Barcelona news

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

Lionel Messi may now be dazzling fans in Miami, but Barcelona remains close to his heart. The Argentine legend and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, threw a spectacular FC Barcelona-themed party for their eldest son Thiago’s 13th birthday, complete with the club’s iconic colours, the “Mes Que un Club” motto, and a cake shaped like Camp Nou — a touching nod to where it all began for La Pulga.

Marcus Rashford has informed Barcelona fans that he “can do better” after finding the target again in a comfortable victory over Elche. The Manchester United outcast is still searching for consistency, having endured those issues for some time now, but remains confident that he can deliver on expectations across a season-long loan with the Catalan heavyweights.

Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde has defended teammate Lamine Yamal over the scrutiny he has faced in recent weeks. The 18-year-old has not been at his best since September, when he succumbed to an injury in his pubic area while playing for Spain. Ever since his return, he has struggled to match his previously dizzying heights, with the glare of the spotlight shining on the youngster.

Levante's young forward Etta Eyong is in sublime form in La Liga and has garnered attention over the past few months from major Spanish clubs. On one hand, there is Real Madrid, whose decision-makers view Eyong as a promising prospect, and on the other hand, there is Barcelona, who had wanted to sign the Cameroonian in the previous window. The 22-year-old has now made a decision over which club he would prefer to join, if bids are tabled.

GOAL runs the rule over the British players earning a living away from their homeland, with plenty more stars deciding to leave their home comforts in search of a better footballing life elsewhere. The Premier League is still obviously one of the world's most entertaining divisions and the Championship can prove fantastic for development, but there are more options out there.

Elche's on-loan Barcelona defender Hector Fort has revealed a personal post-match conversation with Hansi Flick, saying that the manager "cares about me." The youngster also lifted the lid on the "special" experience of facing his close friend Lamine Yamal during Elche's 3-1 LaLiga defeat, a match which also saw Inaki Pena return to face his parent club.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, who was overjoyed at teenage sensation Lamine Yamal's goal against Elche, has stated that the Spaniard's injury problems are not yet over. Although the 18-year-old managed his fourth goal of the campaign, he is yet to rediscover his best form thus far this term.

Barcelona bounced back from their El Clasico loss with a convincing 3-1 win over Elche, a night that once again underlined Marcus Rashford’s rebirth under Hansi Flick. In Raphinha’s absence, the English winger has been electric, scoring his sixth of the season and earning a standing ovation from the Barca fans. Yet, even in triumph, Flick was clear he expects even more goals from Rashford.

Marcus Rashford gave Barcelona another reason to sign him permanently with a goal in his side's 3-1 win over Elche on Sunday. After early strikes from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, the England forward smashed in an impressive effort to put pay to the away team's comeback. Rafa Mir had given the underdogs hope in a very competitive La Liga fixture.

Harry Kane is considering a departure from Bayern Munich and could look to make a blockbuster switch to Barcelona. The English striker has been in ruthless goalscoring form this season and may look to experience a new league while he remains at the top of his game. Kane is mulling over the possibility of a new contract at the German giants, but his future remains in the balance.

Marcus Rashford has made a sensational start to his Barcelona career, reigniting his form with 12 goal contributions in just 13 appearances since joining on loan from Manchester United. The 28-year-old has openly expressed his desire to make the move permanent, though reports have suggested that the Catalan giants are set to make demands to Rashford to complete the transfer.

Marcus Rashford is backing himself to revive his form at Barcelona as the forward shared a pointed message on his 28th birthday. Rashford’s fall from grace at Manchester United was disheartening for the Red Devils' faithful. Once the poster boy of Erik ten Hag’s resurgent 2022–23 campaign, when he racked up an astonishing 42 goal involvements in 56 appearances, the following seasons painted a starkly different picture.