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Barcelona are in pole position to lift La Liga this season, yet the club hierarchy are not resting as they aim to put the steps in place to prepare to kick on next season.

The Catalan giants are chasing their holy grail, a sixth Champions League, after they last secured the competition in 2015, and they will have to wait at least another season after elimination to Atletico Madrid in the quarter-final this campaign.

Hansi Flick has fallen short on two occasions now as manager despite securing the La Liga title in his debut season and looks like he will add to it this campaign.

So, the German manager will be hopeful of further additions to his squad to give him the tools to finally win the elite European trophy.

Yet, Barcelona do not have a limitless pot of money to spend from and so will need to fund this through the sale of some of their existing stars, as reported by AS Diario.

Three of the players that the Spanish giants may be considering allowing to leave Camp Nou are defenders, with one of these being a leader on and off the pitch in Ronald Araujo.

The Uruguayan has only started two La Liga matches since taking time off from action in November due to depression, and this lack of gametime may indicate he is seen as surplus to requirements.

The other two defenders who may be set to leave the club are fullback options in the shape of Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde.

While both have the full backing of Flick and have been incredibly reliable and trusted options, there may be the chance that if better individuals can be recruited or they are needed to leave the club for funds, then that may be the case.

La Masia product Marc Casado may be another player that could be set to leave the club in order to help fund the transfer pot.

The midfielder has had plenty of suitors over recent months, as they can see the undoubtable ability he has; however, Casado has been unwilling to leave the club due to his desire to play for Barcelona.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are interested in him, as well as those in the Premier League and La Liga, and while he has rejected approaches previously, due to his lack of gametime, he may now opt to leave.

The last player that could leave the club is Roony Bardghji, with this case being slightly more difficult, as he is seen as a player with a lot of potential and one Barcelona do not want to lose.

This may see him sold with a buy-back option in the deal to give him minutes away from the club, as he has been deputising for Lamine Yamal at present on the right wing and so has had limited minutes.

Players linked with summer moves to Barcelona

Barcelona have been linked to several stars this summer to strengthen the squad, with Atletico’s Julian Alvarez and Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni appearing to be at the top of the wish list.

However, according to El Chiringuito TV, it appears that there are four other players that the club are also interested in bringing to Camp Nou ahead of next season.

Two of the players are fullbacks and may explain their decision to look at Kounde and Balde as dispensable.

One of the options they could bring in is Denzel Dumfries from Inter, with the Dutchman proving to be a reliable option in fullback for the Italian side now for several seasons.

Meanwhile, the other fullback the club are chasing is a Catalan who has previously played for Espanyol, Marc Cucurella, who is currently playing his football at Chelsea.

Bernardo Silva has also been linked to the club, with the Manchester City star set to be available on a free transfer, as it was announced he would be leaving the English club in the summer upon the expiration of his contract; however, they may face tough competition in bringing the Portuguese international to Catalunya.

The final player that has been mentioned about securing a move to Barcelona this summer is Youssef Diomande from RB Leipzig, as the Ivorian international has impressed in the Bundesliga this campaign.

Barca will face tough competition to get Diomande to the club this summer, as he has been linked to Liverpool, but the draw of playing for one of the most iconic clubs in the world may be too much for him as well as the chance of linking up with one of the biggest talents in the world at the minute in the shape of Yamal.

A Spurs star has reached an agreement to leave the club in the summer, irrespective of the ongoing relegation battle the team are in.

Despite a first Premier League win over 2026 against already relegated Wolves, Spurs still find themselves occupying the final spot in the bottom three because of West Ham's last-gasp win over Everton on Saturday.

Spurs are two points behind the Hammers with four games remaining, but already there's word that one of their main men is on the move.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has reached an agreement to return to Italy with Inter Milan at the end of the season.

Vicario signed for Spurs in 2023 from Empoli and he has played 117 times, helping the club win the Europa League last season.

It's claimed that Spurs have been happy to allow Vicario to move on for several months now and he is now "very close" to signing after reaching a "full agreement".

Vicario and his entourage have agreed the length of the contract as well as the salary; all that is waiting is for the two clubs to come to an agreement on the transfer fee for the 29-year-old.

Current Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer is set to leave in the summer, with his contract up on June 30 and not set to be renewed.

Juventus have also been interested in Vicario but he has given his commitment to Serie A leaders Inter.

Inter have another talented goalkeeper on their books in Josep Martinez, who started in two of the last three games and made a huge impression.

His situation needs to be decided, with Martinez likely not willing to accept a second season playing as second-choice.

Vicario, who joined for a fee of £17 million, still has two years left on his contract at Spurs and it's widely expected that his transfer fee would lower if Spurs are relegated for the first time in the Premier League.

The North London side return to action on Sunday when they take on Champions League-chasing Aston Villa. Vicario has been absent due to recovering from surgery on a hernia injury, with Antonin Kinsky playing in between the sticks.

A former Premier League star has issued a heartbreaking statement from a hospital bed after undergoing surgery at just 34.

These days, world-class footballers play at a high level for much longer than previous generations, with Lionel Messi, 38, and Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, being two notable examples of top-level players who continue to defy logic with exceptional performances, despite no doubt being in the twilight of their respective careers.

Many players in their mid-thirties continue to perform in the Premier League, with Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk arguably still being the best in the league as he approaches his 35th birthday.

However, not all players are so lucky, with injuries still part and parcel of a footballer’s life, and some are forced to end their careers due to the impact the sport has had on their bodies.

An example of this is former Spurs winger Erik Lamela, who retired at the age of 33 in 2025 due to a chronic hip problem.

At the time, the Argentinian, who represented River Plate, Roma, Spurs, Sevilla and AEK Athens, as well as his country 25 times, explained the reasons for his premature retirement in a statement, revealing that his hip issues started in 2017.

Part of the statement read: “After the operations went well, they gave me four more years of my career. They told me I’d get worse over time, and that’s what I’m experiencing now. With a lot of sacrifice, spending hours with the physiotherapists, strengthening myself in the gym, and with an endless series of injections and treatments, I’ve managed to play more than twice as much.

“For five years, I’ve been taking pills for every match to be able to play in the best possible condition, starting with the lowest dose and recently taking the maximum two days before the match to be ready.

“Now I have decided to put an end to all this; now all this effort ends.”

Now, almost a year on, the 34-year-old took to social media following an operation on his hip, with the former winger posting a video of his leg in plaster, as well as an X-ray.

Lamela wrote: “A bit sore, but with my new hip, let’s hope this prosthesis is the start of a pain-free life. 🤞

“A greeting to everyone, thanks to those who always write! 🙏”

Fans waded in with well-wishes in the comments section.

Lamela made 487 professional appearances, winning the Europa League with Sevilla in 2023

With their future in the top flight of English football hanging in the balance, the situation at Tottenham Hotspur is beginning to attract the attention of Europe's biggest clubs.

Sitting 18th in the Premier League, Spurs need to overcome a two-point deficit to West Ham to survive relegation with just four games left.

Although there's still plenty of football left to be played, the North London club's situation is looking bleak, and they could be regarded as one of the most talented teams to ever drop out of the league, just a year after winning the Europa League.

Now, the top players from the club are beginning to attract the hungry sharks from around Europe who will be eager to attack if they do fall into the Championship.

Specifically, Barcelona looks to be swarming, as they are reportedly monitoring the progress of multiple Spurs players.

Barcelona eyeing five Spurs players amid their drop

Should Spurs get relegated, the club will undoubtedly struggle to keep any of their best players, with a huge wage cut clause coming into play.

According to the Spanish outlet Diario SPORT, Barcelona is monitoring five Spurs players, including centre-back pairing Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.

The defensive pair have played 21 games together in the Premier League this season, but were both sidelined in the New Year through injury, which became one of the biggest reasons for Spurs' downfall.

Micky van de Ven, especially, is attracting attention from Barca, as the report suggests he is one of the club's favourite prospects to partner Pau Cubarsi next year, thanks to his ability on the ball.

Among the other names being watched are Lucas Bergvall, Pedro Porro, and former La Masia product Xavi Simons.

Unfortunately for Simons, his hopes of showing the world what he has to offer at the World Cup were dashed in Spurs' recent win against Wolves, as he suffered an ACL blow that will likely sideline him until Christmas.

Still, Barca could be on for a huge coup, and Spurs losing five of their big stars in one go would sum up their season.

It's make or break for Spurs

There is some light at the end of the tunnel for Tottenham, though, as they are already on the hunt to bolster their squad for the 26/27 season, should they stay up.

Interest has been renewed in Andy Robertson, who will leave Liverpool this summer, and new manager Roberto De Zerbi has signalled that a Juventus star would be his first name on the transfer sheet.

The club would also be boosted by the return of multiple players from the injury bench, as Dejan Kulusevski offered an insight into his progress, and James Madison has boosted fans by showing off his physical condition as he returns to the bench.

Premier League relegation would be disastrous for the club, with Barcelona being one of many clubs eyeing their best talent, but if they can survive, Spurs will appear poised for a good bounce back.

Tottenham Hotspur's first post after sealing their first Premier League win of 2026 against Wolverhampton Wanderers has instantly gone viral.

Joao Palhinha's late goal gave Spurs their first domestic victory since December and stopped them from slipping further into the relegation zone.

Roberto De Zerbi's side knew victory against an already relegated Wolves was a necessity to keep their survival hopes alive.

Despite a spirited effort from the home side, Palhinha managed to turn home from close range to send the away end into a frenzy.

At that point, Spurs were moving out of the bottom three thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's equaliser against West Ham United.

Callum Wilson restored West Ham's lead in added time, ensuring the table remained unchanged from kick-off on Saturday afternoon, with Spurs trailing the Hammers by two points.

Spurs' X account still tried to rally supporters at full-time following a first victory in 118 days.

Alongside a picture of Palhinha celebrating in front of the travelling Spurs supporters, they posted to their 8.7 million followers: "An important win in Wolverhampton."

It saw many point out that nothing had actually changed in the relegation battle as Spurs stayed favourites to go down with four games to go. However, some defended the club, believing the game was a must-win and defeat would've all but confirmed their fate.

De Zerbi demands a shift in mentality

Spurs' squad has been decimated by injuries in a campaign that started with so much promise.

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski haven't played a minute of football all term, while seven others were missing for the trip to Molineux.

Things went from bad to worse on the injury front when Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons were forced off in the first and second half, respectively.

Spurs return to action against Aston Villa next Sunday evening and De Zerbi has urged his squad to ignore the noise and how the teams around them get on.

“I hope this result can change something in our head, in our mentality,” he told reporters. “Because I believe to stay up. If I stay [arrive] here, it’s because I’m positive.

“If you are Tottenham or another team, the most important are the qualities of the players and the human level of the players.”

Spurs supporters are fuming after seeing what they believe was the wrong decision during West Ham’s 2-1 win over Everton, which preserved the Hammers’ two-point buffer over Tottenham.

On Saturday (April 25), both West Ham and Spurs won their respective Premier League matches, meaning Roberto De Zerbi’s side remain in the relegation zone with four matches remaining.

Just when Spurs’ trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers looked to be heading for a dull 0-0 draw, Joao Palhinha’s strike secured the side’s first Premier League win of 2026.

Meanwhile, Callum Wilson’s 93rd-minute strike saw Nuno Espirito Santo’s side beat Everton 2-1 in a game which looked to be heading for a draw after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s equaliser two minutes from time. Tomas Soucek had put the Hammers 1-0 up earlier in the first half.

And despite those heading back to north London this evening likely feeling a lot better after seeing Spurs win, several fans believe a decision in West Ham’s game could cost Tottenham their Premier League status.

With West Ham leading 1-0 in the 84th minute, Everton forward Thierno Barry attempted to shield the ball from Mateus Fernandes in the penalty area.

As the West Ham player put his arms around the Everton forward, the ball appeared to make contact with his hand, although no penalty was given.

The Premier League Match Centre posted the following statement after the incident: “The referee’s call of no penalty was checked and confirmed by VAR, with it deemed that Fernandes accidentally handled the ball while grappling with an opponent.”

After the match, Everton boss David Moyes addressed the incident.

He said: “I’m a bit surprised. I’ve been to see them [the officials] and VAR are saying it was grappling – well, the boy marking him was grappling. He punched the ball. It would have been harsh, but I’m amazed they haven’t given it.

“If any team was going to go and win it, it was probably us. We just didn’t do well enough at the end.”

Meanwhile, Spurs fans slammed the decision on social media.

Former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara wrote: “Everyone against Spurs again today, it’s a joke. Brobbey red card, red card today for a two-footed tackle, the ref gave us absolutely nothing, and the handball in the West Ham game is a shambles.”

Another added: “West Ham player literally punching the ball away in his own penalty area, but @FA_PGMOL says it’s all okay because it’s National Relegate Spurs Month.”

A third claimed: “Fernandes hits the ball out with his hand for a corner, but a West Ham goal kick is awarded.”

West Ham return to action at Brentford on May 2 before Spurs travel to Aston Villa the following day.

Former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed whether he believes his former club can avoid Premier League relegation.

Despite leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League in 2024/25, Postecoglou was sacked and replaced by Thomas Frank before the current campaign.

The Australian endured a torrid 39-day tenure at Nottingham Forest earlier this season before he was sacked and replaced by Sean Dyche, who also ended up jobless in February. He was then replaced by current boss Vítor Pereira.

Since being sacked by Forest, Postecoglou has appeared in the media and spoken openly about his time at Spurs.

On Saturday, the 60-year-old was part of TNT Sports’ panel alongside former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and Laura Woods, with the conversation quickly turning to Spurs’ relegation battle. Tottenham started the day in the relegation zone, two points behind 17th-placed West Ham.

During the segment, which was broadcast ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Championship side Southampton at Wembley, Woods asked Postecoglou whether he believes Spurs can retain their Premier League status despite the precarious position they find themselves in.

After explaining that Spurs needed to beat Wolves at Molineux on Saturday, Ange said: “Look, it's massive. Anyone who would have said that Tottenham would be in this position even two months ago, you'd think it would be crazy, because of the quality of the players they have in their squad, not just in their starting XI. They've had a lot of injuries, but it's one of those things — momentum in sport, in football in particular — and they've had it going against them for a while.

“There’s been so much uncertainty. Three managers in a year is never good. Four managers, with me included, in the last 11 months. You need stability, but all those things don't really matter, and I'm sure Roberto right now is only thinking about how he can get these players to reach a measure of their potential, which would be enough to win this game. That’s got to be his challenge.”

When directly asked if Spurs can stay up, he responded: “Look, I still believe they can. I know they're dressing them well. I know the players very well, but it's funny because it's a club that's not used to being in this position, and the other teams around them have been before — they’re fighting and they understand what it takes.

“To even get a point is something, so that's the only thing. There's a lot of uncertainty, but like I said, I think Roberto’s a fantastic manager, and I certainly hope they get themselves out of it.”

Spurs managed a 1–0 win against Wolves, while West Ham secured a late 2–1 win over Everton to retain their two-point buffer.

Spurs return to action when they face Aston Villa at Villa Park on May 3, while West Ham travel to Brentford on May 2.

Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham have taken drastic action as they try to guide Spurs away from Premier League relegation.

Since succeeding Igor Tudor as Spurs boss in late March, De Zerbi has yet to win a game, losing 1-0 to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light before drawing 2-2 at home against European hopefuls Brighton last time out.

Ahead of Spurs’ trip to already-relegated Wolves on April 25, they sit 18th in the league, two points off West Ham United in 17th and five behind 16th-placed Nottingham Forest.

Leeds United look all but safe on 39 points in 15th following back-to-back wins against Manchester United and Wolves.

And ahead of gameweek 34, Spurs are taking action by hiring a sports psychologist.

A job specification posted on LinkedIn reads: “Tottenham Hotspur Football Club is committed to building a world-class performance environment for our Men’s First Team. As part of this ambition, we are seeking an outstanding Performance Psychologist to join our Performance Team. This is a high-impact role embedded within the Men’s First Team environment at Hotspur Way.

“Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will lead the delivery of evidence-based psychological support to elite professional players. The role encompasses individual player support, systemic work across the coaching and performance staff, and the ongoing development of a psychologically informed performance culture throughout the team.

“This role demands a practitioner who is credible, discreet and highly effective in a Premier League environment, capable of building trust with players and coaches while operating with the professional rigour expected at the highest level of the game.”

The club is also hiring a dedicated sports psychologist for the women’s team.

De Zerbi confident of survival

Following the weekend’s trip to Molineux, Spurs face Aston Villa (a), Leeds (h), Chelsea (a), and Everton (h) on the final day of the season.

According to De Zerbi, his side can “win five games in a row”, which is a remarkable stance considering they haven’t won a single Premier League match in 2026.

“Every one of us knows it’s a tough moment, it’s a difficult situation,” De Zerbi said after Brighton’s late equaliser.

“Now it’s difficult to hear my words. But if you watch the players, if you analyse the level of the players, I think we can win five games in a row. Not to be arrogant, because I’m not arrogant now, especially now. But we have enough quality to fight and to win games in a row.”

Spurs have played in the English top flight every season since the 1978–79 campaign.

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing a highly rated player from their arch-rivals, Spurs, this summer.

Following yet another poor result for Tottenham against Brighton on Saturday (April 18), Roberto De Zerbi and the club’s supporters will no doubt be worried about the future, with Spurs set to finish the weekend in the relegation zone regardless of West Ham and Nottingham Forest’s results.

Despite leading twice – first through Pedro Porro and then thanks to a sublime strike from Xavi Simons against the Seagulls – the home side were pegged back by goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter, meaning their wait for a Premier League win in 2026 goes on.

With just five league fixtures to play, Spurs are in a truly precarious position, which may lead to huge financial losses should they be relegated.

A number of high-profile stars will likely move on from the club, including 2024/25 Player of the Season, Lucas Bergvall.

In January, the Sweden international was linked with a move to Aston Villa and Chelsea, although no such transfer materialised.

However, new reports from CaughtOffside suggest the 20-year-old midfielder is of interest to north London rivals Arsenal, while Chelsea also remain keen.

Spurs reportedly see the player as 'unsellable' despite interest from other clubs, although contrary reports claim the club would be willing to listen to offers in excess of £50 million.

A Spurs player has not transferred directly to Arsenal since Sol Campbell’s infamous move in 2001.

Barcelona also remain linked with the player, despite him rejecting their approaches in 2024.

Bergvall arrived at Spurs from Djurgården in 2023 and has since featured 75 times for the side, registering two goals and nine assists, while forming part of the 2024/25 Europa League-winning side.

It remains unclear whether the Swede wants to leave the club, although it is unlikely that a player of such promise would accept playing in the Championship should Spurs be relegated.

The 20-year-old is under contract at Spurs until 2031 after signing an extension in April 2025, earning a reported £75,000 a week, according to Capology.

Tottenham return to action against soon-to-be-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 25.

Fans have called for a rule change prohibiting small shinpads after a horrific injury suffered in the Eredivisie on Sunday.

Fortuna Sittard and NAC Breda played out a 1-1 draw in the Dutch top flight but the biggest talking point was a nasty gash suffered by former Spurs player Lewis Holtby.

The German, who also had spells in England with Fulham and Blackburn, is still playing at the age 35 but ended up with a nasty wound in his latest game.

In the first half, Holtby was caught by opposition defender Justin Hubner as he went past him and dropped to the turf. The referee did not immediate halt play, with no foul given or any card brandished.

But Holtby continued to writhe around in pain and waived his arm in the air to the point that the game did have to be stopped.

ESPN cameras zoomed in on Holtby and uncovered a large open gash right on his left shin. The midfielder was attended to by medics and was forced off following the injury, with Mohamed Nassoh replacing him.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT

After the damage from the collision, many fans believe that the injury served as an example for why tiny, kid-like shinpads need to be removed from the game in order for better protection for players.

One fan on X said: "Exactly the reason why shin pads are supposed to be bigger than a two-finger Kit Kat."

A second followed up, writing: "Tiny shin pads have become a real controversy in football. In some leagues, players are still allowed to wear extremely small protection as long as it meets the rules on paper. After Lewis Holtby’s horrible injury in the Eredivisie today, that conversation is only going to get louder."

A third person added: "Old school shin pads would have prevented this."

Holtby posts update after horror injury

Holtby took to Instagram after the game to reveal that his large cut required stitches. He wrote, "Some stitches, Eis... will be back in no time. Thanks for the messages."

He also shared a screenshot of the message he received from Hubner, who reached out with an apology.

The message from Hubner read: "My friend I hope ur leg is ok it was never my intention to hit you like that hopefully you be back soon".

Holtby called Hubner a "top man" and appreciated the "great sportsmanship".