Latest news with #LaMasia
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pau Victor will leave Barcelona for the Czech Republic for €15m: When will the deal happen?
The La Masia native is expected to leave the club soon. Pau Victor will leave Barcelona for the Czech Republic for €15m: When will the deal happen? Barcelona's La Masia striker Pau Victor is set to leave the club soon, and is expected to move to Portugal to sign a full contract with Braga soon. According to some press reports, most notably from The Athletic, the player's current market value is €12 million, as determined by Barcelona for those who want to sign him, plus an additional €3 million in variables. The player's name has been linked to several clubs. The young Barcelona defender has made his decision, opting for a move to Portuguese side Braga despite interest from Valencia. The 23-year-old, who previously expressed his desire to remain at Camp Nou, ultimately recognized the need for regular minutes after a frustrating season with just two La Liga starts under Hansi Flick. This transfer serves dual purposes - providing Victor with the playing opportunities he craves while helping Barcelona's precarious financial situation. The Catalan club continues its summer clearout, with Victor joining a growing list of departures that includes Pablo Torre, Ansu Fati, Clement Lenglet, and Alex Valle. While Valencia had explored a loan arrangement, Victor's preference for Braga suggests the Portuguese club offered a more compelling sporting project. The move represents a fresh start for the defender, who now faces the challenge of reigniting his career away from Barcelona's spotlight. As Barcelona prioritizes player sales to accommodate new arrivals, Victor's exit follows a familiar pattern of young talents seeking opportunities elsewhere after struggling to break through at the demanding Catalan club.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Man City make record-breaking €275m bid for Barcelona's boy wonder
Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal is once again at the centre of global attention, and this time it is not just because of his dazzling displays on the pitch. According to a report from Fichajes, Premier League giants Manchester City have submitted a jaw-dropping offer of €275 million for the teenage sensation—an amount that would break every known transfer record if accepted. Advertisement At just 17, Yamal has taken La Liga by storm, consistently proving that he is far more than just a promising youngster. With breathtaking pace, technical brilliance, and maturity beyond his years, he has already become a cornerstone of Hansi Flick's project at Barcelona. Manchester City want Yamal Manchester City's interest comes as no surprise. Pep Guardiola has always admired technically gifted players, especially those nurtured in La Masia. Man City are keeping tabs on Lamine Yamal. (Photo by) With City's squad stacked with elite talent, there is no doubt that Yamal would have the perfect environment to grow even further under the tutelage of one of the best coaches in world football. Advertisement But this offer puts Barcelona in a dilemma they can not ignore. Despite Yamal being tied to the club until June 2026, the sheer magnitude of the bid is enough to make any financially troubled club pause. The Blaugrana are already working on extending his contract, aiming to secure his future well beyond 2026. However, with an eye-watering €275 million on the table, Barcelona may now face internal debates. Yamal's increasing value What complicates the matter even more is Yamal's importance not only in terms of sporting performance but also brand value, as he represents the hope of a new era. Selling him now, even for a record fee, could send the wrong message to potential sponsors, particularly when the club is trying to rebuild its identity post-Messi. Advertisement As things stand, Barcelona are unlikely to accept any offer, no matter how colossal, as Yamal is seen as untouchable by Joan Laporta and manager Hansi Flick, both of whom are determined to make him the face of the new Barça era.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Barcelona sporting director reflects on his tenure at Barça – 'There were stressful nights'
Barcelona have never been strangers to turmoil, but the 2021–2023 period was one of the most fragile and defining chapters in the club's modern history. Amid the financial chaos, tactical overhauls and emotional exits. Jordi Cruyff served as Barcelona's sporting director. Now, a year after stepping away, he's opened up in an interview with Diario SPORT about the behind-the-scenes reality of rebuilding a broken giant. Cryuff on rebuilding Barça and key exits For Cruyff, the mission was always clear: Modernise the club while respecting its soul. 'The challenge was to evolve without losing Barça's essence: attacking football, La Masia, and smart signings.' He admitted the club had no financial muscle and had to adapt their recruitment model. 'Without fair play, you look for players who are affordable and ready. Premier League loans helped because they bring rhythm and personality.' Cruyff played a key role in shaping the team that won La Liga under Xavi. He underlined how the team had to shift gears after Messi's exit. 'Before, you gave Leo the ball. Without him, transitions hurt us more. The game got more physical and vertical.' The exits forced Barcelona to target new profiles. 'That's why we brought in Raphinha, Christensen, Kounde, and Kessie. They were ready to compete instantly.' Letting go of legends was one of the toughest parts. 'It was hard talking to legends who had won everything. But they were elegant and generous. People don't know the financial sacrifices they made.' Lionel Messi's exit was a huge sentimental blow for Barcelona (Photo by) One of the most emotional goodbyes was Aubameyang. 'He brought goals, joy, and connected with the fans. That goodbye hurt.' Cruyff on Xabi, Yamal and Cubarsi Cruyff also touched on some strategic decisions, including the timing of Xavi's appointment. 'We needed someone with conviction. Xavi had it. He didn't hesitate.' He praised the coach for his belief in youth. 'We didn't expect a league title so soon. But the team played like veterans.' The youth generation, Cruyff believes, holds the key to the club's future. 'What Cubarsí does at 17. It's outrageous.' He added, 'Yamal has magic, and Fermin grew rapidly. That generation gives you goosebumps. 'You don't buy talent like this. You raise it.' Not every decision went to plan, and Cruyff acknowledges that. 'Not everything is a success. You plan well, but football has its own logic.' Still, he is confident that the work done was for the club's long-term benefit. 'We always tried to do what was best for Barça, even if it wasn't popular.' Among the quiet but important signings, Inigo Martínez stood out. 'In the locker room, he lifts you when you're down and grounds you when your head's too high. That's leadership.' On Lewandowski, he said: 'He made life easier. It was his dream to play for Barça, and he gave us goals and example.' Jordi Cruyff hails Lewandowski's impact (Photo by) Cruyff also spoke candidly about leaving Barcelona after winning the league. 'When the title was won, I told myself: 'That's it, I'm happy.' My dream was to help Barça during a transition.' Cruyff also reflected on the transition of sporting duties, as he stepped away and Deco took full charge. 'I was happy with Deco coming in. He has experience, connections, and sees football clearly.' He insisted that his own departure was not sudden or forced. 'It was the plan. We won the league, and I felt I had done my part.' The job wasn't without its toll. 'There were stressful nights, last-minute calls, doubts. But when you win the league and see the team grow, it's all worth it.' As Barcelona begins a new chapter under Hansi Flick, Jordi Cruyff's influence was key and serves as the DNA of the squad as it looks to now conquer Europe heading into the new season.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Signs Premier League Star For First Team
FC Barcelona has effectively signed Marcus Rashford from Manchester United according to Spanish ... More newspaper MARCA, which cited anonymous sources. FC Barcelona has effectively signed Marcus Rashford from Manchester United according to Spanish newspaper MARCA, which cited anonymous sources. On Saturday afternoon in Spain, the Madrid-based outlet reported that Rashford 'will be a Barcelona player next season'. It added that the Catalans have reached an agreement with both the player, and ex-England international and the Red Devils, with just 'the small details and the drafting of the contracts are missing'. Rashford will head south to La Liga on loan with an option to buy him outright at the end of the 2025/2026 season for fee of €35 million. The 27-year-old will land in Barcelona in the next few days, and then pass a medical to go on a preseason tour of Asia on which his soon-to-be head coach Hansi Flick has already revealed the amount of players he will take. Flick is currently working with a squad of 36 players and will cut nine to head to the Far East. A good amount of those cut will come from the group of 10 youngsters promoted from La Masia and the reserve team to train with the seniors, but a potential positional rival in Dro Fernandez has reportedly impressed the German and could feature.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Barca winger vows to forge own path after treble-winning season
BARCELONA: Young Barcelona star Lamine Yamal inherited the club's number 10 shirt, previously worn by all-time great Lionel Messi, on Wednesday. "Messi made his path and I will make mine," Yamal told reporters at the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium. "I will work as hard as I can, give everything and try to make those Barca fans in the stadium and those at home happy." The 18-year-old winger, often compared to the Argentine superstar who also came through the club's La Masia youth academy, helped the Catalan giants win a domestic treble last season. He signed a new contract with Barcelona until 2031 in May, becoming one of the best paid players at the club. "I hope to enjoy myself more than last year and make my dreams come true," continued Yamal, who said he wanted to win the Champions League with the Catalan giants, and also the World Cup with Spain. Yamal has scored 25 goals for the club in over 100 appearances, making his debut in 2023 at the age of 15, wearing the number 41 shirt. "Barca is my life, I've been here since I was seven, for all kids from La Masia their dream is to make it to the first team and I'm doing it and I have to keep working," said Yamal. "When I was little I dreamed of being at Barca and having this number." After a season wearing the 27, last summer, Yamal followed in Messi's footsteps by taking the number 19, which the Argentine wore at the club between 2005 and 2008. Ansu Fati inherited Messi's number 10 shirt in 2021, when the now Inter Miami player left Barca for Paris Saint-Germain. Beset by a series of injuries, Fati was unable to fulfil his potential at Barca and signed on loan for Monaco earlier in July. Other star names including Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo have worn the Barcelona number 10 shirt in the past. "(Messi, Maradona, Ronaldinho) are three legends of football, three legends of this club," said Yamal. "I am grateful for what they gave the club and I will try to continue this legacy."
