It is the same Villarreal game, which was supposed to be held in the United States, but will now be hosted at La Ceramica. In order to offset the missed opportunity of playing a lucrative Miami match, Barcelona were keen on organising a quick friendly on another continent, shortly after the Villarreal game. It was even reported that the club were in talks over a friendly in Morocco, which now appears to have been ruled out.
A new Nike Barcelona fourth shirt 2025/26 has dropped, remixing the Blaugrana stripes. This might be the artiest Barcelona shirt ever, too, with the Catalans looking to get back to Camp Nou imminently: the city has a rich heritage when it comes to the art world, from the likes of Antoni Gaudi through to Rosalia, but this new top also pays tribute to a famous Clasico.
I wasn't surprised to see Xavi with Victor Font. I thought he was free to do whatever he wanted. I'm not surprised because he had a relationship with Victor Font in the past.
Looking back, I can say that I'm happy with both. They both gave me a lot and taught me a lot. My time at Atletico had a different dynamic.
Sometimes, when I talk to Ronald Araujo I tell him. When he scores goals or when he wins something, I tell him, remember, people have no memory and every three days they are going to demand the same from you, and that's what happens to him, he has to perform every game between an 8 and a 10 because if not the people will already ask him. It's what Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético demand of you. Be at a high level and constantly.
Barcelona are entering a decisive period in their long-term planning. Robert Lewandowski's contract runs until 2026, yet the club can no longer delay the conversation about what comes next. The Polish striker is still capable of delivering key moments, but the reality is that the team needs a successor who can lead the frontline for the next cycle. With Hansi Flick pushing for a more fluid, intense and physically demanding approach, the identity of the next No. 9 matters more than ever.
The most sought-after option is Nico Schlotterbeck. The German international is regarded as the player with the most similar characteristics to Inigo Martinez and is rated highly by Hansi Flick. Schlotterbeck is left-footed, smart, fast and excellent on the ball, making him an ideal cog in Hansi Flick's high defensive line. However, he is expensive as well, having been regarded as one of Dortmund's top players.
Litmanen's seven-year spell at Ajax saw the Finnish forward establish himself as one of Europe's best players, as the Dutch side's punt on the young MyPa star in 1992 more than paid off. Litmanen would net 129 goals in 228 appearances for the club, helping them win four Eredivisie titles and three KNVB Cups domestically, with that side's crowning achievement being the 1995 Champions League victory under boss Louis van Gaal.
After nearly leaving the club a year ago, Eric Garcia has become an 'untouchable' for Hansi Flick's Barcelona and is viewed as a key part of the club's present and future. The 24-year-old homegrown star's versatility makes him valuable as he can fill in as a right-back, centre-back, and even as a defensive midfielder. Garcia's current contract expires in June 2026, prompting interest from reigning French and European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
However, in a recent interview with 365scores, Lewandowski's agent, Pini Zahavi, has squashed all rumours about him possibly leaving in January. "Everything being said about Lewandowski 's possible departure in the winter transfer window is completely false," he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo). Zahavi added that the Pole is not thinking of a mid-season exit from Barcelona and remains fully focused on ending the season in Catalonia.
The past few months have seen tensions rise between Barcelona and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over the handling of Lamine Yamal's fitness. The Blaugrana were unhappy that the 18-year-old was made to play during the September international break despite not being at 100% fit, which has given way to recurring pubalgia issues. Lamine then missed the Spain call-up in October due to the discomfort resurfacing.
