Following the club's decision to end its relationship with the European Super League Company and to formally submit its application for readmission, the EFC Board of Directors has unanimously approved the reinstatement of FC Barcelona, in accordance with its Statutes.
No one can be considered a true fan of a sports team unless they believe the rest of the world is trying to get them. The "us versus them" mentality helps fuel our love for our favorite teams, which makes it even sweeter when that one enemy we hate above all others is finally conquered. Barcelona have had to deal with quite a few villains in their history, with their connection to Catalonia inviting some extra challenges that went far beyond normal sports competition.
According to Diario Sport (via Tribuna), Milan are interested in signing Gerard Martin from Barcelona. Not only that, but they claim that the Rossoneri are willing to table an offer in the region of €25m for the defender and that Barcelona may well accept it. Last summer, it was reported that the Spaniard could make a move to the Premier League, with Wolves making an offer. However, it was not accepted and Martin ended up remaining, especially after Inigo Martinez's exit.
Even though the upcoming presidential elections have taken centre stage in recent days, FC Barcelona are continuing their planning for the summer transfer window and next season. One of the major decisions that has been made is to sign a top-level new centre-forward to bolster the attacking unit for next season. Names ranging from Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid to Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus have been touted as potential targets for the role.
As far as La Liga is concerned, Barcelona are currently at the top of the table, one point ahead of rivals Real Madrid, who face a tricky test away to Valencia on Sunday. So, the game against Mallorca today provides Hansi Flick & co. with an excellent chance to strengthen their grip at the top of the standings and put pressure on the Spanish capital club.
"Hansi Flick will be my coach, but Deco will not be my sporting director. We will make the structure fit better with Hansi Flick," he began. "We will ensure there isn't a figure like Alejandro Echevarria, who holds no official position yet exerts influence. Deco is a trusted appointment of Laporta and Alejandro Echevarria," he added on Laporta's known close aide.
The picture at FC Barcelona is optimistic as the club finds a stronger grip on its finances. Morningstar DBRS recently confirmed the club's credit rating at BBB with a positive outlook, a nod to the progress Barça has made in cost control, commercial expansion, and matchday revenue. The commercial side has done very well for the Catalan club, indeed. Barça Licensing & Merchandising (BLM) has helped the club reach new markets, while sponsorship income hit a record 259 million euros last season and merchandising pulled in 170 million, fueled in part by a 55 percent jump in e-commerce sales. Big deals, including the new Nike agreement, have reinforced Barcelona's ability to generate income.
Despite their up and down performances at times this season, Barcelona have full confidence in both Balde and Kounde as the team's starting full-backs, sources tell Barça Universal exclusively. So far this term, Kounde has played 34 matches in all competitions, registering three goals and two assists in the process. While his partnership with Lamine Yamal going forward remains strong, the French international's issues have been on the defensive side - poor positioning and struggles in 1v1 duels have become recurring themes.