For the first time, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has opened up on his altercation with Fede Valverde at the Valdebebas training ground. The Uruguayan midfielder was taken to hospital after a supposed fight with Tchouameni to have stitches in his head, and both were fined €500k by the club for their indiscipline.

Valverde spoke about the incident for the first time this week, on his arrival to the Uruguay camp ahead of the World Cup. The 27-year-old did not get into detail on the incident, having initially denied that he had been hit by Tchouameni, but instead called it a learning experience for him to ‘grow and mature’.

Tchouameni denies hitting Valverde

Tchouameni has now also spoken about the incident for the first time, explaining that he did not punch Valverde.

“Obviously, things happened, you could see and hear it in the media. It was blown out of proportion because it was in the news, and when you play for Real Madrid, that creates a huge reaction. A lot of nonsense was said in the press. I read that there was a fight and that I had punched him… Which wasn’t the case. I won’t go into more detail,” quoted Diario AS.

“The most important thing is that the club was aware of what happened. There are many things that happen in the dressing room that don’t make it into the press. Life goes on. Fede and I have a common goal: to win titles with Real Madrid. There are no problems. And if I face him in the World Cup, we’ll be eager to win with the French national team. On a personal level, there are no problems with Valverde right now.”

Real Madrid unconcerned by altercation

Despite handing out such heavy fines, Los Blancos seemed largely unconcerned by the fight itself, but rather the fact that it was leaked to the press. Then manager Alvaro Arbeloa said that ‘what really hurts’ was that somebody went public with the story. Meanwhile President Florentino Perez toed a similar line, noting that the person who leaked it would be losing their job, and that ‘players fight every year’, calling former ‘worse than the fight itself.’

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After Atletico Madrid publicly trolled Barcelona over their pursuit of star striker Julian Alvarez, the Catalan side have now responded. Los Colchoneros have claimed that they received no offer for Alvarez, a position the Blaugrana are disputing.

On Friday, it was reported by a wide variety of outlets that Barcelona had sent Atletico Madrid a €100m offer for Alvarez as an opening bid. Yet later that day, Atletico released a string of tweets making fun of that story, and denying that the Catalan side had made any offer for him, and pointing out that he is not for sale, and has a release clause of €500m.

Barcelona claim €100m Julian Alvarez offer was sent

Now MD are saying that Barcelona have confirmed to them that a €100m offer for Alvarez was sent on Friday. They say that club sources at Barcelona ‘worthy of maximum credibility’ have assured that this was the case. The offer was supposedly emailed to Atletico Madrid Sporting Director Mateu Alemany.

Racing de Santander’s 19-year-old defensive prodigy Jorge Salinas has emerged as a low-cost target for FC Barcelona. Capable of playing as both a left-back and a left-sided centre-back, the €10 million-rated starlet is under contract until 2029, but his agent, Jorge Mendes,… pic.twitter.com/JAZ3dOrGnj

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 31, 2026

They say that Barcelona have no desire to get into a public spat with Atletico, at risk of further response from Los Rojiblancos. Their tirade on social media did not go down well at Camp Nou, but the desire is to continue their pursuit of Alvarez in a cold and professional manner, and not distract from the matter at hand.

Can Barcelona sign Julian Alvarez?

Given Atletico Madrid’s public stance, it would be a major surprise if they were willing to negotiate with Barcelona over a deal. Logically, to put out the series of statements, there would have to be a degree of certainty that Alvarez will not be joining the Blaugrana. Barcelona appear to have identified Alvarez as their primary number nine target, but by the same token, will have a maximum they are willing to pay before they move on to other options.

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Real Madrid may not have had the most successful season, finishing without a major trophy for a second season in a row, but it did not stop Los Blancos from picking up several awards at the end of the Champions League season. Their journey ended at the quarter-final stage, following a 6-4 aggregate defeat.

On Saturday, Paris Saint-Germain were crowned as European champions for the second year in a row, just the second side to do so in the Champions League era after Real Madrid. With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (10), who was awarded tournament MVP, and Ousmane Dembele (8) some way of Kylian Mbappe’s total of 15, his position as top goalscorer in the competition was never under serious threat in the final. It is the second time he has won the award, after sharing it with Harry Kane in 2024.

UEFA’s Technical Observer Group has selected its 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season… #UCL pic.twitter.com/4Ay7qHP3uj

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 31, 2026

Arda Guler named Revelation of the Season

In Real Madrid’s exit, it was Arda Guler who was powering their hopes, first scoring from long-range after a Manuel Neuer miscue, and then netting a brilliant free-kick in Munich. Guler had also played a key role in Real Madrid’s Round of 16 win over Manchester City, and UEFA decided to select him as Revelation of the Season. It has replaced the Young Player of the Tournament, and is given to a player under-21, and seeks to reward players having a breakout season.

Fede Valverde wins Goal of the Tournament

Meanwhile it was midfield teammate Fede Valverde who won goal of the tournament for his brilliant third against Manchester City, completing a hat-trick against the Premier League side. A rare bright moment for Real Madrid, it was arguably the best performance of their season.

HAT-TRICK. Ft. @FedeeValverde pic.twitter.com/XsrcAhrDkP

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 12, 2026

Marcos Llorente named in Team of the Tournament

The only La Liga player to feature in the Team of the Tournament was Atletico Madrid right-back Marcos Llorente, for his tireless performances for Los Colchoneros. He of course played a key role in Ademola Lookman’s winning goal against Barcelona in the quarter-finals. The only other Spanish player to be included was Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

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Following the final matchday in Segunda, the play-offs for the final promotion spot have been decided, as has the final side to be relegated. Matchday 42 in Segunda also saw Racing Santander crowned as champions, following a resounding victory over Cadiz.

The Cantabrian side had already secured promotion with two games to go, while Deportivo La Coruna sealed their place in La Liga last time out. Two points separated them going into the final weekend, but Deportivo fell to a 2-1 defeat to Las Palmas, while Racing thumped Cadiz to secure the title.

Play-off places decided with final day drama

That victory for Las Palmas was crucial, securing them 5th spot and a place in the play-offs. Had they failed to win, it would have allowed Burgos in, who beat Andorra 1-0, but all four sides above them were victorious. Eibar, who finished 8th, were in with a slim chance at the start of the day, but Castellon’s victory was enough for the final play-off spot, putting them 6th on 72 points, level with Burgos. One point ahead were Malaga (4th) and Las Palmas (5th)

Los Boquerones closed out their league campaign with a 2-0 win over relegated Real Zaragoza in Aragon, and the results of the sides below them meant that Almeria had to win, and Segunda Pichichi Sergio Arribas (25 goals) got the vital strike in a 1-0 win over Real Valladolid, meaning they finished 3rd with 74 points.

It settles the play-offs as Castellon against Almeria, with the first leg on the 6th of June at 21:00 CEST, with the return at the same time on the 9th of June. Las Palmas will host the first leg of the other semi-final against Malaga on the 7th of June at 21:00 CEST, and the return will be on the 10th. The first leg of the final is on the 14th of June, and the return is on the 20th.

Mirandes become final side to be relegated

The final relegation spot was also to be decided, but Mirandes needed a win over Leganes at Butarque to remain in Segunda. Los Jabalies were looking good for a win until the 68th minute, when Alex Millan’s goal for Leganes all but ended their hopes, the only goal of the game.

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Barcelona appear to be focusing their efforts in the transfer market on improving their attack, but for much of the year, it has been suggested that their backline would be one of the priorities in the summer transfer window. For the second time this year, the Blaugrana are being linked with a move for one of Spain’s emerging starlets.

Initially, it seemed that Barcelona’s first move this summer would be to sign Alessandro Bastoni, albeit that move has collapsed due to uncertainty on the deal on Hansi Flick’s side. However throughout the second half of the season, the Catalans have been linked with defenders across the backline, with few spots certain for next season.

Barcelona linked with Jorge Salinas for a second time

Following their Copa del Rey clash, which Barcelona won 2-1, it was reported that the Blaugrana were impressed by Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas, albeit he did not feature in that tie. Now Arco FM and Diario Montanes, local Cantabrian outlets, have reported that Barcelona remain interested in the 19-year-old. MD quote their report, and note that he has a contract until 2029, but that his release clause is in the region of €10m. Salinas’ agent is Jorge Mendes, whose close relationship with Barcelona could help facilitate a deal.

A versatile and promising defender

Salinas can play both at left-back and in central defence, although he has spent much of this season at left-back for Racing. Making 33 appearances, Salinas provided seven assists as Racing won promotion back to La Liga. Salinas has been playing at centre-back for the Spain under-19 side, where he has earned five caps, and scored twice. He will be part of the under-19 Euros squad for La Roja this summer too. It seems likely that if it is not Barcelona, Racing will have to fend off interest from elsewhere too.

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Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal has admitted that he was worried that he would miss the World Cup when he went down with injury against Espanyol in April. The 18-year-old is set to be the face of Spain’s World Cup bid, but is recovering from a hamstring injury that is likely to keep him out of the first game against Cape Verde.

Manager Luis de la Fuente noted after announcing the squad that those who were not ready for the first game would be fit for the second against Saudi Arabia. While that will be the target for the teenage star, there has been some suggestion that he could miss that game too. Speaking to Marca from the Spain camp, Lamine Yamal explained his thinking after he suffered the injury.

“Yes, I remember the sequence in which I got injured. I was praying internally that it was nothing serious, just a cramp or something, because I was so close to the World Cup and I knew it was a hamstring injury, something I’d never had before, but it wasn’t a small thing. So I was afraid it was serious, and especially afraid that it wasn’t serious but that I could relapse and miss the World Cup.”

Break could help with fatigue during World Cup

Naturally, Lamine Yamal would far rather be fit and firing for the tournament, but the Barcelona winger did concede that it would allow his body a break before going to the United States, Canada and Mexico, rather than fatigued from the run-in.

“It’s also true that it helps to be playing in a World Cup, so your mind is as if you haven’t played a single game all season and I’m really looking forward to making my debut.”

“The pressure suits me” – Lamine Yamal

Being the biggest stage in football, every player will be keen to feature. Yet Lamine Yamal has never been shy in the spotlight, and noted that the pressure that comes with it is not an issue for him.

“It suits me better, maybe more or less, but it suits me better. In the end, when your standards are higher, you raise your level. If my standards were the same as another player’s, maybe I wouldn’t be playing at the level I am. So I like it this way, I see it as a challenge and I really enjoy it.”

Pau Cubarsí arrived at Spain’s World Cup training camp in Las Rozas wearing a protective splint on his right arm due to a mild finger capsulitis suffered against Alavés. It will not affect his preparation or availability for the tournament. Cubarsí will be able to train… pic.twitter.com/jR5yhL1C0x

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 31, 2026

“In my mind it’s like I’ve been playing football for 10 years, but in reality it’s only been 3, and 4 years ago I was playing with them at the sports centre. So a kid who was playing with you 3 years ago is now going to play in a World Cup. It has to be crazy, really crazy.”

Lamine Yamal is not the only injury concern for de la Fuente, with Nico Williams also currently recovering from injury, after a season hampered by fitness issues. Mikel Merino is also coming off the back of a long-term absence, although he is now fit to play at least.

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Amid plenty of talk of expensive transfers, Barcelona have handed an improved contract to one of their previous star signings. Over the past two summers, the Catalan side have spent significant money on just two players, Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia, and the former is in for a wage rise.

Olmo signed from Barcelona for €55m from RB Leipzig in 2024, after an unsuccessful attempt to bring in Nico Williams. The Spain international was initially registered using the emergency injury rule, but when that expired, the Catalan side required a court order to ensure he remained registered for the second half of the season.

FC Barcelona are considering triggering a bargain €7.2m buy-back clause to sign Jan Virgili from Mallorca. Because Mallorca dropped to Segunda, Virgili’s release clause plummeted from €30 million to €12 million, and Barça’s original transfer conditions reduce that fee even… pic.twitter.com/EnzX4JEDZI

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 31, 2026

Barcelona give an improved contract to Dani Olmo

As reported by MD, Barcelona have now improved the terms of Olmo’s contract. They say that Olmo turned down larger offers in order to accept a salary that could fit within Barcelona’s salary limit, and ease the impact of his transfer. Something he did, but both sides agreed that after two seasons, the Catalan side would execute a clause in his deal that would increase his wages to compensate for the sacrifices he made. The 28-year-old is under contract until 2030, hence he has plenty of time remaining on his deal.

Dani Olmo competing for starting spot

It has not been the smoothest arrival back at his boyhood club. Beset by minor injuries in his first season, Olmo has lacked consistency in his second, albeit his final two months of form were good. Combined with the excellent performances of Fermin Lopez, Olmo’s number 10 spot has come under threat. With Anthony Gordon arriving, and capable of playing on the left, Hansi Flick may be tempted to experiment with Raphinha there again too, something he has done on various occasions. Olmo will have a tough battle to retain his starting role next season, but Flick has always spoken highly of Olmo.

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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate will leave the club this summer as a free agent, in a surprise twist. It appeared the French international would be renewing his deal at Anfield, after months of negotiations, but a deal has not been done before the summer.

In April, it seemed as good as a done deal for Konate that he would be staying at Liverpool, as an agreement appeared to be close. Yet six weeks on, Liverpool have announced that Konate will now be leaving as a free agent at the end of his contract this summer, making him a prime market opportunity for Europe’s top clubs.

Konate back on Real Madrid radar

Back in November, Real Madrid had communicated to Liverpool that they were no longer pursuing a deal for Konate. Diario AS say that this was after months of conversations with Konate’s camp, but as Los Blancos were planning to make their negotiations serious, Konate suffered a significant dip in form that put them off. Yet now they are again considering a move for Konate.

Real Madrid have made a habit of recruiting players on free transfers over the past six years, and Konate would fit their transfer policy. They intend to bring in one or two central defenders this summer, but Bayern Munich and Chelsea are also considering offers for Konate, and there is some interest from Serie A too. They say that regardless, Jose Mourinho, who is expected to be announced as the new manager in two weeks’ time, will have the final say on Konate.

Al-Ittihad also interested in Konate

On top of the interest from Europe’s top clubs, FootMercato say that Saudi Arabian giants Al-Ittihad are willing to make him a lucrative offer this summer. They see him as a priority target, but naturally will have to outbid other competitors to persuade Konate to leave European football.

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Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez has been the main talking point in Spain since the end of the Liga season, with Barcelona highly interested, and Los Colchoneros desperate to fend off their interest. However if Alvarez does want to leave Los Rojiblancos, one of their alternative buyers has decided to drop out of the race for him.

After a week full of rumours about his future, Atletico responded to them by trolling the Catalan side on social media, but also denying reports of a €100m offer, pointing to the fact that Alvarez is under contract until 2030, and has a €500m release clause. Nevertheless, there have been widespread reports that Alvarez has made it clear to Atletico that he would like to leave, and that Barcelona are his preferred destination.

PSG drop out of race for Julian Alvarez

The two other clubs that have been linked with Alvarez frequently in recent months have been Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Yet L’Equipe (via Diario AS) note that PSG have decided to take a step back from the race to sign him after initial talks. There was a suggestion that PSG had already made an offer to Atletico that was met with no reply, albeit that was before Alvarez made it clear he would be keen to leave.

The reason for PSG’s decision is because they were not convinced that Alvarez was keen to sign for them after their initial talks, and did not want to pursue him if he was not excited about playing for them.

Could Arsenal move for Alvarez?

The unknown factor is whether the Gunners could get involved in the race. After winning the Premier League but coming up just short in the Champions League, the desire will be to get over the line, and they may feel they are just a player away. Last summer’s number nine signing Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to meet expectations in his first season there too.

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Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has confirmed that he will call a referendum on the ownership model at the club if he is victorious in the club elections next Sunday. Los Blancos are currently owned by the club’s members, but Perez is proposing a change of model to convert them into shareholders.

After hinting at a change of model ‘to protect Real Madrid’s interests’ in 2024, last year Perez explained that the plan was to convert the current members into shareholders, and sell a percentage of the club’s shares amounting to around 5%. Beyond ‘protecting the club’, and ensuring that Real Madrid remain property of their members, Perez has not given motives for the change, which would likely bring in hundreds of millions in sale, but also add private interest into  the club set on making profit.

Florentino Perez confirms referendum

During an interview with El Pais, Perez confirmed that if he was given a mandate by the club’s members in the elections, with Enrique Riquelme his only competitor, then he would be immediately calling a referendum on the club’s current ownership model. Given the magnitude of the change – Real Madrid has belonged to its members since its inception – it would have to be approved by a majority.

Asked if further shares could be sold, Perez had the following response.

“Whatever the members want, and always by referendum. But this 5% won’t be making decisions. You could say that it would be more about image, associating with a brand like Real Madrid. But it will be the 95% and the members that will continue to be in charge. I won’t die until I ensure the club’s patrimony belongs to the members.”

“Someone who comes in, who has no money, who secures a line of credit to buy Madrid, that won’t happen. The other candidacy (Riquelme) is a syndicate of interests, the ones that went to the General Assemblies and voted without being members. Immediately after the elections, I want to call an assembly of delegate members and do the referendum.”

Perez’s suggestion for passing on shares

Perez’s proposal is that members would not be able to share their sales, but instead would be able to be able to elect a member to which they would pass the shares onto. This would in theory be a family member, but if this was not possible, they would be able to select the child of another family member. This was done to avoid Real Madrid coming under foreign influence.

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