Latest news with #HansiFlick
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Official: Barcelona announce youngster's return
La Liga giants Barcelona have announced a renewal of the loan terms of Abdul Aziz Issah. Attacker Aziz Issah, for those not familiar with his name, linked up with Barcelona last summer, as part of a loan deal from Dreams FC in his home country of Ghana. The 19-year-old was immediately called up to first-team training by Hansi Flick, a testament to just how highly thought of he was by the Blaugrana staff. Safe to say, however, that things did not exactly work out for Aziz Issah in his first season in Spain. In fact, all told, the youngster managed just 26 minutes of playing time at youth level. In turn, it may come as something of a surprise to learn of Barcelona, this week, having sanctioned a return for Aziz Issah. As per a statement across the Catalans' website and social media platforms: 'FC Barcelona and Dreams FC have reached an agreement to extend Aziz Issah 's loan for another season, until June 30, 2026. The Ghanaian striker will return to Barça Atlètic after a first year of adaptation.' Conor Laird – GSFN
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Marcus Rashford can excel away from 'rotten' Man United like recent players, believes Gary Lineker - as he backs 'unbelievable' forward to be a 'great signing' at Barcelona ahead of loan
Marcus Rashford 's move to Barcelona has been fully backed by former Nou Camp star Gary Lineker, who believes the Man United exile will flourish in Spain. The England international is on the verge of completing a dream loan move to the Spanish giants, with the switch expected to go through later on Wednesday. Barca will pay all of his £315,000-per-week wages and will have the option to buy him for £40million at the end of the season. He is one of five stars who is not in Ruben Amorim 's plans for the season despite impressing on loan at Aston Villa in the latter half of last campaign. While Rashford won't be walking into Hansi Flick's side as an expected starter, Lineker, the last Englishman to play for Barcelona, believes he can find lift-off under the Catalonian sun. 'He seems to be in the right frame of mind and this is such a great challenge for him,' he told Sky Sports' Football Museum podcast. 'Yes, they've got brilliant players and it will be tough to play regularly, but there are so many games that they play now. 'They've got a front three of Raphinha, (Robert) lewandowski, and (Lamine) Yamal but you can't play three players every game, in and out. 'Lewandowski is past his best really now - it's remarkable what he's still achieving at his age. 'I think it's a good signing for Barcelona. Marcus at his best is unbelievable. 'Let's look at what has happened to the players that have left Manchester United recently. The players that you thought, "ah, they're really struggling." They've done unbelievably well. Unbelievably well everywhere. 'Something at Manchester United right now is a little bit rotten and the players that have got away from that have generally succeeded, so I suspect Marcus, who we saw was terrific at Villa, can do the same thing at Barcelona.' Mail Sport revealed in January that the 27-year-old had his heart set on a move to the Nou Camp before United struck a deal with Aston Villa to take him on loan. However, Rashford's brother and representative Dwaine Maynard flew to Spain to hold talks with Barca sporting director Deco in May, and the deal moved closer after Nico Williams decided to stay at Athletic Bilbao rather than join the Catalan giants. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has made signing a left-sided attacker one of his priorities this summer. Asked in an interview last month if he hoped to play alongside Barcelona's teenage star Lamine Yamal, Rashford said: 'Yeah, for sure. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best. Hopefully. We'll see.' Rashford has been training away from the rest of the United squad in pre-season at Carrington after a fall-out with head coach Ruben Amorim as one of five members of a United 'bomb squad' that also includes Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia. After keeping fit with personal trainers in Marbella for much of the summer, Rashford has been coming to the training ground to work with United's conditioning staff on the basis that he doesn't access the complex until Amorim and the squad have left, sometimes arriving within minutes of the coach's departure.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Barcelona really admire UCL finalist but do not see him as transfer priority
According to a recent report from AS, it has come to light that although Barcelona are keeping a close eye on Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries, a move for the Dutch international is not currently on the table. While both manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco rate Dumfries highly, the club does not consider signing a full-back a priority at this stage of the transfer window. Barcelona have already strengthened their squad this summer with the arrivals of Marcus Rashford and goalkeeper Joan Garcia. These additions have covered the most urgent needs in the squad, and for now, the focus is on balance and maintaining financial stability. Still, the club continues to monitor interesting opportunities in the market and Dumfries is one of them. Dumfries' discounted clause expires soon The interest in Dumfries is driven in part by his availability at a cut-price fee. After renewing his contract with Inter Milan until 2028, a special clause was inserted that allows him to leave for €25 million, but only until midnight on July 31st, 2025. Barcelona really admire Denzel Dumfries. (Photo by) After that, Inter will be free to demand a significantly higher transfer fee. This limited-time clause has turned Dumfries into a short-term market opportunity, and Barcelona are aware of it. Reports suggest the club has held informal talks with his camp, including agent Jorge Mendes, who maintains a strong relationship with president Joan Laporta. However, Barcelona's current financial situation does not allow for a move unless a player is sold first. Without an outgoing transfer to free up space on the wage bill and generate funds, signing Dumfries is simply not feasible, even with the discount in place. As things stand, Dumfries remains a player admired by Barça's sporting department, but unless there is a late sale or shift in financial flexibility, the club will likely miss out on the opportunity to sign him at the lower price.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Big Names at Risk: Barcelona's Preseason Squad Exclusions Revealed!
Flek finalizes 26 man Asia tour squad with surprising omissions ahead of 2025 /26 season Big Names at Risk: Barcelona's Preseason Squad Exclusions Revealed! Barcelona boss Hansi Flick's made some tough decisions ahead of the club's preseason tour of Asia as several senior players are expected to miss out. Asia Tour Plans Underway Barca're set to travel to Japan & South Korea this week for series of friendlies in preparation for the 2025 /26 campaign which they hope will bring more silverware after last season's domestic treble: La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super cup. Limited Spots , Big Decisions According to Marca, Flick's working with 26 player limit meaning several names are likely to be excluded including players not in his plans or still recovering from injury. Ter Stegen Could Miss Out Top of the list's goalkeeper ter Stegen who's still struggling with back injury and may require another surgery putting his tour participation in serious doubt. Other Players Facing the Axe Oriol Romeu & Pau Victor are reportedly not part of Flick's vision with the club seeking loan or permanent exits this summer. Andreas Christensen remains uncertain. While he wishes to stay, the board may opt to cash in potentially ruling him out of the trip. Backup keeper Inaki Pena, alongside Dani Rodriguez & Toni Fernandez are also expected to be left out despite decent preseason showings.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dani Olmo in awe of Barcelona midfield maestro – ‘Puts everything on a platter for you'
Dani Olmo in awe of Barcelona midfield maestro – 'Puts everything on a platter for you' Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo reflected on the strong sense of unity within the Spanish national team that triumphed in the European Championship. He also drew comparisons to the camaraderie within Hansi Flick's Barcelona squad, which is determined to secure a historic treble this season. Advertisement He highlighted how the national team functioned as a single unit, with every player sharing a bond both on and off the pitch. 'It happened in the concentration, off the field, because we were a team, there were no groups in the national team. We were one in which we were all friends and we all went together,' he said as quoted by SPORT. Pedri's influence Olmo says playing alongside Pedri is very easy. (Photo by) Olmo particularly praised Pedri for his tactical intelligence and ability to make the game easier for those around him. Playing alongside him is seamless due to his technical skills and vision. The understanding between them on the pitch allows them to anticipate each other's moves naturally. Advertisement 'There is a teammate who understands tactics of the game especially well: 'Pedri. It's very easy to play next to him, in addition to the quality he has, he puts everything on a platter for you.' If one finds himself in a tight spot, the other is always available as an option, ensuring smooth gameplay and fluid movement across the field. 'I always tell him: 'If I have a problem, I'll give it to you'. And he tells me the same thing: 'I turn around and give it to you and you do the rest.' 'So we spend it almost in a loop. We have that feeling, and on the pitch too, so he goes out on his own,' he explained. Advertisement On Lamine Yamal Olmo also praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Florencia) When it comes to goal-scoring, Olmo admitted that finding the back of the net is one of the toughest aspects of the game. However, he could not hide his admiration for Lamine Yamal, whose immense talent continues to impress teammates and opponents alike. 'We freak out a lot with him, he is another level, he is unique. But he must continue as he has done so far because he is very young.' Olmo acknowledged his potential but also emphasised the importance of remaining grounded. With the right mindset and continuous hard work, Yamal has a bright future ahead of him. 'From what he has achieved to what awaits him, he has a lot left. He has to keep his feet on the ground and keep working.' On returning to Barcelona Dani Olmo also reflected on his return to Barcelona. (Photo by) For Olmo, playing for Barcelona is more than just a career move—it is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. When the club's interest became serious, he knew instantly that he wanted to be part of the project. Advertisement 'I remember perfectly, my father called me and told me he was serious. I had already seen that they were interested, in what came out every summer, but I didn't give it importance as in that one, I felt it was different.' While other clubs were also keen on signing him, there was no doubt in his mind that Barcelona was the place for him. Having grown up with a deep connection to the club, he now finds himself in the best phase of his career, relishing every moment of representing the team he has always considered home. 'There were other teams interested, but Barça is my home and it was clear to me. It was my dream to be where I am now. That's why I'm in the best moment of my life,' he added.
