TOP 5 Barca: Christian Eriksen boost, Alaba pursuit, Abel Ruiz, Justin Kluivert, Sevilla Preview

Match Preview: Sevilla FC v FC Barcelona | FCBarcelona.com

A win in Seville is important for Barça as they seek to keep a minimum of 11 points between themselves and Atlético Madrid, whilst their hosts will stay firmly in the Europa League spots with the three points.

Both Sergio Busquets and Lucas Digne are out through injury but Ernesto Valverde does have Nelson Semedo and Denis Suárez available again after the pair were given medical clearance. Aleix Vidal and Yerry Mina have been left out because of the coach’s decision. The full squad of 18 players is therefore as follows: Ter Stegen, N. Semedo, Piqué, I. Rakitic, Denis Suárez, A. Iniesta, Suárez, Messi, O. Dembélé, Cillessen, Coutinho, Paulinho, Paco Alcácer, Jordi Alba, S. Roberto, André Gomes, Umtiti and Vermaelen.

Why has Umtiti not renewed his Barcelona contract yet? | The Barcelona Podcast

Samuel Umtiti has not yet renewed his FC Barcelona contract. Given the fact that the French international could walk away if any team agreed to pay the mere €60 million stipulated in his buyout clause, Barca fans are right to be worried.

Francesc and Dan welcome FCB Femeni star Natasa Andonova to talk life as an FC Barcelona player, Champions League experiences, La Liga challenges and more! Your hosts are then joined by Kevin Williams of Barcelona Football Blog to answer listener questions including Umtiti’s renewal, Messi’s struggle with injuries and future plans for Yerry Mina.

Barcelona’s season will be defined by seven games in the next 22 days | ESPN

Barcelona are preparing for a run of seven games in 22 days that starts and ends with matches against Sevilla. If everything goes to plan, they could come out of what coach Ernesto Valverde has dubbed “the most decisive phase of the season” having won two of the three trophies they hope to win and be well on track to winning a third treble in a decade.

Valverde and co are unbeaten through 29 league games this season and talk has already turned to the idea of them becoming Spain’s first-ever “invincibles.”

Christian Eriksen transfer plans boosted as Tottenham target replacement | Express

Barcelona have made Tottenham star Eriksen their number one target to replace Iniesta. Tottenham would likely be unwilling to sell but have been proven they can be tempted to cash in on their stars should they get the right offer and with a new stadium to pay for a big-money bid could tempt them. And the report goes on to suggest Spurs have already found their ideal replacement for Eriksen in Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Lionel Messi Backs David Alaba Pursuit in Fresh Rumours | Bleacher Report

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly advised the club to pursue Bayern Munich’s David Alaba in the summer despite the current solidity of the Blaugrana defence. Messi is eager for Barca to add defender Alaba to the squad in addition to the likely purchase of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.

Alaba’s versatility makes him an attractive-looking option for Barca, but if they pursue Messi’s plan to move for the Bayern youth product, they will likely have to make a huge offer to tempt the German giants into selling.

Abel Ruiz will renew his Barcelona deal | Sport

That will end a lot of speculation over Abel Ruiz’s future, with the striker having received various offers to renew his deal. Barcelona tie down one of the most promising players at the club.

Abel is doing well in Gerard Lopez’s team despite having the salary of a youth player. Abel has always said he wants to continue at Barca, although various offers which were interesting on both a sporting and economic level were tempting.

I want to play for Barcelona but Ronaldo is my idol, reveals Patrick Kluivert’s son Justin | Goal
Justin Kluivert already has a stellar career path mapped out for himself, which is perhaps unsurprising, given he is the son of former Netherlands international Patrick.

I want to play for Barcelona but Ronaldo is my idol, reveals Patrick Kluivert’s son Justin | Goal
“I look up to Cristiano Ronaldo,” the striker tells Goal . “Not just because of his qualities, which are obvious, but also the way he lives and eats and how hard he trains. He is really an example for me. But Barcelona is my dream club. Within seven years, I would like to be at Barcelona. But before that I would like to play in England as well. I really like that competition [the Premier League] and I would like to play there.”