FC Barcelona: Morning Briefing – Tuesday 29th August

Good morning Culers. There’s always plenty of news around FC Barcelona so we’re going to trial a morning briefing that summarises all the news and views to start your day.

Joao Cancelo inching closer to Barcelona – Fabrizio Romano

The Cancelo deal may finally be completed in the next 24 hours as Romano reports that Manchester City and Barcelona are exchanging documents this morning and Cancelo is set to fly from Portugal to Barcelona as soon as he’s given the green light. Yesterday it was reported that Barcelona had received clearance over the FFP regulations to enable them to sign Cancelo.

Fermin Lopez agrees to new Barcelona deal – Fabrizio Romano

It didn’t take long. Fermin Lopez and Barcelona management started negotiating a new deal this week and Romano reports that the deal has now been agreed, and Lopez is set to sign on until June 2028. According to Romano, the deal will become official today and Barca sees Lopez as the present and the future of the club. Hopefully, he starts getting some chances. It’s expected that Lopez’s release clause will be €400 million.

Xavi still wants to sign an attacking midfielder – Mundo Deportivo

After the deal for Joao Cancelo is completed, Barcelona will look to sign an attacking midfielder, but they won’t sign someone for the sake of signing someone, and if they do make a signing it will be to improve upon what they already have. If Barcelona can’t find an attacking midfielder, then Fermin Lopez is set to be given further opportunities.

Liverpool are interested in Joao Felix – Mundo Deportivo

Although this isn’t directly related to a Barcelona player, Joao Felix has been continuously linked with a move to Catalonia. Earlier this week we heard that he’d only arrive if someone like Ansu Fati left the club, considering Barcelona have a number of forward options following the emergence of Lamine Yamal. Now Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Premier League side Liverpool are interested in Felix as a replacement for Mo Saleh, who is being linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Barcelona’s Champions League place in danger – Onda Cero

This is based on Luis Rubiale’s unacceptable behaviour towards Jennifer Hermoso following the Women’s World Cup final. The country’s football federation (RFEF) has threatened to withdraw from UEFA, and while I highly doubt that will occur…if they do then they could be expelled from the tournament. I would file this under a 0.05% chance of ever happening.

Chelsea interested in Barcelona duo – Daily Mail (UK)

According to reports from the UK, Chelsea may offer both Raphinha and Ferran Torres a way back to the Premier League with a double swoop this week. Raphinha has been missing the last two games following his red card at Getafe, while Ferran Torres scored on Sunday in Barcelona’s 4-3 win over Villareal. It’s unclear if Barcelona would be willing to listen to offers this late in the transfer window with little time to replace either one…but maybe this is the big exit needed to secure Joao Felix.

Marcus Alonso doesn’t want to go to Manchester United – Luis Rojo

Premier League side Manchester United have been linked with a move for Marcus Alonso in recent days, but according to Luis Rojo, the former Chelsea man has no interest in heading to Manchester. Alonso started Sunday’s win over Villareal but is expected to see limited time this year with Alejandro Balde as the starting left-back. Xavi has reportedly given Alonso a vote of confidence and would like him to stay, but if the money is right then Barca needs to explore the exit.

Aston Villa make €20 million move for Abde Ezzalzouli – Mundo Deportivo

This week we’ve heard that if Abde were to leave Barcelona, his preference would be to stay in La Liga with one of the interested clubs (Betis, Seville, Osasuna). However, he may be offered a chance to succeed in England with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the West Midlands side is ready to offer €20 million for his services. With the return of Raphinha and the emergence of Yamal, Abde may find playing time hard to come by over the coming months.