FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona

Barcelona's scouting department continues to cast a wide net across South America, and their latest target is a young Brazilian talent already turning heads in his homeland. According to a report from SPORT, the Catalan giants are keeping a very close eye on Sao Paulo's emerging gem, Gustavo Zabarelli, a player born in 2009 who has been lighting up Brazil's youth scene. At just 16 years old, Zabarelli has already earned a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in Sao Paulo's academy.

Barcelona's recent form has led to plenty of scrutiny and debate about what's going wrong for Hansi Flick's side in the 2025-26 season. What's clear is that several players are yet to rediscover their best form, including Jules Kounde at right-back. The Frenchman simply didn't stop playing last season as Barca won three titles. Kounde ended the season with eight assists and four goals to his name, including a brilliant winner in the Copa del Rey final.

FC Barcelona will enter the transfer market for a new centre-forward in the summer of 2026, as Robert Lewandowski's contract expires at the end of the season. As things stand, there are no plans to offer a renewal to the 37-year-old forward and rope in a replacement, with several names being considered as possible targets. Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland remain the dream options, but are considered out of reach given the club's financial situation.

As already reported, FC Barcelona are currently working towards playing a friendly match in Peru on December 22 - a game that could generate between €7 and €8 million in revenue for the club. However, the logistical puzzle to go ahead with the match is proving to be a challenge for the Blaugrana. Barcelona in touch with La Liga, AFE over Peru friendly As such, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona have asked La Liga to play in Villarreal on December 20 and are in talks with the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) regarding players' holiday schedules.

La Masia prospect Xavi Espart has become a regular in FC Barcelona's first-team training sessions in recent weeks. The 18-year-old versatile youngster, who can play at right-back and in midfield, was a key part of the Juvenil A setup that won the treble last season. Espart has carried forward that form to the Barça Atletic setup this season, becoming a key player under Juliano Belletti's tutelage.

Even as FC Barcelona wait to return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou, the stadium is already being presented as an option to host big events in the future. As has already been reported, the stadium is under consideration for the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. Now, the Camp Nou appears to be in contention to host another huge blockbuster match.

Araujo in for Cubarsi In fact, according to Mundo Deportivo, one of the changes that manager Flick is likely to make will be in defence, where Ronald Araujo is in line to start ahead of Pau Cubarsi. In the final training session before the game, the German coach dropped hints about his selection, and he is likely to use nearly the same starting XI that faced Real Madrid, but without a couple of notable changes.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick also called up Mamadou Mbacke from Barça Atletic to take part in training ahead of the match against Elche. Due to the absence of Andreas Christensen and the condition of Pau Cubarsi, who did not train with the group earlier in the week, Flick decided to include the 22-year-old Mbacke in preparations. The Senegalese centre-back started the season with an injury and missed a few matches before returning and starting three games in a row.

The 26-year-old has been at the Emirates for over five years now, having joined from Real Madrid, initially on loan, before the move was made permanent. Now, though, it appears that Odegaard has emerged as a target for Barcelona, who believe that the Norwegian international is ready to don the Blaugrana jersey. A versatile midfielder capable of operating as a No. 10 or an interior, the Arsenal captain was a target for Barça during his youth career.

In what was a significant milestone for the club, Barcelona have finally announced the return date for the iconic Camp Nou stadium on November 7. The club are expected to hold training session in the renovated stadium on the date, two days ahead of their La Liga contest against league contest against Celta Vigo. Date was set on Hansi Flick's wishes

Karl Etta Eyong is fast becoming one of the most talked-about players in La Liga, with the young striker producing a series of consistent performances for Levante. Aged just 22, Eyong already has six goals and three assists to his name so far this season. His brilliant performances have led to interest from several clubs across Europe, including Barcelona. With the Catalans looking to find a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, Eyong has emerged as the ideal target.

Now, in another positive development, SPORT reports that Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has begun light training on the pitch as he continues to recover from back surgery performed on 25 July in Bordeaux. The 33-year-old club captain has been sidelined with a long-term injury, estimated to require around four months of recovery, meaning he is still expected to need at least another month before becoming available to Hansi Flick.