FC Barcelona has identified a need for greater defensive solidity, making the signing of a top-level left-footed central defender a priority, with Alessandro Bastoni as their main target.
Barcelona is very close to signing Víctor Santiago, a left-footed attacking midfielder from Escola Gava. His technical ability, pace, agility, and dribbling are truly impressive. He is set to join the Cadet A team for the 2026/27 season.
Barcelona has had their sights on Manchester City playmaker Bernardo Silva for a long time now. The Portuguese international had been a key target for the club for multiple summers.
"It's a scenario we expected, but it's a situation I've already experienced, both last year and at my previous clubs. It's all or nothing."
I have often said that we have a lot of respect and admiration for FC Barcelona, but there has been no contact with Haaland or his manager with FC Barcelona or any of their candidates for a transfer.
Alejandro Balde presents an injury to the distal biceps femoris of the left thigh. Tests determine that the recovery process will take approximately 4 weeks. It means that the left-back will miss the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie against Newcastle United this month, in addition to La Liga fixtures against Athletic Club, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano.
FC Barcelona's starters completed a recovery session after the exertions of the match, while the rest of the squad were out on pitch two for training. Accordingly, preparations are now under way for the comeback the Blaugranes will be aiming to complete in a couple of days against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey.
The biggest takeaway from the starting eleven against Levante is Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese international starts ahead of Alejandro Balde at left-back, while Jules Kounde continues on the opposite flank. Gerard Martin is a suspension risk and is one booking away from becoming ineligible to play against Villarreal. But he starts in central defence alongside Eric Garcia, with Pau Cubarsi rested.
"Only when we don't have the talent at home should Barça be able to go to the market and attract the best talent. Like Harry Kane: a player who connects with teammates, with talent and an eye for goal. We are working on it," he said. Kane has emerged as one of Barcelona's candidates to replace Lewandowski, with his contract at Bayern Munich expiring in 2027.
Then there's the issue of the Sports Law, which I don't follow, that there's a three-year statute of limitations. I've advocated for much longer statutes of limitations for these types of crimes," he added, airing his grievances.
We will come back. We need to start from the beginning [of games]. When you see Atlético players, they had more will, more hunger. And this is what I want from the first minute. We didn't show that in the first half.
