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Raphinha Matches Lionel Messi’s UCL Record for Barcelona

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Barcelona considering selling winger Raphinha in 2024

Raphinha’s resurgence this season has been nothing short of spectacular — and now, the Brazilian winger finds himself in the company of legends.

Raphinha Equals Lionel Messi’s Barcelona Record, Now Chasing Cristiano Ronaldo in Champions League History

In Barcelona’s emphatic 4-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, Raphinha was once again at the heart of everything.

He scored the opening goal — controversially nicking it off teenage defender Pau Cubarsi on the line — and then turned provider twice more, bringing his tally to 19 goal contributions (12 goals, 7 assists) in this Champions League campaign.

With that, Raphinha has officially matched Lionel Messi’s best-ever Champions League season for Barcelona. The Argentine great hit 14 goals and five assists in the 2011/12 campaign, a total that many believed would stand untouched at the club.

But now, over a decade later, Raphinha has joined him — and with potentially four games still to play, he has his sights set on even greater history.

Only two players have ever managed 20+ goal contributions in a single Champions League season: Cristiano Ronaldo with 22 in 2013/14 and 20 in 2015/16, and Robert Lewandowski with 21 in Bayern Munich’s victorious 2019/20 campaign.

Raphinha is just one contribution away from joining that exclusive club — and four away from rewriting the record books.

The irony? Less than a year ago, many fans and even voices within the club questioned Raphinha’s place at Barcelona.

Some wanted him sold, with one Catalan influencer even posting a video replacing his name with that of Nico Williams.

Raphinha didn’t forget. “People need to keep their respect for the players who try to do their best for the shirt,” he said in a recent interview.

Now, he’s not just doing his best — he’s leading the charge in Barcelona’s treble hunt, commanding respect with every touch, goal, and assist.

From scapegoat to superstar, Raphinha’s redemption arc is being written in bold Champions League letters.

Barcelona wants €12m for Clement Lenglet from Atletico Madrid this summer

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AC Milan has enquired about Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet
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Clement Lenglet, who was able to secure a loan transfer from Barcelona to Atletico Madrid last summer, has been flourishing under Diego Simeone. The French defender has established himself as a mainstay in Los Rojiblancos’ starting lineup and has been a generally dependable presence in the backline, despite his rather slow start.

In his 29 games this season, Lenglet has even contributed two goals and two assists. In light of his increasing significance and consistent performances, Atletico Madrid is considering permanently acquiring the defender from Barcelona in the summer.

SPORT claims that despite having multiple chances to speak with Barcelona directly to discuss Lenglet’s future, Atletico Madrid has so far refrained from doing so. In order to prolong the stalling of negotiations, Atletico has been completely silent despite recent encounters between the two teams during league and cup matches.

Barca will part ways with Lenglet this summer

Given the total cost of his signing, which included both the transfer fee (35.9 million euros in 2018) and his salary, Barça would have preferred to receive about 10 million euros net for his transfer. The club must, however, cut wages due to its financial “Fair Play” issues, and Lenglet, like Ansu Fati, is a permanent benchwarmer for the team that causes the most issues.

In light of this, Atlético has a leg up in negotiating a reduced transfer cost for Clément Lenglet, provided Simeone approves the deal and the “rojiblanca” board persuades the center-back to agree to a reasonable salary. The Arab League has also made some extremely intriguing offers to the Frenchman, but he currently has no plans to leave the European elite.

Given that Hansi Flick has enough center-backs, the defender, who has a contract with Barcelona through 2026, appears to have no future in Catalunya. Lenglet has played for Atletico in 13 games in all competitions this season, and the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium may be his future home.

Barcelona receives major boost ahead of Dortmund clash in CL quarter final

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Dani Olmo is on Barcelona striker targets list
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Barcelona is preparing to play Borussia Dortmund in a pivotal Champions League match on Wednesday. The opening leg of the two-leg quarterfinal matchup with the Champions League runner-up from the previous season will take place. After a disheartening 1-1 draw with Real Betis, Barcelona is going off the bench without several important players, including Inigo Martinez.

However, according to a recent MARCA report, Iñigo Martínez ought to make a comeback in time for the match against Dortmund in the first leg. Due to a minor injury, the veteran defender was unable to play against Real Betis. Even though he was in a position to play against Manuel Pellegrini’s team, coach Hansi Flick decided to exercise prudence.

He was excluded from the match against Real Betis because of it. However, the defense ought to return to action against Dortmund, which might greatly benefit Barcelona. In order to gradually restore his fitness and be ready for a game by Wednesday, Martinez is expected to return to squad training on Monday.

Barca handed fitness boost ahead of Dortmund tie

Dani Olmo is getting closer to making a comeback from injury, which gives Barcelona a boost. He may play in the second leg of their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. Due to an adductor injury, Barca has declared that Olmo will not be playing for the squad for the next three weeks.

But according to Catalunya Radio, Barca is hoping Olmo will be fit to play in the second leg of the Dortmund match after making a comeback against Leganes next week. Olmo may play in Germany after earning minutes off the bench against Leganes because he is reportedly making good progress right now.

Martinez was unable to play in Saturday’s 1-1 La Liga draw with Real Betis, as Barca missed a great chance to go six points clear of Madrid at the top due to the latter’s 2-1 loss to Valencia.

The Blaugrana has been strengthened ahead of two encounters with Dortmund, but Flick’s team had to settle for a four-point lead instead, with Pau Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo establishing a center defense combo.

Raphinha fights with Hansi Flick and Ter Stegen after Barcelona draw with Betis

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Raphinha is the Fastest Barcelona Player
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Barcelona’s 1-1 draw against Real Betis on Saturday night was overshadowed by a heated incident involving winger Raphinha, head coach Hansi Flick, and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Barcelona Tensions Boil Over: Raphinha in Heated Row with Flick and Ter Stegen

The match, held at Estadi Olimpic Lluís Companys, saw early excitement with Gavi opening the scoring for Barcelona, only for Betis to equalize in the 17th minute through Natan.

Tensions escalated at the final whistle when Raphinha, who had been substituted in the 57th minute, stormed onto the pitch, visibly agitated.

He approached the match officials, expressing his frustration, while teammate Robert Lewandowski attempted to calm him without success. In a display of anger, Raphinha forcefully kicked a ball away.

As Raphinha headed towards the tunnel, Ter Stegen intervened, attempting to pacify the Brazilian by placing an arm around him.

However, Raphinha pushed the goalkeeper away, leading to a brief physical exchange where Ter Stegen swatted Raphinha’s arm aside and nudged him towards the tunnel.

In the post-match press conference, Hansi Flick addressed the incident with a touch of humor, stating, “He was angry with me, not with the referee; he was yelling at me.”

Despite the draw, Barcelona remains four points clear at the top of La Liga, with Real Madrid trailing after their 2-1 defeat to Valencia earlier on Saturday.

Atletico Madrid, currently in third, could close the gap to seven points if they secure a win against Sevilla on Sunday.

Barcelona’s focus now shifts to their upcoming Champions League quarter-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

Raphinha has been a standout performer this season, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s campaign.

The club will be keen to move past this incident and maintain their momentum as they approach the critical stages of both domestic and European competitions.

Barcelona have been handed a significant opportunity to sign Viktor Gyokeres

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Lethal Lewandowski holds key to Barcelona’s post-Champions League remedy
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Viktor Gyokeres, one of the best attackers in Europe, has offered Barcelona a great chance to sign him at a discounted price. The Catalans have new hope as Sporting CP is reportedly willing to relax its previously strict demands for the Swedish goal machine, according to SPORT.

With his dominance in the scoring statistics and his considerable appeal to elite European teams, Gyokeres has been a revelation this season. His lethal finishing, muscular presence, and ball-carrying skills make him the perfect modern forward, which Barcelona may pursue in the summer.

Although the 26-year-old’s remarkable consistency at Barça has not gone unnoticed, the Blaugrana had been financially unable to make any prospective deal up to this point due to his €100 million release clause. However, in order to complete the acquisition, Barcelona must overcome financial fair play constraints.

That situation might be about to change, though, as Sporting is now willing to help Gyokeres move for a fee of between €65 and €80 million as a token of gratitude for his loyalty in sticking with the team through the end of the season.

Barcelona Targets Viktor Gyokeres as Lewandowski’s Successor

The route to Gyokeres is not straightforward. The Premier League’s biggest clubs, Manchester United and Arsenal, are fierce rivals of Barcelona and have more financial flexibility.

Furthermore, Barcelona may need to give one target priority over the other because Alexander Isak is still on their radar. While Isak’s La Liga background and tactical adaptability might give him an advantage, Gyokeres’ present performance and future potential make him a compelling alternative.

In the end, the choice might depend on how much financial space Barcelona can free up in the months ahead. The club hopes to resolve some internal concerns, such as the VIP seat revenue disagreement, in order to return to the 1:1 rule, so a summer move for a top striker is definitely not out of the question.

Barcelona has to move fast to sign Flick before other teams enter the race because he is pressing for the move. Gyökeres might give Barcelona’s attack much-needed diversity and help mold the team’s future once Lewandowski leaves if the deal goes through.

 

Barcelona rejects €50M Manchester United bid for Alejandro Balde

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Alejandro Balde close to signing a new contract with Barcelona
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Barcelona have turned down a €50 million bid from Manchester United for their rising star Alejandro Balde, as reported by Fichajes.

Alejandro Balde Going Nowhere: Barcelona Reject Man United Offer

Despite the Red Devils signing Patrick Dorgu in January, new manager Ruben Amorim remains keen on bringing in players who suit his attacking philosophy—and Balde fits the bill perfectly.

The 21-year-old La Masia product has grown into a key player for Barça this season under the guidance of new manager Hansi Flick.

After some early struggles with consistency, Balde has matured into one of Europe’s most exciting young fullbacks, combining pace, flair, and attacking intent on the left flank.

Amorim, known for his dynamic 5-4-1 system, has found it challenging to implement his ideas with the current United squad, which he inherited from Erik ten Hag.

With United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League, the Portuguese tactician is aiming to revamp the squad during the summer window—and Balde was high on his wishlist.

Although United secured Dorgu in January as Amorim’s first signing, the club is still in the market for a specialist left-back.

While Dorgu offers versatility across both flanks, Balde’s offensive instincts and technical quality make him a natural fit for Amorim’s tactical system.

However, Barcelona have no intentions of letting their young gem leave, especially after rejecting United’s €50 million offer.

Financially constrained, the Red Devils are unlikely to return with a significantly improved bid unless they offload some of their surplus players or structure a swap deal.

Still, United fans may take solace in the fact that the club is finally targeting players who align with a long-term vision.

With Europa League glory now their main hope for saving the season, United’s summer rebuild under Amorim is set to be a defining chapter for the club’s future.

El Clasico in Copa del Rey final: Barcelona beat Atletico to face Real Madrid

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Barcelona vs Real Madrid
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Barcelona edged past Atletico Madrid with a 1-0 victory at Metropolitano Stadium, securing their place in the Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Barcelona Beat Atletico 1-0 to Book Copa del Rey Final Spot Against Madrid

Ferran Torres netted the decisive goal in the 27th minute, skillfully finishing after a precise through ball from the dynamic 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.

This win marks Barcelona’s first Copa del Rey final appearance since 2021, when they clinched their 31st title.

The upcoming final on April 26 at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville will be the eighth ‘El Clásico’ in the competition’s history, the first since the 2013-14 season.

In their previous encounters this season, Barcelona triumphed 4-0 in La Liga and 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Atletico Madrid, aiming for their first Copa final since 2013, struggled to break down Barcelona’s resolute defense.

Despite a disallowed goal for offside by Alexander Sorloth in the 69th minute, Diego Simeone’s side couldn’t find the breakthrough.

This defeat compounds a challenging season for Atletico, following their recent Champions League exit.

Real Madrid secured their spot in the final after a thrilling 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad, advancing 5-4 on aggregate. Antonio Rudiger’s decisive header in extra time sealed the victory.

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are in contention for multiple trophies this season, including La Liga and the Champions League.

Barcelona currently leads La Liga with 66 points, three ahead of Real Madrid. The eagerly anticipated Copa del Rey final promises to be a captivating chapter in the storied rivalry between Spain’s two most successful clubs

Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to sign Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman

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Bayern Munich Has Separate Plans To Stop Lionel Messi, Coach Claims

FC Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, is reportedly keen on reuniting with Bayern Munich’s winger, Kingsley Coman, to bolster the team’s attacking options.

Kingsley Coman to Barcelona? Hansi Flick Pushes for Move Amid Transfer Talks

Flick, who previously coached Coman during his tenure at Bayern, highly values the Frenchman’s speed, dribbling prowess, and ability to dismantle defenses.

He believes that Coman’s attributes would seamlessly integrate into Barcelona’s offensive strategy.

Coman has been on Barcelona’s radar for some time. Discussions about bringing him to Camp Nou occurred last summer but stalled due to financial constraints.

With Flick now at the helm, the club’s interest in the 28-year-old winger has been rekindled. Flick sees Coman as a pivotal player who could significantly contribute to his tactical plans.

However, several challenges could complicate this potential transfer. Bayern Munich is reportedly open to selling Coman as part of a squad overhaul under new coach Vincent Kompany.

The Bavarian club has set an asking price of approximately €40-45 million for the winger. Despite this, Barcelona’s ongoing financial limitations pose a significant hurdle in meeting such a valuation.

Additionally, Coman’s substantial salary, reportedly around €15 million annually, adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations.

Barcelona would need to assess whether they can accommodate such wages within their current financial framework.

The club has also been exploring other options to strengthen their left-wing position, considering players like Luis Diaz, Rafael Leao, and Nico Williams.

However, Flick’s established relationship with Coman and his belief in the player’s abilities might influence Barcelona to prioritize this pursuit.

Ultimately, securing Coman’s signature will depend on Barcelona’s ability to navigate their financial constraints and present a compelling offer to Bayern Munich.

Flick’s influence and determination could play a crucial role in this endeavor, but the negotiations are expected to be intricate and challenging.

Two world-class striker offered to Barcelona as club looking for Lewandowski alternative

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Barcelona preparing a massive €100 million bid for Napoli's Victor Osimhen
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In theory, Robert Lewandowski will be Barcelona’s number nine for another season; therefore, they won’t be searching for a replacement during the summer transfer window. However, there will be no lack of brokers eager to get their clients in Barcelona as the Polish striker turns 37 in August.

This was true earlier in the season with Lille attacker Jonathan David, who initially attracted Barcelona’s attention and has a contract expiring in the summer. It seems the Catalan team has decided against a move for David, despite the Canadian international’s declaration that he would prioritize a deal from the Blaugrana.

Barcelona is starting to make plans for life beyond Robert Lewandowski, and according to SPORT, both Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhen have been presented to the team. Barcelona isn’t currently thinking about making a play for the Serbian forward, though. In order to recover any of the €83.5 million they paid on him, Juventus will probably try to cash in on the 25-year-old this summer before his contract expires in 2026.

Barcelona to strengthen their attack

However, Osimhen has been having a fantastic time at Galatasaray on loan following his time at Napoli. With a contract clause of €75 million that is adjustable, the Nigerian attacker is in hot demand due to his regular goal scoring.

Osimhen is a significantly more costly and complicated choice for Barcelona, though, given his value and the enormous expectations raised by both his present club and himself. Barcelona appears to need to carefully consider their choices at this point. Despite being in his twilight years, Lewandowski’s future is still bright, and the team needs to move quickly to find a trustworthy replacement.

The club must determine whether these names fit into their long-term strategy or whether other, more practical options are worth pursuing, though, given that both Vlahovic and Osimhen require significant investments.

Barcelona is finally in charge of making the choice as they assess how to strike a balance between player profiles, financial considerations, and their offensive requirements going forward.

Lille’s winger Zhegrova has been offered to Barcelona and available for summer move

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Due to his choice not to extend his contract with Lille, Edon Zhegrova, a highly regarded winger, is in high demand on the summer transfer market. Rumors that he is linked to FC Barcelona have intensified, drawing attention to the Blaugrana as a possible transfer target as other teams are interested in signing him.

One of European football’s most promising players, Zhegrova, is rumored to be planning a move this summer in order to pursue new prospects. Barcelona and Napoli are two teams that seem to be leading this chase.

Since Khvicha Kvaratskhelia recently joined Paris Saint-Germain, the Italian team is eager to fill the void left by his departure. The club is keen to make a transfer in order to prevent losing Zhegrova for nothing when his contract expires in 2026, as he has already informed Lille that he has no plans to extend it.

It’s interesting to note that Zhegrova has frequently expressed his love for Barca and his wish to don the recognizable Blaugrana jersey. He plays well on the left side but is primarily a right winger, demonstrating his versatility on the field.

Barcelona set sights on 25-year-old Ligue 1 winger

In order to avoid losing him for nothing the next season, Zhegrova has told Lille that he will not be renewing his contract, which is set to expire in 2026. Though his mobility allows him to play on the left as well, the 25-year-old’s primary position is on the right wing.

This season, Lille has been the focus of Barça scouts, who have players like Jonathan David and Lucas Chevalier on their radar. Additionally, it has enabled them to closely monitor Zhegrova. Barça hasn’t made a move yet, but Napoli, who are looking to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, have already talked with his representatives.

Zhegrova has previously publicly shown his love for Barcelona, even declaring his hope to don the Blaugrana uniform someday. In 2021, Lille paid about €7 million to acquire Zhegrova, and this summer, they intend to sell him for more than €30 million. Despite interest from Premier League teams, the winger would rather move to Italy or Spain.