Dani Olmo

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Report: Raphinha refuses to be transferred, while Barcelona could receive a €90 M offer from the Saudi Pro League

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 days ago

With Hansi Flick’s arrival at Barcelona, Raphinha has become one of the best players in the world. Following his strong performances, the Blaugrana are reportedly set to receive a €90M offer from the Saudi Pro League, but the Brazilian refuses to be transferred, creating serious uncertainty. Raphinha has emerged as one of the world’s top players under Hansi Flick, powering Barcelona‘s attack with both goals and assists. Despite his solid performances, the Brazilian star is not experiencing his best season due to several injuries. Nevertheless, he continues to attract the attention of many teams as the Blaugranas could receive a €90M offer from the Saudi Pro League, but his refusal to consider a transfer has raised questions. According to Sacha Tavolieri via SkySports, the Blaugranas are aware they will receive a €90 million offer from the Saudi Pro League, managed directly by agent Pini Zahavi. With this, Raphinha could be tempted by a contract running beyond 2028 and a salary of €30 million net per season. While he is a key player for head coach Hansi Flick, they are open to his departure for a major fee, as they aim to raise funds to pursue new signings. Despite the multimillion-dollar offer, Raphinha is fully determined to stay at Barcelona, rejecting any move in the summer of 2026. His wife, Taia Belloli, even reacted with laughing emojis to a Diario AS report suggesting the Brazilian was looking to leave the club after the UEFA Champions League exit. However, the Blaugrana are still considering his departure as an extreme measure if they are unable to complete the sales of other stars. In case he stays at Barcelona, head coach Hansi Flick will likely keep him as an undisputed starter, as he has managed to stand out in terms of goalscoring despite his physical issues. With this in mind, the Brazilian star could aim to first win the UEFA Champions League with the Blaugranas, serving as a key attacking figure alongside Lamine Yamal. Given his importance in the squad, the 29-year-old could remain at the club at all costs. Raphinha of FC Barcelona scores against Atletico Madrid. Barcelona reportedly chase promising backup for Raphinha Throughout the 2025–26 season, Raphinha has suffered four muscle injuries, causing him to miss 23 matches, with Marcus Rashford and Dani Olmo stepping in as his replacements in the starting lineup. For this reason, Barcelona are reportedly determined to pursue the signing of a left winger, as the Brazilian star is already 29 years old and his recurring muscle issues raise serious concerns. For this reason, Jan Virgili’s comeback is gaining increasing momentum. While Marcus Rashford and Víctor Muñoz have emerged as marquee options, the high price of the Englishman and Real Madrid’s buy-back rights complicate a move for the Spaniard. With this in mind, Barcelona are reportedly targeting the return of Jan Virgili, who was transferred to RCD Mallorca. Holding 40% of his future sale, Barcelona could re-sign the 19-year-old star for around €24M, making him the most viable long-term option. If Virgili’s return is confirmed, Raphinha would become the ideal mentor for the Spaniard, guiding his development as a veteran leader. Far from complicating matters, this would actually strengthen the Brazilian’s position, as the 19-year-old star might not yet be ready to be an undisputed starter, needing his presence to continue his development. Furthermore, Jan is a Barcelona youth product, so he would have no trouble adapting to Hansi Flick’s style.

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Why isn’t Lamine Yamal playing for Barcelona in crucial La Liga title clash against Osasuna?

worldsoccertalk.com · 5 days ago

The spotlight falls once again on Lamine Yamal as Barcelona prepares for a decisive La Liga clash, yet one crucial detail lingers beneath the surface. The spotlight falls once again on Lamine Yamal as Barcelona prepares for a decisive La Liga clash, yet one crucial detail lingers beneath the surface. The absence of one of the season’s standout performers comes at a time when the club is on the brink of glory, adding intrigue to an already high-stakes encounter. The match in Pamplona carries enormous weight, with Barcelona edging closer to sealing the league title. Yet the spotlight has shifted toward the young winger’s absence, raising questions about how the team will cope without one of its most influential attacking players. Hansi Flick and his players arrive at El Sadar knowing that a victory could push them to the verge of clinching La Liga, depending on other results. The Catalan club sits comfortably at the top of the table with a commanding lead of 11 points over Real Madrid, leaving little margin for error for its rival. Despite the favorable position, the challenge remains significant, as Osasuna has built a reputation for being extremely difficult to beat at home. The host enters the fixture with strong home form and plenty of pride at stake, making the encounter far from straightforward. Why Lamine Yamal is missing The mystery surrounding Yamal’s absence becomes clearer in the context of recent events. The 18-year-old forward suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Celta Vigo on April 22, forcing him off the pitch shortly after scoring. Barcelona later confirmed the setback, stating that he would miss the remainder of the domestic season while following a conservative recovery plan. The club emphasized long-term fitness, particularly with the international calendar approaching. Yamal himself addressed the situation, sharing his frustration in an emotional message: “This injury leaves me off the field at the time I most wanted to be, and it hurts more than I can explain.” He added, “It hurts not being able to fight with my teammates, not being able to help when the team needs me.” 🎥 | The moment when Lamine Yamal felt the injury after scoring his penalty against Celta Vigo. 😕💔 pic.twitter.com/XBT8HazLzf— Access Yamal (@AccessYamal) April 22, 2026 Blow to Barcelona’s attack with title within reach The absence of Yamal removes a vital creative outlet for Barcelona. The young winger has been one of the most decisive players this season, contributing goals and assists while stretching defenses with his pace and skill. Without him, the responsibility shifts to alternatives such as Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and emerging talents tasked with filling the void. The tactical balance may also change, with a greater emphasis on midfield control and collective attacking movement. Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona reacts to an injury after scoring. Even with this setback, Barcelona remains firmly in control of the title race. The team has won nine consecutive league matches, demonstrating a level of consistency unmatched by its rivals. There are multiple scenarios in which the club can secure the championship, including the possibility of doing so before the upcoming El Clasico. Regardless of timing, the trajectory suggests that the Blaugrana’s dominance this season is unlikely to be overturned.

Spain coach De La Fuente addresses injury concerns after Lamine Yamal scare ahead of 2026 World Cup

worldsoccertalk.com · 7 days ago

Lamine Yamal’s injury scare has raised concerns in Spain just over a month before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, something head coach Luis De La Fuente addressed this week. In one month, Luis De La Fuente will have to confirm the final 26-man roster that will represent Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. That means any last-minute injury could alter his plans—something highlighted by the recent scare involving Lamine Yamal. De La Fuente spoke during a medical symposium at the CEMTRO clinic in Madrid this week. “Will Lamine be there?” was one of the questions posed to the coach regarding the availability of the Barcelona winger for Spain’s World Cup squad. “In a call-up, we consider every scenario—whether you’re winning, losing, or if the opponent goes down to 10 men,” De La Fuente said, according to Marca. “There are players who can give you 20 minutes, and that has enormous value. Some players may not be able to give you 50 or 60 minutes, but they can deliver 20 very good ones—and that can make the difference.” In that sense, the coach avoided addressing Yamal’s specific case but made it clear that his presence could still be crucial even if he is not at full fitness at the start of the World Cup. “Our priority is to arrive at the decisive stage with the best possible team,” he explained. Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona reacts to an injury after scoring. De La Fuente has experience managing these situations In nearly four years as Spain coach, Luis De La Fuente has faced situations that forced him to make difficult decisions, and that experience is now shaping his approach ahead of North America 2026. To explain his thinking regarding players who may not be at 100 percent for the World Cup, the coach cited an example from Euro 2024, where Spain were crowned champions. “Olmo arrived injured—we were close to leaving him out—but he went on to be decisive at the Euro. There are players who can come in less than fully fit and still make a difference in the knockout stages. Olmo was decisive from the quarterfinals onward,” De La Fuente said, referring to Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo. Based on those comments, it can be inferred that Lamine Yamal’s place at the World Cup could be secure even if he does not fully recover before the tournament begins. Spain’s group-stage path includes matches against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay, but the coach’s priority appears to be the knockout rounds that follow. De La Fuente points to the schedule In the same conversation, Luis De La Fuente shared his views on the growing number of injuries among elite players. “The pace is so intense, with matches every three or four days, that injuries are inevitable,” said the Spain coach. “It’s one thing to recover, and another to return to peak performance. The biggest risk when a player comes back is suffering another injury.”

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