16 of 22, Barcelona's league dominance this season
Your club just pulled off something remarkable. Across men's, women's, and youth football, Barcelona won 16 of a possible 22 league titles this season. That's La Liga, Liga F, and down through the academy, a near-total clean sweep (1). No other institution in Spain operates at this level.
Femeni crowned champions, legends depart
It's celebration and farewell at the same time. Barcelona Femeni have been crowned Liga F Moeve champions, but the title comes with goodbyes. Alexia Putellas, Mapi León, Ona Batlle, and Caroline Graham are all leaving the club (4).
The numbers behind the quadruple-winning season are staggering. Ewa Pajor and Putellas led the team in goals, assists, and minutes played. Cata Coll, Aitana, and Mapi León were also central to the campaign that delivered four trophies (5). A golden era closes, but the foundation remains.
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Gordon arrives, Rashford returns
Anthony Gordon is a Barcelona player. The Newcastle winger gives Hansi Flick exactly what he wanted, a direct, vertical threat who bites in the press (6). The deal is done.
The knock-on effect is immediate. Marcus Rashford's loan will not become permanent. Barcelona are only willing to cover half of the £26m purchase option, and Rashford now expects to return to Manchester United for pre-season (7). Gordon's arrival closed that door.
Müller can't believe Gordon chose Barça
Thomas Müller has weighed in, and he's genuinely puzzled. On the Bild podcast Bayern Insider, the Bayern legend asked: "If Barcelona and Bayern come, what was the deciding factor for Gordon not coming to Munich? I know Hansi Flick very well, of course. It's a lot of fun playing under him, both in terms of his leadership and his style of play. But I would go to FC Bayern" (9).
Flick's relationship with Gordon, built during their time together, clearly made the difference. Bayern wanted him. He chose Barcelona.
€100m for Álvarez, Atlético want €150m
The striker hunt is real. Barcelona have lodged a €100m offer for Julián Álvarez, but Atlético Madrid are only prepared to negotiate at €150m (8). That's a €50m gap that won't close easily.
Darwin Núñez has also surfaced as a potential alternative during talks with Al-Hilal over João Cancelo. The club is exploring every avenue to bring in a number nine.
Thiago departs, Liverpool bound?
Thiago Alcântara is leaving Flick's coaching staff after two years. Flick didn't hide his admiration: "He helped me a lot here in my work at Barça and over the last two years he has been amazing. We will miss him, but I understand that he has his own plans and that is a good thing. I hope one day he can come back because football needs people like him" (10).
The former Barça and Liverpool midfielder is now tipped for a coaching role at Anfield.
Belletti stays, Varela wait
Juliano Belletti will continue as Barça Atlètic manager, only the formal announcement is outstanding (2). Stability in the B team.
As for Cardoso Varela, the Dinamo Zagreb youngster is a name on the radar but nothing more. Barcelona's interest remains unclear, with Porto also lurking (3). Don't hold your breath on this one.
