Barcelona are on the verge of appointing Hansi Flick as their new manager to replace Xavi Hernandez, and with sales likely on the horizon, it’s not an easy situation to come into.
Barcelona need to make at least sales during the upcoming transfer window if they are to revert back to La Liga’s 1:1 transfer ratio. It appears that they have already identified a potential area that they can look to trim the squad ahead of next season, and that is in central defence.
During Athletic Club’s final match of the 2022-23 season, against Real Madrid, Yuri Berchiche suffered a broken leg after a strong challenge from Dani Carvajal.
It’s been an incredibly disappointing season for Barcelona, with no trophies won across the four competitions entered by Xavi Hernandez’s side. None of their players will have any individual awards to show either, with the last realistic chance having escaped from the grasp of goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde was delighted with their 1-0 win at Rayo Vallecano. The result saw Unai Simon win the Zamora Trophy as the best performing goalkeeper of the season.
The new era at Barcelona will get underway this summer, and sporting director Deco will be at the forefront of identify new signings for new manager Hansi Flick, who will soon take over from Xavi Hernandez.
It will be a busy summer for Unai Simon, who is expected to be Spain’s number one goalkeeper for the European Championship in Germany. He will go into the tournament with absolutely no doubts about his future, having put pen to paper on a new contract with Athletic Club.
Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams played two years with a two-centimetre shard of glass on his left foot unknowingly, his club coach Ernesto Valverde has said.
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde could scarcely contain his chuckles when he was asked why Inaki Williams was missing their final game of the season against Rayo Vallecano.
Unai Simon has signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao. The new agreement extends through the summer of 2029, and does not contain a buyout clause. The 26-year-old has so far made 194 appearances in Athletic Club's shirt.
Oscar De Marcos has been named new captain Athletic Bilbao. De Marcos, 35, will succeed Iker Muniain at the end of the season with the latter to depart his hometown club.
Barcelona have highlighted the likes of Nico Williams as their top attacking priority this summer, but are also preparing for a situation which involves them operating within much finer financial margins.
Premier League runners up Arsenal are not resting on their laurels this off-season. The Gunners are prepared to get behind manager Mikel Arteta in the transfer market.
Sevilla defender Sergio Ramos was coy on his future after defeat to Athletic Bilbao yesterday. Ramos is off contract this summer and has been linked with a move to the US.
Arsenal are yet to make a formal transfer approach for Spain star David Raya. Raya is set to join up with the La Roja squad for Euro 2024 in the coming weeks but his club future is undecided.
Barcelona play their final home match of the 2023-24 season when they host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening. Three points for Xavi Hernandez’s side would secure second place in the La Liga table, and qualification for the 2025 Spanish Super Cup next January.
Ernesto Valverde has signed a new deal with Athletic Bilbao. The coach has extended his contract a further year to 2025. Valverde said: "It's exciting to be able to lead Athletic again for another year, with all the suspense and hopes you have for what's to come this year.
Athletic Bilbao are taking a new look at Aymeric Laporte. After missing out on a deal 12 months ago as Laporte left Manchester City for Al-Nassr, Athletic are ready to try again.
It’s set to be an unusually busy summer at Athletic Club this summer, with a number of incomings and outgoings already confirmed. President Jon Uriarte commented last summer that they had tried to sign Aymeric Laporte from Manchester City, but it looks like they will try again.
Hugo Alavrez was delighted scoring for Celta Vigo in victory over Athletic Bilbao last night. The result has Celta closer to LaLiga safety. Alvarez, who rejected approaches from Barcelona and Real Madrid last year, said: "I am very happy.
Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is undoubtedly one of the most exciting talents in Europe currently, and the 21-year-old is likely to attract interest this summer, despite renewing his deal late last year.
Barcelona may or may not be able to make a star signing this summer, but somebody at the club is making it clear they want to. After it emerged that Athletic Club’s Nico Williams was their top target to strengthen the attack, further details have come to light.
Celta Vigo coach Claudio Giraldez was delighted with their 2-1 win against Athletic Bilbao. Williot Swedberg and Hugo Alvarez struck for Celta on Wednesday night.
Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde defended his selection for defeat to Celta Vigo. Valerde shook up his line-up - including goalkeeper - for the 21 defeat.
Since Roman Abramovich acquired Chelsea in 2003, the club has undergone significant transformations in the transfer market. While some acquisitions have brought glory, others have fallen short, leaving a trail of disappointment and financial burden.
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!