Chelsea are reportedly exploring a sensational loan move for Marc-André ter Stegen, with the Barcelona goalkeeper said to be open to a change after nearly a decade as the Catalans’ undisputed No. 1.
The 33-year-old German has found himself unexpectedly marginalised following Barça’s decision to invest €25 million in Joan García, the former Espanyol star whose rise has prompted a recalibration of the goalkeeping hierarchy at the Camp Nou.
The move has created internal friction, with Ter Stegen understood to be livid at the implied message, that his era could be drawing to a close.
Chelsea interested in Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen
With uncertainty lingering over Robert Sánchez’s long-term status at Stamford Bridge, Sky Sport claims Chelsea are weighing a short-term deal to bring elite experience and leadership back between the sticks.
In a Premier League landscape where pressing traps are ruthless, a confident, technically secure goalkeeper can transform a team’s first phase and Ter Stegen is the ideal player who can provide that at Chelsea.
It provides immediate quality without a long, expensive commitment, while allowing the club to reassess Sánchez.
Ter Stegen moves makes financial sense for the Blues
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona embraces Hansi Flick (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
A Ter Stegen-to-Chelsea loan would be one of January’s headline moves. Whether the deal advances will depend on finances and guarantees, but the logic is simple, Chelsea gain a proven leader to guide a developing defense while Barcelona gain clarity in their transition to García.
Sánchez has failed to show consistency at Stamford Bridge despite being made the first choice goalkeeper. Recently in a match against Manchester United, the goalkeeper received a red card for his rash challenge on Bryan Mbeumo which played a huge role on the Blues not winning the match.
A fresh transfer battle is brewing between two European giants, as Barcelona and Arsenal are reportedly set to go head-to-head for the signature of Lacine Megnan-Pave, one of France’s brightest teenage prospects.
According to L’Équipe, the 15-year-old Montpellier striker has caught the attention of scouts across Europe following a string of impressive performances for the club’s U19 side, where he has already scored two goals this season.
Despite his young age, Megnan-Pave has the physicality and technique to shine at a big club as interest in his services continues to increase.
Barcelona leading Arsenal in Megnan-Pave race?
Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy is currently tipped as the frontrunner to secure his services.
Standing at 6 feet tall, Megnan-Pave already possesses a commanding physical presence for his age. Yet it is his balance, intelligent movement, and natural goal-scoring instinct that have stood out most to scouts.
Montpellier have earned a reputation for developing elite-level French talent, from Olivier Giroud and Rémy Cabella to Elye Wahi, and Megnan-Pave could be the next in that line.
The Catalan giants continue to rebuild their squad structure around young prospects, much like they did with Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Fermín López.
Barca’s sporting director Deco has already green-lit the pursuit, with talks underway between intermediaries representing the player and the club.
The Gunners believe Megnan-Pave could become a star in the future under their environment which encourages young players to shine.
The north-London club have seen the progress of young players like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly under Arteta and have been highly impressed with that.
Montpellier, meanwhile, are aware that keeping hold of the teenager will be difficult. With European giants circling and no professional contract signed yet due to his age, the French club face an uphill task to convince him to stay in Ligue 1.
Barcelona returned to training on Monday, at Ciutat Esportiva, just a day after their 2–1 loss to Real Madrid in El Clásico. With the disappointment still fresh, focus quickly turned to the upcoming La Liga clash against Elche at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday evening.
Players who didn’t feature heavily in Madrid, including Jules Koundé, Ferran Torres, and youngsters Dro, Toni Fernández, and Jofre Torrents, led the session with high intensity as Hansi Flick looked to lift the team’s mood.
Robert Lewandowski (Photo Credit: Barcelona X handle)
On the downside, Raphinha remains unavailable. Softfootball understands that the Brazilian winger has suffered a setback in his recovery from a right hamstring injury and will now be out for another month. He hasn’t trained with the group since testing himself last Friday and is officially ruled out for the Elche game.
Meanwhile, Koundé, who participated in the game against Real Madrid despite still nursing a knock, is expected to make the squad. Flick, however, fresh from serving his touchline ban after receiving a red card against Girona, will be hoping to lead his team to victory as he could only watch on from the stands as his team got beaten.
With Gavi, Ter Stegen, Dani Olmo, and Joan García still sidelined, Barça’s injury list remains long, but the sight of Lewandowski back among the group offers a welcome lift and renewed belief heading into the next stretch of the season.
Robert Lewandowski has revealed in a podcast with Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand that he was blown away at his first sight of Lamine Yamal, Softfootball reports.
The Polish international, who was missing from the El Clasico yesterday where Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 revealed he was shocked at the amount of talent possessed by the Spanish winger despite his young age.
Robert Lewandowski (Photo Credit: Barcelona X handle)
Rio Ferdinand presents is the name of the official podcast and it had Robert Lewandowski as guest where he touch on the Yamal topic. He said:
First time, when I saw him in our training, he was 15. I have seen a lot of young talented years but he was different. When he was 16, I said to myself, it is impossible to be so good and so clever at this age.
Here is a video of the interview between Rio Ferdinand and Robert Lewandowski talking about Yamal. Watch below.
Robert Lewandowski describes his first training session with Lamine Yamal at Barcelona
Yamal graduated from the famous Barcelona academy, LA Masia and has not looked back ever since, becoming the youngest player to appear in and score at a major international tournament, winning the Kopa Trophy, and being a key player in Barcelona’s domestic treble.
Yamal was the youngest goalscorer in an El Clásico, Copa del Rey, and for Barcelona’s first team at just 16 years old. He was also the youngest player to start a La Liga game and provide an assist in La Liga.
Yamal was a key member of the Barcelona team that won La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España in 2024/25. And claimed the Kopa Trophy for the best young player in the world in 2024 and 2025.
Lamine Yamal and Lewandowski celebrates (Photo Credit: Barcelona via X)
Also, Yamal became the youngest player to make 100 appearances for Barcelona. And at just 16-year-old played at UEFA Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team. He went on to become the youngest player to appear in the tournament.
Yamal was also the youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history and became the youngest player to play in the final and win a major international trophy.
Yamal was named the Young Player of the Tournament and his goal against France was the Goal of the Tournament. Not forgetting that he was also the youngest assist provider in the European Championship.
Music superstar Ed Sheeran and Barcelona legend Carlos Puyol watched the El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona in New York City together, Softfootball reports.
Earlier this year, Ed Sheeran partnered with FC Barcelona and Spotify, and his album logo, “Play,” appeared on the team’s jerseys for the El Clásico match. This collaboration is part of Barcelona’s ongoing partnership with Spotify to merge music and football, with Sheeran becoming the first male British solo artist to feature on the shirt. The special kit was also worn by the women’s team during their game against Granada earlier this month.
Interestingly, English players made impact in the El Clasico, Marcus Rashford playing in the derby for the first time since he joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United provided the assist for Fermin Lopez’s equaliser while Jude Bellingham scored the winner for Real Madrid.
Barcelona are now five points behind Real Madrid on the LaLiga table. The Los Blancos has 27 points after 10 matches while Barcelona are second with 22 points after 10 matches so far this campaign.
For Madridista Gabriel Lucin @GabrielLucin1 on X, the win was more about exposing Barcelona’s overconfidence than anything else. His tone was cutting, maybe even taunting. Gabriel’s post captured the rivalry’s essence, pride in victory and a jab at Barça’s endless pre-match talk.
He posted:
Be thankful that Madrid wasn’t on point and on top of that Mbappé missed a penalty because otherwise you’d have gotten thrashed They spent months talking and talking about how they were gonna smash Madrid and now they gotta talk about refs and the hospital
On the other side, Great Ike @GreatIke7 on X sounded irritated by what he saw as Madrid’s exaggerated celebrations. His words were blunt and a bit chaotic, teasing the los balncos over the board celebration. He referenced Lamine Yamal, the teenage Barcelona forward who continues to haunt Madrid despite his age.
He tweeted:
Madrid won the World Cup why are they celebrating like someone who have won you 4 times last season and you’re jubilating for winning today ,you guys don’t have sense ..18 years guy giving you guys a nightmare
El LeoTumbatecho @lesq1978 on X offered a more heartfelt take, shifting the spotlight from goals to comebacks as one of the returning stars, Militao, played a very huge role in the victory. For him, the match meant more than points, it was about resilience and relief.
He posted;
The best news of all is Militão’s return. He’s coming back after 2 fucking torn ligaments!!! It’s soon but it looks good. Hopefully they don’t force him like last year.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
Meanwhile, Mateo369 @MateoXXIw on X expressed deep worry about Barcelona’s direction. His tone was mournful, almost poetic, lamenting the clubs decision to sanction Inigo Martinez’s move to Saudi Arabia, claiming that team lack a natural defensive leader and a solid defensive identity.
He tweeted:
Getting rid of Inigo Martinez without a fight No Raphinha No Lewandowski No Gavi No defensive general No team heart No team scorer No team lungs The club and its fans will only fully appreciate this when they lose it completely.
The same sentiment was shared by عبدالمحسن العَسيري @asmd_85 on X, calaiming that the team needs goo options and Capabale alternatives in defenc.
He wrote:
We need to find solutions in defense, since continuing with this situation will cost the team dearly. There must also be an effective alternative, and the team must not be affected by the absence of a player due to injury or suspension.
Then came Bader alharbi @mw_bader on X, frustrated by young Yamal’s recent comments in interviews. He wanted discipline and respect for tradition from the youngstar who has been careless with his post-match interview.
He lamented:
I hope the club and the coach put an end to Yamal’s childish statements. He has caused unnecessary pressure on his teammates on the field. Everyone who has worn the number 10 has been a legend of the club, so I ask Laporta’s management to respect the Barça badge and the number 10
And finally, Madrid supporter RealMadrid 9ja @RealMadrid9ja on X summed up the night with quiet confidence, claiming that the unfortunate loss to Atletico has been the only blemish to their campaign so far.
We deserve to be at the top. The loss to Athletico Madrid was quite unfortunate though.
In the end, the reactions tell the full story, Madrid’s redemption, Barcelona’s frustration, and the unfiltered noise that makes El Clásico more than just a game. It’s pride, Its rivalry, its chaos, and its love, all the things that makes the round leether game very beautiful.
Real Madrid players. Photo Credit: Real Madrid Media.
Writing on his official X handle after the victory, Rodrygo was obviously elated by what he and his teammates achieved in the game. He wrote:
Una gran victoria en nuestra casa HALA MADRID Y NADA MÁS . This in English means: A great victory at our home HALA MADRID AND NOTHING MORE.
Interestingly, Rodrygo started from the bench as fellow Brazilian Vinicius Junior was preferred in the left side of attack for Real Madrid. The home side took the lead through new signing Kylian Mbappe after his initial effort was ruled out for offside.
Barcelona fought their way back into the match as Spain international Fermin Lopez equalised for the away side but the Los Blancos had the last laugh as English star, Jude Bellingham scored to make it 2-1. Barcelona finished the game with 10-men as Pedri was sent off late in the match.
Real Madrid extends their lead ontop of LaLiga to 27 points while Barcelona remain second with 22 points after 10 matches so far this season.
Real Madrid finally got one over Barcelona again, grinding out a tense 2–1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 26, 2025. It wasn’t the cleanest performance, but it was enough, as Softfootball reports that the result sends Los Blancos five points clear on top of LaLiga.
In the pre-game reports Softfootball predicted a 2-2 draw. And despite Madrid’s win, the game saw 3 goals in a very frantic encounter. Kylian Mbappé, who just seems to live for nights like this, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a perfect pass from Jude Bellingham split Barça’s line wide open. Cool finish, no nerves, and that’s already 16 goals this season, numbers we have gotten to expect from a superstar of his standards.
However, Barcelona looked to react immediately and they did. In the 38th minute, as Arda Güler gave the ball away cheaply, Fermín López made them pay with a low drive into the corner, sending the Bernabéu quiet for a bit. However the momentum to the defending champions didn’t last long, though. Barely five minutes later, Bellingham was there to tap home after Éder Militão headed Vinícius Júnior’s cross back across goal.
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
The game got scrappy in the second half as tempers flared and legs got heavy. Kylian Mbappé had the chance to extend Real Madrid’s lead but missed a penalty following Eric García’s controversial handball, with Szczęsny guessing right and keeping the scoreline respectable. Barça tried pushing late, but Madrid’s backline stayed solid.
And then came the chaos. Pedri was sent off deep in stoppage time after a clumsy tackle. and the game up till the end was marred by brawls and shoves, as Madrid players tried to confront Lamine Yamal following his provocative rant against the capital-based team. Fabrizio Romano posted the video via his official X account.
After the game, team captain Dani Carvajal appreciated the fans for the magical atmosphere they created at the Santiago Bernabéu in a video uploaded via the team’s official X account.
Watch the video below:
@DaniCarvajal92: "Hello Madridistas, we witnessed an incredible atmosphere today! Thank you so much, a part of this victory belongs to you. We have to keep going, we stay top of the table and let's go for more!" pic.twitter.com/Nk731rch1m
For Barcelona this is their third league loss already, and the frustration is starting to show on the pitch, in the dugout, and everywhere as fans and pundits highly condemn this timid performance.
Barcelona defeated arch-rivals Real Madrid four times in 2024/25, but Real Madrid drew blood first by triumphing over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock for Los Blancos in the 22nd minute, and Fermín López equalized in the 38th. The final word of the half (and eventually the whole match […]
West Ham United are quietly laying the groundwork for a major January recruitment push, with a name already under serious consideration, 17-year-old Pedro Fernandez from Barcelona.
The Hammers have begun compiling a dossier on the Spanish wonderkid and are aiming to act before his valuation “goes crazy”, according to Alan Nixon.
The interest in Fernandez comes on the back of a meteoric rise through Barcelona’s youth ranks.
He made his senior debut for the Catalan giants in September and features prominently in their Champions League campaign.
Having progressed from La Masia’s U-19s and the UEFA Youth League to first-team involvement within months, the winger has drawn attention not just for his advanced technique but also his rapid integration into senior squad training and match-day squads.
He offers versatility, capable of operating as an inside-forward or a high-pressing wide attacker.
Barcelona are aware of Fernandez’s potential, meaning any suitor may face bidding competition and a valuation inflation similar to other La Masia stars.
West Ham are ready to beat competition to sign Fernandez
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates with teammate Pedro Fernandez (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
West Ham’s early dossier compiling is therefore a tactical attempt to move quickly before the market rises.
In that sense, the club are following the same blueprint that has brought them success in securing young talents ahead of rival interest.
The club will need to manage his development carefully, ensuring he isn’t burdened by expectation prematurely.
Whether the deal materialises will depend on negotiations, valuation and the club’s ability to integrate a young talent into a squad seeking stability. But for now, the early groundwork suggests that West Ham have serious interest in signing the Barcelona youngster.
The first El Clásico of the season arrives with Real Madrid sitting two points clear of their arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga, and they’ll look to strengthen their grip on the title race with a statement victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. Xabi Alonso’s men are in outstanding form, having won four straight matches across all competitions, conceding just once in that span, Softfootball reports.
Their most recent outing, a 1-0 UEFA Champions League victory over Juventus showcased their growing defensive solidity and composure under pressure. That resilience followed their only defeat of the campaign, a humbling 5-2 loss to Atlético Madrid, which now feels firmly behind them.
Madrid players Celebrating (Photo Credit: Real Madrid via X)
Alonso, who famously played in 20 Clásicos during his career, will be keen to break a managerial curse, seven of Real’s last eight managers have lost their first league game against Barcelona. But home advantage could prove decisive, as Los Blancos have won eight consecutive home league matches, their longest such streak since 2015.
A mix of experience and attacking brilliance led by Kylian Mbappé, who has scored 11 goals in just eight games against Barcelona, could see Madrid edge another chapter in this historic rivalry.
Real Madrid player Dean huijsen in training ahead of El Classico (Photo Credit: Real Madrid X handle)
Defending champions Barcelona travel to Madrid with renewed confidence after a resounding 6-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Olympiacos, and with an extra day of rest on their side. Despite a string of injuries to key forwards, Hansi Flick’s men continue to fire up front leading the league in goals scored while showing mental strength after conceding first in four of their nine league games.
That fighting spirit will be crucial at the Bernabéu, where Barca will seek to avoid back-to-back league defeats on the road after their 4-1 loss to Sevilla, a result that ended their impressive 15-match unbeaten away run.
Barcelona players celebrates (Photo Credit: Barca via X)
The Catalan side have dominated this fixture recently, winning all four El Clásicos last season, including two in finals, scoring at least three goals in each. A fifth successive victory over Real would mark a new modern-era milestone for the Blaugrana.
Lamine Yamal, who tormented Madrid last season with three goals and two assists across their meetings, will again be a key figure, especially if he can exploit Madrid’s high defensive line. With attacking fluency restored and their title rivals within touching distance, Barcelona will arrive in Madrid hungry to reclaim top spot.
It’s no doubt it’s a massive moment for Sunderland beating Chelsea at home despite being a goal down, this means a lot for Sunderland as it’s evident in the post match reaction shared by the team’s official X handle showing the players and fans emotions after the full time whistle, They posted:
Real Madrid have received positive injury news ahead of the clash, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Dean Huijsen all nearing full fitness. Xabi Alonso will again turn to Kylian Mbappé, who has been prolific in this fixture and will look to continue his fine form in front of goal. The Frenchman’s combination with Vinícius Júnior has been central to Madrid’s recent attacking dominance.
The los Blancos side shared an update with fans through its official X handle, posting the official squad list of the players to face Barcelona tomorrow. They posted:
Barcelona, meanwhile, are hopeful that Raphinha will be fit to make his return after training with the squad this week. Xavi will count on the creativity of Pedri and the composure of Frenkie de Jong in midfield to control the tempo. Expect Lamine Yamal to start on the right, where his pace and trickery could again cause problems for Madrid’s backline.
Szczesny; E Garcia, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong; Yamal, Fermin, Rashford; Ferran
The blaugrana club through its official X handle shared an exclusive video of the team arriving at Madrid airport ahead of the clash tomorrow. They posted:
With both sides in free-scoring form and packed with attacking talent, this edition of El Clásico promises fireworks. Real Madrid’s home advantage and defensive discipline under Alonso could be the deciding factor, but Barcelona’s sharpness and belief after their Olympiacos rout make them dangerous opponents. Expect a tight, high-intensity clash with both teams likely to score.
Marcus Rashford has shared a glimpse into his calm and methodical pre-match routine in a video posted by Barcelona on their official X account, offering fans a more personal look at how he prepares for game day. The England international, who joined Barcelona after a turbulent Manchester United spell, has been open about his renewed focus and mindset since moving to Spain, as Softfootball reported about his revived confidence and joy for the game.
Rashford scored a brace against Newcastle (Photo Credit: FC Barcelona media)
In the video, Rashford begins with a typical morning rhythm. He said with a grin:
I’ll probably wake up maybe 45 minutes before breakfast, open the curtains, relax for a minute, take a shower, then go for breakfast. I’ll have some porridge and eggs.
The forward explained that after team meetings and tactical briefings, he returns to his room to rest — sometimes napping, sometimes just lying back. He laughed, prompting the interviewer’s surprise:
Then I’ll probably take another shower.
Marcus Rashford (Photo Credit: Marcus Rashford via X)
That light moment quickly turned into talk of nutrition. He added:
We’ll have our pre-match meal — maybe some pasta or a bit of protein, something like that.
Rashford admitted he hadn’t eaten lunch yet, before noting that music and the team bus journey usually round off his preparation.
Verdict: Total goals over 3.5 Best odds: 3/4 Bookmaker: Unibet The Santiago Bernabéu will host the first El Clásico of the 2025–26 season on Sunday afternoon, and the stakes could not be higher. Real Madrid lead La Liga by two points over second-placed Barcelona, setting up a clash that is about far more than bragging […]
It’s another frustrating twist for Barcelona, as Raphinha’s long-awaited comeback looks set to be delayed again. The Brazilian winger walked off Friday’s training session on October 24, 2025, after feeling a new discomfort that left fans worried all over again, as reported by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account.
Raphinha’s story this season has been stop-start. The first injury came on September 25 against Real Oviedo, and after weeks of rehab, things looked promising. Now, medical staff believe he will be out for about another month. It’s tough luck for a player who has been desperate to help the team, especially with such a massive fixture ahead.
Flick’s problems keep piling up. He’s missing Gavi, Ter Stegen, Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo, and to make matters worse, he’ll be watching El Clásico from the stands due to his suspension. Without Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres might get the nod, though both have their own knocks and moments of inconsistency.
Raphinha left today’s training session after good feelings yesterday to get the green light.
At this point, Barcelona can only hope the injury doesn’t linger too long. Raphinha brings energy, flair, and that bit of chaos defenders hate. Losing him again right before Real Madrid feels like déjà vu for Flick and his squad.
Pegasus Airlines has launched direct flights between Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport and Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport, expanding its European network with a new connection linking Türkiye’s Aegean coast to Spain’s cultural hub. The route […]
Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League delivered drama, goals, and statements of intent from Europe’s heavyweights. Across two nights, the continent’s top clubs flexed their muscles, while others were left scrambling to keep their campaigns alive. Here’s a full roundup of the action from October 21 and 22. Tuesday, October 21: Fireworks in Spain, […]
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