One of the profiles highlighted by the outlet is Otamendi. He is currently under contract with Benfica until 2026 and remains a key figure at the club, wearing the captain's armband and featuring regularly. However, the report also underlines that prising him away would be far from straightforward, especially given his importance and his strong ties through agent Jorge Mendes.
After some time away from the pitch and following a long recovery, the time has come to make something important public. I have made the decision to retire. A little over a year ago, I suffered a knee injury which, unfortunately, prevents me from returning to compete at the highest level. It was hard to accept that I couldn't continue. Thank you to my family for always being there, to everyone for the love and support. Thank you, football, for making me who I am.
However, as highlighted by SPORT, the reigning La Liga champions could find a solution in Juliano Belletti's Barça Atletic squad. Alvaro Cortes an option Hansi Flick could look at Indeed, as per the outlet, if Barcelona's defensive absences make it necessary to look for a reliable centre-back, Hansi Flick could look at reserve team captain Alvaro Cortes. Cortes is a solid, technical and consistent centre-back who is more than ready to make the step up to elite football.
Barcelona are currently being linked with several center-backs amid speculation they will try to strengthen their backline in the summer. Alessandro Bastoni, Nico Schlotterbeck and Pau Torres have all been mentioned as possible targets, while Mundo Deportivo now claim Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol is also an option.
One of those goals, however, stands above the rest. The moment came in October 2013 at Camp Nou. Barcelona were locked in a tense battle with Madrid when Sanchez spotted goalkeeper Diego Lopez slightly off his line. What followed was a perfectly weighted chip that floated into the net, sealing a vital Barça victory. The goal was not just decisive, but unforgettable for its quality and audacity.
At present, that search has been reduced to two elite profiles, namely, Josko Gvardiol and Alessandro Bastoni. Before arriving at this shortlist, Barcelona explored a much wider range of options. Several defenders were closely monitored, including Pau Torres, Ibrahima Konate, and Marc Guehi. Each of these names was assessed not only for quality, but also for market conditions and contractual situations.
For Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal, the Estadio de la Ceramica is one of those places where he has always been at his best. For Barcelona's number 10, it has become a familiar theatre, one where he has repeatedly turned promise into performance. This Sunday, Barcelona return to Villarreal, and memories from recent visits inevitably point in one direction. Yamal's first official appearance at La Ceramica came in August 2023, in a chaotic and unforgettable 4-3 win.
Barcelona's pursuit of teenage striker Hamza Abdelkarim has hit its first real obstacle, but the operation is far from collapsing. According to a report from SPORT, the Egyptian giants have turned down Barça's opening proposal for the youngster. Barcelona initially approached the deal with caution. The club tabled a straightforward loan offer that included a purchase option worth €4 million, with additional bonuses tied to appearances and goals.
Fernandez wants to remain at Barça and make a breakthrough in the first team. That is his biggest goal right now. This is despite the fact that Toni has not been a prominent figure in Barcelona's training camp, let alone the first team. At the age of just 17, it would perhaps be unfair to expect the young attacker to show up and start delivering for the first team.
