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All of the talk in Barcelona this week is about Nico Williams and a potential move for the Basque winger. However there is far less discussion about potential exits, with many wondering whether a sacrifice might be necessary if Barcelona do want to sign the Athletic Club star. One of the names that continues to emerge as a candidate is Fermin Lopez.
The 22-year-old had an inconsistent start to the season, but by the end of the campaign, was one of Hansi Flick’s best performers. As early back as March though, there were reports that Barcelona would be willing to part with him for around €60m.
Bayern Munich and Chelsea interest in Fermin Lopez
Chelsea were the first European side to be linked to Lopez, but that talk has cooled of late. Earlier this week it was revealed that Bayern Munich had also enquired about his availability. The Bavarian giants were told that Fermin was looking to stay at Barcelona.
Saudi Arabia also interested in Fermin
Now Sport are reporting that Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli are interested in signing him too, and are willing to offer him a ‘dizzying’ contract. They say that Barcelona are open to a deal, but first Al-Ahli must convince Lopez first though. He would resolve a lot of their salary limit issues, and it is also noted that an offer from Chelsea is expected. If Lopez does turn down all approaches, Barcelona will look to sell someone else, with Ronald Araujo another prime candidate, despite his assurances that he will remain. His agents are more open to an exit.
Ter Stegen has no intention of making any further statements at the moment. He believes he has already made clear his desire to stay. He's on vacation. It's false that he has an agreement with Galatasaray or Monaco. He believes he could be Barcelona's starting goalkeeper next…
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) June 16, 2025
Competition for places
The issue for Fermin is that he will be competiing hard for minutes next season. Gavi and Dani Olmo will also be competing for the same spot next season, while Raphinha could also begin inside more more often if Nico Williams were to arrive.
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A forgotten Manchester City defender could open up a host of possibilities for Pep Guardiola next season
Heading into the summer transfer window it did appear that John Stones would be one player who seemed highly likely to leave Manchester City. The injury-prone centre-back has struggled to get onto the pitch during the past two seasons. Based on his injury history and the fact that Manchester City signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis during the January transfer window it seemed that Stones would be surplus to requirements. But that hasn’t been the case. Heading into the 25/26 season John Stones is set to remain as a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad. If Stones can stay fit he could open up a host of possibilities for Pep Guardiola to utilise next season. John Stones is looking forward to playing for Manchester City next season. Earlier this week, Manchester City held an open training session. Stones was seen training with his teammates. The England international appeared to be fit and ready for what lies ahead next season. Following Manchester City’s training session, Stones spoke with the media. In quotes relayed by CityXtra, Stones refuted any speculation linking him with a move away from Manchester City this summer. Speaking on the possibility of leaving City, Stones said: “Yeah I mean, I get told this, I don’t see a thing. So it’s laughable to me but I understand why people do it, and there’s nothing to comment on it. I love it here (at Manchester City), nothing’s happening and I’m here to fight and play, and yeah, hopefully win some trophies!” John Stones also spoke on what Manchester City’s new signings have added to Pep Guardiola’s squad. He added that he was excited to play with City’s new signings. Stones explained: “Things evolve, football evolves, and the guys that have come in have been great. It takes a bit of time to obviously get used to the style of play, what’s expected and what’s asked of them, but the guys have come in for a reason. The quality they’ve got, the aspects of the game are different from what we’ve had in the past. I’m excited to play with them and see what they do.” John Stones can add something different to Manchester City’s play next season. Barring something exceptional occurring during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, John Stones will be a member of Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season. As a player, Stones can offer something that no other City defender can. Especially in possession. The England international is arguably the best ball playing centre-back in the Premier League. That opens up endless possibilities for Pep Guardiola to explore. During Stones’ endless injury issues over the past two seasons his immense talent as a player has been often overlooked. Whether it’s by playing at centre-back and drifting into midfield or by playing at right-back in a similar manner to Rico Lewis, John Stones adds something different to Manchester City’s play. Potentially, Stones could play in midfield if required. He is that talented. What will dictate whether or not Stones has a profound impact on Manchester City’s 25/26 season is his fitness. If John Stones can stay fit he will be a valuable asset for Pep Guardiola’s side. He has a set of skills that no other Manchester City defender has. With the England international set to remain at Manchester City for next season the hope is he can stay fit to add a different element to Manchester City’s play in a variety of positions.
Jaydon Blue injury update: Major news emerges on Cowboys RB after Thursday practice exit
According to Nick Harris of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue suffered a bone bruise in his heel on Thursday. Blue was stepped on during practice, initially looking at an ankle sprain. Thankfully, the MRI came back with some positive news. “Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue’s MRI revealed a bone bruise in his heel after it was stepped on in today’s practice, according to a @startelegram source,” Harris said via X. “No ankle sprain. Good news for the young back who has emerged as an offensive playmaker in camp.” Blue previously told Harris that an ankle injury was what he suffered. Questions about the running back’s availability for Saturday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams are now present. Something to watch as kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT from SoFi Stadium. Dallas took Blue in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, hoping to address its running back situation. Blue played his college ball inside the Lone Star State, suiting up for the Texas Longhorns. Plenty of guys at the position have come out of Austin and found quick success. Blue is hoping to be the next one. For now, there is an injury for him to deal with. No exact timeline has been provided per a report or by a team official. Hopefully, Blue is able to get things cleared up quickly and get his first taste of the NFL before Sept. 4’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. More on Jaydon Blue, Cowboys running back situation Running back was a position the Cowboys needed to desperately figure out this offseason. Rico Dowdle, the team’s leading rusher, was no longer on the roster. Behind Dowdle, Dallas did not have much else. A nice mix of veteran presence and youngsters was needed. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders provide the former, while Blue was a part of the draft class alongside Phil Mafah. A combination of those four figures to be on the opening night roster. Exactly how head coach Brian Schottenheimer splits up the carries is not yet known. Blue’s injury certainly does not help the situation. Cowboys players, in general, have been going down throughout training camp thus far. Making sure everyone is healthy will be critical heading into the season. Especially an explosive back like Blue, someone who can change the outcome of any game in just the snap of your fingers.
Dream Dealt Unfortunate News on Brittney Griner on Thursday
Neck pain isn’t usually headline news, unless it belongs to Brittney Griner. Atlanta Dream fans hoping for another dominant night on Thursday just had their mood checked. Griner is officially out again, and suddenly that winning streak feels a little more fragile. The Dream hit the road to face the struggling Chicago Sky, a team sitting at 8-21 and already missing rookie standout Angel Reese. But while the Sky limp into Wintrust Arena, the Dream aren’t walking in at full strength either. On Wednesday, the team ruled out Griner for a third straight game due to her lingering neck injury. According to the WNBA’s official injury report, she’s still not ready for game action. Griner’s absence is a blow. The nine-time All-Star has been averaging 10.6 points and 5.6 boards while shooting over 51 percent from the field this season. She signed with Atlanta as a free agent this offseason, helping turn the Dream into a serious contender after last year’s playoff sneak-in. But with their star center on the bench again, the Dream will have to get creative, and gritty. Brionna Jones, Naz Hillmon Set to Step Up With Griner out, Atlanta is expected to lean on Brionna Jones and Naz Hillmon to carry the frontcourt load. Jones, another offseason addition, has already started taking on a bigger role. The team will need her presence inside to stretch the Sky’s defense and crash the boards. It’s not all gloom, though. Griner’s "doubtful" tag before last week’s Mercury game was the same story, and she’s reportedly getting closer to a return. But Atlanta’s not taking risks with their veteran star, and they shouldn't. Still, with Rhyne Howard also sidelined due to a knee issue, the Dream are down two primary weapons. That makes Thursday’s game less about comfort and more about character.
Rory McIlroy's controversial decision leaves PGA Tour 'very concerned'
Seventy players qualified for the first round of the playoffs at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis, but only 69 will tee it up at TPC Southwind this week. That's because Rory McIlroy, who ranks second in the FedEx Cup standings behind only Scottie Scheffler, is skipping the first playoff event to prepare for the BMW Championship and Tour Championship. The PGA Tour isn't thrilled with his contentious decision. Peter Malnati, a PGA Tour pro and player director on the PGA Tour Policy Board, told Golfweek he's "very concerned" the new playoff format allows top players in the standings to skip playoff events. "I think there is stuff in the works, and I'll leave it at that," he said. The PGA Tour must make changes because McIlroy won't face any repercussions for skipping the FedEx St. Jude Championship. As the No. 2 player in the FedEx Cup standings entering the postseason, McIlroy is guaranteed to qualify for the Tour Championship. Before this year, he would've been incentivized to improve his spot in the standings because of the advantage the starting strokes format gave the No. 1 player. That's no longer the case. This year, the Tour Championship will operate like every other tournament on the PGA Tour schedule. There will be no starting strokes advantage for the top players, so every player from No. 1 to No. 30 will have an equal chance to win the $10 million prize. It doesn't matter where McIlroy resides in the standings. It just matters that he makes it to East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, and he's already locked up his spot in the season finale. Why spend a week in scorching-hot Memphis when you could stay home and prepare for the tournament that actually matters, right? The new playoff format will make the Tour Championship more entertaining for fans, but it renders the other two playoff events irrelevant for the PGA Tour's top players. The Tour must make playoff events mandatory to prevent other stars from following McIlroy's lead.
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