Gavi stunned by Cucurella's secret Madrid switch

Gavi: Cucurella hid his Real Madrid move from the squad

Gavi did not see it coming. Nobody in the Spain camp did. Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid, announced hours before Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde, was kept completely quiet from his international teammates. "We only found out in training the day before, well, just after the session. No one knew. He had kept it quiet, the b. We didn't expect it," Gavi said (1) (6). The Barcelona midfielder did not stop there, taking a swipe at Madrid: "They don't know what to do" (6). The transfer landed like a grenade inside a squad that already had its hands full preparing for the tournament.

De la Fuente erupts over Rodri criticism

Spain's 0–0 draw with Cape Verde in their World Cup opener was not the start anyone expected. The criticism that followed landed hardest on Rodri. Luis de la Fuente did not hold back. "It seems incredibly insulting to me that people would say that about the best player in the world. Would people say that about others who are considered the best in the world? I think they wouldn't dare. But because they're Spanish, we say things about our own that we wouldn't about others," the head coach said (5). He doubled down: "Rodri is the best player in the world. Even at 50%, he is better than most other midfielders in the world. He brings clarity, vision, balance. Rodri is an inspiration for us" (5). De la Fuente also addressed Lamine Yamal's fitness ahead of the Saudi Arabia match, confirming the teenager is not yet ready for a full 90 minutes.

Spain 3–0 Georgia, European League hopes alive

A clean win when it counted. Spain beat Georgia 3–0 to keep their European League campaign alive (2). The result sets up a decisive clash against Czech Republic next. No further details on the goalscorers were available.

Merino on Euro 2024: the final changed everything

Mikel Merino has opened up about Spain's run to the European Championship title, and the confession is striking. "We were enjoying every minute up until the final, we began to feel the pressure, it was do or die," the Arsenal midfielder said (4). Spain won it anyway.

Virgilli chase: three clubs in, Betis out

Jan Virgilli will not be joining Betis. Matteo Moretto reports three clubs from Italy, Portugal, and Spain are fighting for the midfielder (3). That is the extent of what is known for now.