La Liga president Javier Tebas has confirmed plans for league games to be played overseas, starting with fixtures in the United States in the 2025/26 season. La Liga has been working on playing league matches on foreign shores for several years, particularly in the US where Hispanic communities have made the country the league’s biggest market outside of Spain.
Barcelona plans a busy summer transfer window with potential departures to address financial issues. According to Sport, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha are available for transfer, while others may depart as well. However, five players are considered ‘non-transferable’: Cubarsi, Yamal, Gavi, Pedri, and Faye. Despite reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Yamal will not be sold. Sergi Roberto is likely to extend his contract, while Marcos Alonso is expected to leave on a free transfer. The club faces decisions on Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, who may not join on permanent deals due to financial constraints.
Amidst speculation linking 19-year-old Senegalese defender Moussa Faye with a move to Manchester United, Barcelona has made it clear that he is nicht available for transfer this summer. The Catalan club views Faye as a key asset and plans to give him a first-team squad number next season to nurture his development. Manchester United is expected to sign two new center-backs during the summer transfer window to replace aging and injury-plagued players. However, Barcelona’s stance on Faye may force the Red Devils to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.
England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck is set to transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City at the conclusion of the current season. Roebuck’s contract with City ends in June, and her decision to pursue an international opportunity stems from diminished playing time at the club due to the emergence of rising star Khiara Keating. Despite a recent stroke diagnosis disclosed by Roebuck in March, her recovery is progressing well, and she expressed a positive outlook on her career trajectory. Roebuck’s transfer to Barcelona comes after the Spanish giants reportedly kept tabs on her recovery and initiated the move, initially discussed towards the end of last year. Roebuck’s departure creates an opportunity for Barcelona goalkeepers Cata Coll and Gemma Font to compete for the starting position. Roebuck’s lack of playing time under Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor this season has also affected her standing with the England national team, coached by Sarina Wiegman, who has opted for other goalkeepers in recent months. Despite this setback, Roebuck remains determined to regain her position in the England squad as the qualification campaign for the 2025 European Championship begins.
Chelsea emerged victorious from their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg, defeating Barcelona 1-0 on their home turf. Erin Cuthbert’s crucial goal in the 40th minute sealed the win for Chelsea, marking the first time a team has defeated Barcelona in their stadium since 2022. The match showcased Chelsea’s remarkable growth under manager Emma Hayes, who has continuously refined their strategies. Despite switching to a back five formation, Chelsea maintained an attacking presence and dominated the match, limiting Barcelona to just one shot on target. Jess Carter, a key defensive standout, played a significant role in Chelsea’s success and was named player of the match. With the return leg at Stamford Bridge approaching, Chelsea aims to create a formidable atmosphere and galvanize the support of their fans, who will play a vital role in their quest to reach the Champions League final.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out for the rest of the La Liga season after sustaining an ankle sprain in the El Clasico clash with Real Madrid. The injury is a major blow to Barcelona’s hopes of securing second place in the table, as they trail leaders Real Madrid by 11 points with just six games remaining. De Jong is also likely to miss the Netherlands’ European Championship campaign this summer.
Barcelona coach Roger Grimau has expressed his confidence in his team’s ability to overcome Olympiacos in the upcoming Euroleague playoff series. Grimau highlighted the importance of home-court advantage, emphasizing the support of the fans at the Palau Blaugrana.
Barcelona is undergoing intense training sessions this week, gearing up for their upcoming match against Valencia next Monday. The squad is determined to bounce back from their recent losses and salvage the remainder of the season.
A group of off-duty police officers stepped into action to prevent a suspected thief from escaping with stolen goods from a restaurant in Barcelona. Sergeant Eren Emin and his colleagues witnessed the incident while celebrating a stag do. Despite being on holiday in a foreign country, the officers instinctively chased after the suspect and apprehended him, recovering the stolen items. Their quick thinking and dedication to upholding the law exemplify the unwavering nature of police officers, even when off duty.
Barcelona, facing financial uncertainties and a managerial change, is reportedly interested in signing Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka on loan. The 20-year-old midfielder has struggled for playing time at Stamford Bridge, making only four starts this season. Barcelona, in need of reinforcements but constrained by financial regulations, may see a loan deal as a viable option. Chelsea, under pressure to ensure Chukwuemeka’s development, could be open to a loan move if a substantial fee is involved.
