter Milan, is reportedly unwilling to cooperate.

Hansi Flick has largely been credited with instilling a positive and disciplined culture within the Barcelona dressing room since his arrival, but the first signs of internal friction are beginning to emerge. The source of the discord is Roony Bardghji, the highly-rated winger who secured a high-profile move to the Spotify Camp Nou last summer but has struggled to cement a regular place in the starting XI.

Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta believes a romantic Barcelona return for Lionel Messi is not out of the question. The Inter Miami star's ex-teammate has opened up on the unique leadership qualities that make the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner a "rare" talent.

Manchester United are prepared to entertain offers from Premier League rivals for Marcus Rashford if Barcelona fail to honour the permanent transfer agreement currently in place. The England international has spent the season on loan at Camp Nou, but uncertainty in Catalunya has opened the door for a dramatic return to English football with a different club.

Aleksandr Hleb had a disappointing spell at FC Barcelona. As a former teammate has now revealed, the Belarusian football icon turned to alcohol to take his mind off things – even on the pitch.

England will head to the World Cup this summer as one of the favourites to lift the trophy after a run of strong tournament showings by a still relatively young core group of players. Football, though, moves fast, and soon there will be new stars who come along and usurp those established names. Fortunately for the Three Lions, the production line is showing few signs of slowing down.

La Liga has seen its legal challenge against the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) dismissed by the National Court's Prosecutor's Office. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Javier Tebas, sought to classify a 15-second on-field protest by players as an "illegal strike." The demonstrations took place earlier this season as players from across the league, including stars from Barcelona and Villarreal, rebelled against plans to move a regular-season fixture to Miami.