Latest news with #FCBarcelona
Forbes
an hour ago
- Business
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Dream Still Chased By Premier League Ace Despite Williams
A Premier League star is still determined to fulfil his dream and play for FC Barcelona despite its increased interest in Nico Williams according to Mundo Deportivo, which cited anonymous sources. After Barca paid the former Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia's €25 million release clause, and announced his capture on Wednesday, Barca has moved on to trying to land the Euro 2024 winner Williams, who is also a close friend of Lamine Yamal. Doing so will require the triggering of another release clause, though this one is a lot more expensive at €58 million and won't be as straightforward for a club still recovering from a financial crisis that pushed it to the brink of oblivion earlier this decade to raise. In the meantime, while Nico has reportedly agreed to join Barca, Marcus Rashford is still pushing for transfer from Manchester United to Catalonia according to Mundo Deportivo. Before interest was sparked in Williams again, he was believed to be Barca's top target for the left wing alongside Luis Diaz. With Rashford rated at around €40 million, he would be the cheapest of these forwards while Diaz is the most expensive at something close to €85 million. Rashford and his corner don't believe that signing Williams will be an obstacle that puts the kibosh on the England international's Camp Nou dream. His input on the pitch isn't only limited to the left wing, as, unlike Williams, he can play all three positions across the front line while providing a good alternative to the aging Robert Lewandowski. The Pole is entering the last year of his contract signed when joining from Bayern Munich in the 'economic levers' summer of 2022, and Barca as of yet has no natural heir for him other than winger Ferran Torres or Dani Olmo playing as a false 9. The newspaper also writes that Rashford is willing to lower his salary demands, while United would want a reduced fee of €30 million. Even at a cut fee for Rashford, FC Barcelona might struggle to afford both him and Williams. Across those two potential deals, we're talking about more than $100 million in cash, which is still a push for Barca despite its improved financial health under President Joan Laporta.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Watch: Lamine Yamal and Neymar Reunite in Viral Beach Soccer Clip from Brazil
Watch: Lamine Yamal and Neymar Reunite in Viral Beach Soccer Clip from Brazil originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Neymar continues to influence many young players in the soccer world. The Brazilian star's ability on the ball has made many fall in love with the sport, and he continues to be an icon for many fans. Advertisement One of his biggest fans is Lamine Yamal, one of the world's best players. The Spanish teenager is currently enjoying his vacation after a long season with FC Barcelona. Yamal has repeatedly mentioned that his soccer idol was Neymar, and many could tell by how he plays. His trickery on the pitch is similar to what Neymar did during his time at FC Barcelona. With Yamal taking time off and enjoying his vacations, the Spanish winger teased a reunion with Neymar in Brazil. The two met at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai. Yamal posted a couple of pictures of himself arriving at a Brazilian airport. With these social media posts, many fans speculated that Yamal and Neymar would reunite. Yamal and Neymar have both met up with each other, and now their viral clips have many fans in awe. Yamal and Neymar playing Beach Soccer Neymar shocked many soccer fans with his Instagram story of Lamine Yamal kicking a soccer ball. He confirmed to be hanging out with the Barcelona star, and the Spanish winger reposted Neymar's story. A short video clip showcases the two players playing footvolley, a popular sport played in Brazil. This video was loved by many Barcelona fans, who still share appreciation for Neymar and love their current star, Yamal. Yamal was also seen to receive a haircut from Neymar's barber. The influence of Neymar on Yamal seems to also be off the pitch. The style of Yamal and his love for Brazilian culture add to Neymar's influence. It is expected that soon, Yamal and Neymar will pose together for a picture that will go viral among the soccer community. What's Next for Yamal and Neymar? Yamal will continue to spend time off, and his vacation will likely end by mid-July when FC Barcelona begins to prepare for the preseason. The La Liga season is expected to start in early to mid-August, which also marks the start of the 2025-26 season. Advertisement Neymar continues to be a Santos FC player, but his contract with the club expires on June 30. It is yet to be confirmed if the player will extend his contract with the Brazilian club, as many rumors suggest he may be on the way out. New rumors and reports suggest that Neymar could potentially return to Europe. Teams like Fernebache from Turkiye are reportedly interested in bringing in Neymar for the upcoming season. Neymar confirmed that he was close to joining Fluminense for the FIFA Club World Cup. He ended up not joining them and is taking this month to fully recover his body. Related: Real Madrid's Club World Cup Streak Ends Under Xabi Alonso vs Al Hilal Related: Nico Williams Wants Barcelona Move But $75M Clause Creates a Problem This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Barcelona key defender's renewal to be finalised after the summer window
Barcelona key defender's renewal to be finalised after the summer window Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that FC Barcelona had reached a verbal agreement with key defender Jules Kounde over a new contract. The 26-year-old right-back's current deal expires in 2027. Given his performances and importance in the team, the Blaugrana are keen on rewarding him with an extension – more so with some clubs in the Premier League showing interest in him. Talks on track, but no immediate renewal However, according to the latest update from Mundo Deportivo, Kounde's contract renewal will not be finalised and formalised this summer. Advertisement The report states that talks over an extension for the French international are on track and both parties are aligned towards reaching an agreement. However, the renewal will have to wait until after the summer transfer window as Barcelona currently have other priorities. New deal after the summer window. (Photo by) Indeed, the La Liga champions have more pressing matters on their hands such as the registration of new signing Joan Garcia and the activation of key target Nico Williams' €62 million release clause and his subsequent registration. For those things to happen, Barça need to free up salary space through the departure of players not in manager Hansi Flick's plans. Advertisement As such, Kounde's renewal is not seen as a priority task for the moment. However, given that both he and Barcelona are committed to continuing together, the intention is to finalise the renewal once the transfer window closes. Having joined from Sevilla in 2022, Kounde has grown into a permanent fixture in the Barcelona starting lineup. A renewal, whenever it happens, will be more than well-deserved for the Frenchman.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Knicks Adding EuroLeague Standout Ahead of 2025 Draft
Knicks Adding EuroLeague Standout Ahead of 2025 Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Even prior to next week's 2025 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks will be getting some help from abroad next year. Advertisement New York will take all the help it can get. All the Knicks have in terms of future draft selections this season is the No. 50 pick in the second round, which New York brought in through a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Marc del Rio of (hat tip to @NBA_NewYork for the find) reports that the Knicks will finally be bringing in center James Nnaji for the 2025-26 season. The 20-year-old, who boasts an impressive 7-foot-5 wingspan and is considered to be a solid defensive presence around the rack, could help shore up the club's post defense, behind oft-hurt backup five Mitchell Robinson. New York Knicks' court logo during the NBA Penner-Imagn Images Nnaji was a draft-and-stash throw-in addition that New York first acquired as part of the team's blockbuster deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire five-time All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns. Advertisement With Towns installed, the Knicks went 51-31 and made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals this spring — the first time in 25 years New York has made it that far. Naturally, the club immediately fired the head coach that got it there and had established a culture of winning and accountability over his five seasons in charge, Tom Thibodeau. Nnaji, while on loan from FC Barcelona, most recently played for Spanish squad Bàsquet Girona in 2024-25. Former three-time All-Star NBA center Marc Gasol founded Girona in 2014. Across 14 contests with Girona, he averaged 5.3 points on 75.7 percent field goal shooting, 4.1 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in just 16.2 minutes per. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lamine Yamal lives his dream, meets Neymar and plays footvolley 📹
Lamine Yamal lives his dream, meets Neymar and plays footvolley 📹 Lamine Yamal fulfilled his dream and met Neymar. With a game of footvolley included! The Barcelona gem took advantage of the holidays and traveled to Brazil to meet his idol. And, this Thursday (19th), Neymar posted a photo of Yamal playing footvolley. Neymar and Yamal never played together professionally. Advertisement The Brazilian star played for Barça from 2013 to 2017. And Yamal made his professional debut "only" in 2023. But during Neymar's time at Barcelona, the gem was already at La Masia and could closely follow the Brazilian star's performances. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here. 📸 Alexander Hassenstein - 2025 Getty Images
