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.
Now, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Barcelona have 'essentially closed' the deal to sign teenage winger Ajay Tavares from Norwich City. One of the most sought-after talents in England, the 16-year-old Tavares' arrival at the Blaugrana club is now only a matter of time, with just his signature on the contract pending. Despite being from the United Kingdom, the player holds a European passport, which allows him to be transferred immediately, having turned 16 years old in December.
Although there are more interested clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid have taken the lead and have already made an offer to Racing for the services of the 18-year-old midfielder. Initially, the idea of both clubs is to take him on loan until 30 June to their respective reserve teams and to include an option to buy, although they are also open to the possibility of a permanent transfer for the Racing academy product.
FC Barcelona travel to Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero tonight to take on Elche CF on Matchday 22 of the 2025/26 La Liga. Ahead of the trip to face Eder Sarabia's team away from home, Barça manager Hansi Flick has announced the squad list of players available at his disposal for selection. The big news is that key midfielder Frenkie de Jong is back in the squad after missing the midweek UEFA Champions League clash against FC Copenhagen due to suspension for accumulation of cards.