Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has called for a Spanish player to lift the Ballon d'Or this year while tipping teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to claim the individual prize before long. Speaking ahead of next month's Nations League clash against the Czech Republic, the 65-year-old also reflected on the international retirement of Marcos Llorente.
Chelsea have reportedly moved to the front of the queue in the high-stakes battle to land Barcelona starlet Marc Bernal. The Blues are eager to bolster their midfield options and view the teenage sensation as a cornerstone for their future project under Xabi Alonso.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has opened up on the club's decision to move for Anthony Gordon this summer, despite Marcus Rashford’s successful loan spell at the Camp Nou last season. The Catalan giants opted to pivot their strategy, prioritising Gordon’s specific profile to satisfy the tactical demands of new head coach Hansi Flick instead of pursuing a permanent deal for the Man Utd forward.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has finally broken his silence on the club's unsuccessful and controversial pursuit of Julian Alvarez. The Blaugrana chief addressed the breakdown in negotiations with Atletico Madrid and dismissed allegations that the Catalan giants acted unprofessionally in their quest for the Argentine international.
Gabriel Jesus enjoyed a memorable home debut for Barcelona, marking his Camp Nou bow with a goal in a 5-1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord. The former Arsenal forward matched Brazilian icon Rivaldo's record in Europe's elite competition after netting just minutes after coming off the bench. After the match, the 29-year-old opened up about the emotion of fulfilling a lifelong dream in front of a packed stadium.