Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong has admitted that he could be ready to join Manchester United following his treatment by FC Barcelona in recent weeks.

De Jong is now "more open to change" than before it is said, and is also "very angry" with Barca who he thinks are pressuring him to leave. The same paper said that De Jong believes Barca are running a media smear campaign against him. And on Saturday, rival publication SPORT allege that De Jong has finally admitted to his colleagues in the locker room that he could go to United after all.

The Barcelona XI is in: Ter Stegen; Araujo, Eric, Christensen, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Gavi, Pedri; Dembele, Lewandowski, Raphinha Lineups are announced.

Ousmane Dembélé (Barcelona) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Óscar Trejo (Rayo Vallecano) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Barcelona's best chance in the opening 20 minutes as both wingers link up. Isi Palazón (Rayo Vallecano) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Pathé Ciss (Rayo Vallecano) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Attempt blocked. Sergio Camello (Rayo Vallecano) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Óscar Trejo (Rayo Vallecano) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Pedri (Barcelona) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Attempt blocked. Isi Palazón (Rayo Vallecano) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

FC Barcelona will have all but one of their star acquisitions this summer when they host Rayo Vallecano in the start of the 2022/23 La Liga season during ...

10th min.: Quiet start to this one until Raphinha makes a run into the right side of the Rayo box and goes down on a challenge from the left back. 1st min.: Rayo kick off and they're aggressive from the start with a direct ball, and they're pressing high. 45th min.: Jordi Alba makes a key defensive intervention in the box to clear a cross that was heading to Rayo's Isi Palazon. Five minutes of stoppage time. He doesn't give them a chance to finish out the play and the bench is livid. Barcelona are aggressive, with and without the ball. He tried to make the best of a poor Raphinha cross in the first half, and then he had a chance to be the hero with six minutes remaining, but he could not contort his body quickly enough to take advantage of a rebound allowed by the Rayo 'keeper. That was the best chance of the game. 52nd min.: Another chance for Rayo! Sergio Camello runs onto a ball into space and it's chaos in the Barcelona defense. The Dutch do-it-all player gave Barcelona a lift when he came off the bench to play midfield. To add insult to injury, captain Sergio Busquets was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card after a high arm in the face of Rayo's Falcao. Lewandowski was the prize catch of the summer for Barcelona, and he was supposed to help resolve matches like these with opponents interested only in defending and countering. And there are plenty more of these matches left on the calendar.

Barcelona are set to kickstart their 2022/23 campaign later this evening as they play hosts to Rayo Vallecano in the season opener.

However, Barcelona have not given up their pursuit of a new right-back just yet. Moreover, Barcelona are unlikely to prioritise a move for any new player before they sort out their player registration ahead of the new season. He has also had difficulties integrating himself into Xavi’s tactical setup.

The likes of Manchester United have even pushed heavily for a move for de Jong this summer. But the transfer has not come to fruition as the player has never ...

Frenkie de Jong has been one of Barcelona’s biggest chips in the transfer market this summer. The likes of Manchester United have even pushed heavily for a move for de Jong this summer. Ever since the start of the transfer window, the midfielder was identified as one of the biggest sources of revenue.

Barcelona kicked off their La Liga campaign vs Rayo Vallecano tonight in front of a near-sold out Camp Nou. Three new signings in the form of Robert ...

The Pole could have won a penalty in any other league, but it was not to be with La Liga’s referees. His off-the-ball runs caught Rayo off-guard often, and he even forced a solid save from Stole Dimitrievski. Garcia, on the contrary, was rather careless. Eventually, he was sent off in injury time. Christensen had the best game of all debutants tonight. Araujo started as a right-back, and looked unsurprisingly out of his depth in possession.

ALL EYES ON: Lewandowski was the man of the moment at Camp Nou but his La Liga debut was ultimately underwhelming. During the first half, he put the ball in the ...

During the first half, he put the ball in the back of the net but was a couple of yards offside. There will be plenty of improved performances when the new signings are allowed time to adjust to the club. ALL EYES ON: Lewandowski was the man of the moment at Camp Nou but his La Liga debut was ultimately underwhelming. It was clear that the new signings are not quite used to playing together as a unit, something they will hope to rectify in the coming weeks and months. Perhaps the right formula will emerge during a tough upcoming trip to face Real Sociedad. WHAT HAPPENED? The new era at Barcelona didn't get off to the start Xavi would have wanted.

Barcelona have registered several of their new signings with La Liga, making some of their top transfers eligible to play against Rayo Vallecano in the ...

"I think we will get out of it. The Catalan side's dire financial situation made it difficult for them to make it official for the new signings to be able to feature in the Spanish top-flight, but they have managed to confirm them as part of the squad. Barcelona have registered several of their new signings with La Liga, making some of their top transfers eligible to play against Rayo Vallecano in the opening league game of the season on Saturday. Barca were in a race against the clock to get the new players registered in time so that they can be part of the team for the match at Camp Nou this weekend.

FC Barcelona will have all but one of their star acquisitions this summer when they host Rayo Vallecano in the start of the 2022/23 La Liga season during ...

10th min.: Quiet start to this one until Raphinha makes a run into the right side of the Rayo box and goes down on a challenge from the left back. 1st min.: Rayo kick off and they're aggressive from the start with a direct ball, and they're pressing high. With the summer signings registered and ready to play, Xavi Hernandez opts for this most productive and balanced lineup during preseason. 45th min.: Jordi Alba makes a key defensive intervention in the box to clear a cross that was heading to Rayo's Isi Palazon. Five minutes of stoppage time. Barcelona are aggressive, with and without the ball. He doesn't give them a chance to finish out the play and the bench is livid. That was the best chance of the game. 52nd min.: Another chance for Rayo! Sergio Camello runs onto a ball into space and it's chaos in the Barcelona defense. To add insult to injury, captain Sergio Busquets was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card after a high arm in the face of Rayo's Falcao. The Dutch do-it-all player gave Barcelona a lift when he came off the bench to play midfield. Lewandowski was the prize catch of the summer for Barcelona, and he was supposed to help resolve matches like these with opponents interested only in defending and countering. Barcelona needed more improvisation, creativity, and sharpness from the two.

Barcelona were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano as a summer of uncertainty off the pitch spilled over into their LaLiga opener at Camp Nou on Saturday. Barca's frustration was then amplified in stoppage time when Sergio Busquets ...

Another of the new signings, Raphinha, then had Barcelona's clearest chance of the first half to break the deadlock. It's a shame because we wanted to show the fans that we're on a good path. "We will have to analyse the game, improve and keep believing in the model of play.

ALL EYES ON: Lewandowski was the man of the moment at Camp Nou but his La Liga debut was ultimately underwhelming. During the first half, he put the ball in the ...

During the first half, he put the ball in the back of the net but was a couple of yards offside. There will be plenty of improved performances when the new signings are allowed time to adjust to the club. ALL EYES ON: Lewandowski was the man of the moment at Camp Nou but his La Liga debut was ultimately underwhelming. It was clear that the new signings are not quite used to playing together as a unit, something they will hope to rectify in the coming weeks and months. Perhaps the right formula will emerge during a tough upcoming trip to face Real Sociedad. WHAT HAPPENED? The new era at Barcelona didn't get off to the start Xavi would have wanted.

The likes of Robert Lewandowski, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele and Sergi Roberto were all included after being registered on ...

However his absence makes it plain that Xavi Hernandez does not consider him an option to start. Inaki Pena and Gavi have still not been registered as first-team players yet and remain in the squad as B team players, despite the fact they are expected to be promoted to the first team. Discarded players Samuel Umtiti and Martin Braithwaite have also been left out, as has Sergino Dest. Although Sergi Roberto is most likely-regarded as a right-back these days, Dest is the only natural right-back at Barcelona and was expected to compete for at least a rotational position this season.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has asked for patience as their 2022/23 La Liga season started with a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

It’s disappointing, but we ask for patience.” “It’s a pity, as we wanted to show the fans we are on the right track. Despite creating chances throughout, Barcelona were unable to find a way through, against their resilient hosts in Catalonia, on a frustrating night for the home side.

Frenkie De Jong has admitted that he could leave Barcelona to join Manchester United this summer, according to a report.

Allegedly, in recent hours he has become more open to change. There also remains the issue of De Jong's deferred wages that he is still owed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Frenkie De Jong has admitted that he could leave Barcelona to join Manchester United this summer, according to a report.

ALL EYES ON: Lewandowski was the man of the moment at Camp Nou but his La Liga debut was ultimately underwhelming. During the first half, he put the ball in the ...

During the first half, he put the ball in the back of the net but was a couple of yards offside. There will be plenty of improved performances when the new signings are allowed time to adjust to the club. It was clear that the new signings are not quite used to playing together as a unit, something they will hope to rectify in the coming weeks and months. ALL EYES ON: Lewandowski was the man of the moment at Camp Nou but his La Liga debut was ultimately underwhelming. Perhaps the right formula will emerge during a tough upcoming trip to face Real Sociedad. WHAT HAPPENED? The new era at Barcelona didn't get off to the start Xavi would have wanted.

Barcelona were forced to settle for a point in their La Liga opener, thrashing out a goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou.

He took 15 in total, the lowest of any Barca player. Alejandro Catena (Rayo Vallecano). Much of the credit for containing Lewandowski must go to Rayo’s centre-backs, with Catena and Florian Lejeune both putting in rock-solid performances. It’s only the second time in a home game, the last being their 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad in September 1968. While Lewandowski was much improved in the second half, he ultimately couldn’t find a way past Rayo’s defence. That seemed to throw off the former Leeds man, who went on to squander a series of set-pieces and presentable chances. He looked destined to score, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen managed to smother the shot at close range.

Barcelona wants to offload the 25-year-old to balance the books and have enough room in its budget to register new defender Jules Kounde but De Jong appears ...

How are we allowing ourselves to be put in a position like that? And he's looking around and saying "not for me." It's all or nothing for him, he no longer has anything to lose.'

Barcelona fans beg De Jong to stay, 300 million in signings and Xavi cannot beat Rayo Vallecano as Lewandowski flops at Camp Nou | Pulse Nigeria.

Most reactions were negative, questioning the tactical decision of Head Coach Xavi Hernandez. The game against Rayo Vallecano would turn out to be a bloodbath as Barcelona could not break down the defense of the visitors for 90 minutes. 'Xavi is a fraud' - Reactions as Barcelona suffer against Rayo Vallecano

Xavi's side were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano on a night where they handed league debuts to four players.

During the first half, he put the ball in the back of the net but was a couple of yards offside. There will be plenty of improved performances when the new signings are allowed time to adjust to the club. It was clear that the new signings are not quite used to playing together as a unit, something they will hope to rectify in the coming weeks and months. ALL EYES ON: Lewandowski was the man of the moment at Camp Nou but his La Liga debut was ultimately underwhelming. Perhaps the right formula will emerge during a tough upcoming trip to face Real Sociedad. WHAT HAPPENED? The new era at Barcelona didn't get off to the start Xavi would have wanted.

As reported by Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, midfielder Frenkie de Jong has decided to prioritize Chelsea over Manchester United if he is to leave ...

McGrath writes that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is looking to add one more player, and Frenkie de Jong suits the bill to perfection. It’s clear that Barcelona are not ruling out de Jong’s departure as they understand his exit would free up significant space in terms of finances. The Red Devils had an agreement in place with Barcelona for long but given their absence in the UEFA Champions League, they were unable to convince the midfielder to become their new signing.

The Catalans dominated the game and had 21 shots as opposed to Rayo's meagre four. Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Sergio Busquets came very close ...

The pressure is now on Xavi to work out a solution. After the game, Andoni Iraola revealed that they had a special plan to neutralise Lewandowski’s threat. In 90 minutes, he made four saves to deny the Blaugranas a goal, including two from inside the box. The hosts had a staggering 21 shots on goal, including six on target. They dominated the game with close to 70% possession and had eight corner kicks. The season is long, and this is just the start.

Xavi Hernandez expressed his disappointment after Barcelona's goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano on home soil in their LaLiga Santander opener on Saturday ...

"We have to analyse and improve. Last year it was more difficult." It's a shame because we wanted to show the fans that we are on the right track. Even more so with this attitude." Maybe, by looking for an explanation, we have been a bit more stressed. However, Xavi made clear that he considers him as a key player for Barcelona.

Barcelona could not find a way past Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night, in what can only be classified as a disappointing start to their La Liga campaign.

While Barcelona have recruited a number of star signings this summer, but Pedri has all the talent to be the key cog in their midfield. Shortly after in the 72nd minute, he was withdrawn from the action in favour of Franck Kessie. Yet they will be grateful that it was not worse.

Former Liverpool star, Steve McManaman, has torn into Barcelona stars after they failed to beat Rayo Vallecano in Saturday's LaLiga fixture. McManaman.

“The game management was poor, they were slow, there was no urgency.” “They were packed on the bench, absolutely stacked with internationals, they brought five on, and they still couldn’t do anything,” McManaman said on ESPN FC Live. McManaman said Barcelona players were slow against Rayo Vallecano, adding that there was no urgency from Xavi’s men during the encounter.

Former Netherlands attacking midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has expressed his discontent with the whole Frenkie de Jong situation, saying that Barcelona ...

But as of now, we judge it differently and I find it a disgrace when you play for them,” he concluded. Van der Vaart also added that this kind of treatment is putting Barcelona in a bad place. You sign a contract and then you fulfil the contract or leave on good terms, but not like this.

Most of the summer transfer window has involved a steady flow of news about Frenkie de Jong and a potential move to the Premier League.

Barcelona failed to kick off their season as planned with a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night, but Frenkie de Jong’s appearance in the final 30 minutes caught the eye. They are now coming round to the idea of keeping de Jong. Seemingly they gave de Jong the option of leaving or reducing his salary, even threatening legal action over his contract.

Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen were all registered last week after the club sold a further 24.5 per cent of Barca ...

'Exits are still being worked on. Barcelona president Joan Laporta refused to rule out further signings this summer despite the LaLiga club struggling to register all their new players. Barcelona president Joan Laporta, seen with new signing Robert Lewandowski, hasn't ruled out the possibility of further signings this summer

The Blaugrana have already made some eye-catching additions, none more than the signing of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich. However, they are still ...

Barcelona boss Xavi sees the ex-Arsenal captain as an important part of his plans and wants to keep him at the club. The 33-year-old Gabonese hitman is attracting serious interest from Premier League giants Chelsea, who are desperate to add a new No. 9 to their roster. However, given Barcelona’s financial situation, funding a move for the Portuguese international could prove tricky.

For the better part of the off-season, Frenkie de Jong's name has been dragged through the mud by the Barcelona administration. His contract has been leaked ...

And also, his renewal in 2020 promised him a €30 million salary this season, which the new administration deemed extremely excessive. His contract has been leaked, his renewal deemed illegal, and the club has tried their best to push him out. It had been reported, time and again, that the reason why Barcelona want to sell de Jong was multi-faceted.

Barcelona's transfer dealings this summer continue to surprise and with just under three weeks remaining in the transfer market, there might be more to come ...

Barcelona have plenty of depth in attack and MD believe that the Azulgrana would consider an exit if it meant being able to bid for Bernardo Silva. Lewandowski’s position is likely the only guaranteed spot in Xavi Hernandez’s front three and Raphinha, Ferran Torres, Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati are fighting it out for the other two, but both Fati and Torres have played through the middle before. Yet Chelsea have shown a strong interest in him and former manager Thomas Tuchel is very keen on a reunion in London. Given Aubameyang will likely play second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski, it might create the conditions necessary for an exit. According to Mundo Deportivo, Aubameyang is happy in Barcelona both in terms of his life and with the team.

Barcelona have failed to kick off the 2022/23 LaLiga Santander season as they'd have hoped, picking up just one point against Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou ...

"I'm there for whatever the coach asks of me and to help the team and I'm learning," said Araujo after the game. A number of departures have yet to be finalised. The coach didn't call up Dest and sent on Sergi Roberto in the second half when he moved Araujo to centre-back.

Despite a scramble to register its new star acquisitions the day before the La Liga season opener, they couldn't help FC Barcelona find the back of the net ...

10th min.: Quiet start to this one until Raphinha makes a run into the right side of the Rayo box and goes down on a challenge from the left back. 1st min.: Rayo kick off and they're aggressive from the start with a direct ball, and they're pressing high. 45th min.: Jordi Alba makes a key defensive intervention in the box to clear a cross that was heading to Rayo's Isi Palazon. Five minutes of stoppage time. He doesn't give them a chance to finish out the play and the bench is livid. Barcelona are aggressive, with and without the ball. He tried to make the best of a poor Raphinha cross in the first half, and then he had a chance to be the hero with six minutes remaining, but he could not contort his body quickly enough to take advantage of a rebound allowed by the Rayo 'keeper. That was the best chance of the game. 52nd min.: Another chance for Rayo! Sergio Camello runs onto a ball into space and it's chaos in the Barcelona defense. The Dutch do-it-all player gave Barcelona a lift when he came off the bench to play midfield. To add insult to injury, captain Sergio Busquets was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card after a high arm in the face of Rayo's Falcao. Lewandowski was the prize catch of the summer for Barcelona, and he was supposed to help resolve matches like these with opponents interested only in defending and countering. And there are plenty more of these matches left on the calendar.