Barcelona hope to have new signing Dani Olmo available against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday after facing issues with registering the midfielder, coach Hansi Flick said on Friday.

Barcelona host Bilbao in their second match of the season in LaLiga, having beaten Valencia 2-1 on matchday one.

Olmo, who arrived in a €60million deal from RB Leipzig after helping Spain win Euro 2024, did not feature in that match and is yet to be registered with LaLiga.

Barcelona have faced well-documented financial issues in recent years and sanctioned Ilkay Gundogan's return to Manchester City on Friday, hoping that move will allow them to comply with the league's strict salary cap rules.

Flick hopes to receive positive news regarding Olmo's availability ahead of Saturday's match, saying: "It is not my job, we have worked well this week.

"Olmo is ready to play and I hope he will be in the team, that will be very positive for us. In training he is amazing and it is important to have him as soon as possible."

At Euro 2024, Olmo became the first Spanish player to score in three successive European Championship games, despite only starting three of La Roja's seven matches. 

His five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) were also the most by a Spaniard at a major tournament since David Silva at Euro 2012 (two goals, three assists). 

Olmo scored 29 goals and added 34 assists across 148 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig, for whom he created 32 chances in 21 Bundesliga outings in 2023-24.

Flick's side will be missing Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong due to injuries on Saturday but will welcome back Fermin Lopez, who rejoins the squad after winning the Euros and Olympic gold with Spain.

"From what I see, he [Lopez] will be ready to play. It was important for him to rest after two tournaments," Flick said.

Flick was also asked about the threat posed by Bilbao forward Nico Williams, who was linked with a move to Barca after starring alongside Lamine Yamal at the Euros.

"It's not my job to talk about a player from the opposing team," he said. 

"Bilbao are physically very strong and they have a great coach. It will be a tough game."

Ilkay Gundogan said helping Barcelona financially made his departure from the club easier to swallow after he sealed a return to Manchester City on Friday.

Gundogan joined Barca last year after enjoying seven trophy-laden campaigns with City, winning 14 pieces of silverware during his time at the Etihad Stadium, including captaining the side to a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble in 2022-23.

The midfielder made 51 appearances in his single season with the Catalan giants – more than any of his team-mates, scoring five goals and adding 14 assists in all competitions.

He also created more than twice as many chances (132) as any other Barcelona player, with Raphinha a distant second by that metric with 53.

Ninety-seven of those chances were created in LaLiga, the most by any Barca midfielder in a single season since Xavi laid on 109 under Pep Guardiola in 2009-10.

However, Barcelona needed to move Gundogan on after sealing a €60million swoop for Spain's Euro 2024 star Dani Olmo, with his salary reportedly preventing them from registering their new arrival.

In a farewell post on X, Gundogan confirmed his departure had partly been necessitated by financial reasons.

"Dear Culers, after just one year it's already time to say goodbye. I came here to face a new, exciting challenge, and I was ready for it," he wrote. 

"I have given everything to fight for the team and the club in the best possible way in a difficult season and I was looking forward to helping my team-mates in the new campaign. 

"Now I am leaving in a difficult situation, but if my departure can help the club financially, it makes me a bit less sad. 

"Nevertheless, it's been a time with incredible experiences and ups and downs – I always wanted to play at Barca, and I am very grateful for a memory and experience that I will remember for my life. 

"I wish you the best for the season and for the future. The fans deserve to get this big club back to the world’s best. Visca el Barca!"

Ilkay Gundogan has completed a return to Manchester City from Barcelona, the Premier League champions confirmed on Friday. 

Gundogan, who made 304 appearances across seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium from 2016 to 2023, has signed a one-year deal with Pep Guardiola's side. 

The 33-year-old won 14 honours during his initial stint at City, including their maiden success in the Champions League last year, when he became the first German to captain a non-German side in a major European final. 

His most prolific season in England came in the 2020-21 campaign, netting 17 goals and adding four assists in 46 appearances in all competitions. 

Gundogan becomes City's second signing of the transfer window following the arrival of Savinho from Troyes, and will serve as an experienced addition to Guardiola's side as they chase a record-extending fifth straight Premier League title.

Last season, Gundogan contributed 19 goal involvements (five goals and 14 assists) in all competitions for Barcelona, creating the most chances (97) in LaLiga.

He also completed 2,116 of his 2,337 passes in the Spanish top flight, figures only bettered by Joules Kounde (2,286 from 2,517) in the Barca squad.

Gundogan told City's website: "My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch.

"I grew as a person and a player, developed a special relationship with the City fans and enjoyed amazing success.

"It was an exceptional period in my life. To have the opportunity to return here means so much.

"Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player.

"You feel constantly challenged, which for any professional is exactly what you want. I cannot wait to work with him again." 

Ilkay Gundogan has announced his retirement from international football after captaining Germany on home soil at Euro 2024.

Gundogan captained Germany in all five of their matches as they reached the quarter-finals of their home tournament, ultimately suffering a 2-1 extra-time defeat against Spain.

The midfielder was initially handed the captain's armband by Hansi Flick in the absence of the injured Manuel Neuer last year, retaining it under new head coach Julian Nagelsmann despite Neuer's return to fitness.

Gundogan played a total of 82 games for his country, scoring 19 goals including two at major tournaments – versus Japan at the 2022 World Cup and Hungary at this year's Euros.

Amid rampant speculation over his future at club level, the Barcelona man – who has been linked with a return to former club Manchester City – confirmed his international career was over on Monday.

In a statement posted to X, Gundogan wrote: "After a few weeks of reflection, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to end my national team career. 

"I look back with great pride on 82 caps for my home country – a number I could never have dreamed of when I made my senior debut in 2011. 

"My highlight was clearly the huge honour of being able to lead the team as captain at our home European Championships this summer! 

"After all these years, we have finally succeeded in making the nation proud again – the fact that I was able to play a part in this makes me very happy. 

"But even before the tournament, I felt a certain tiredness in my body, and also in my head, which made me think, and the games at club level are not getting less. 

"I will definitely remain a fan of this national team and very much hope that the upward trend can be continued together, and there is nothing to stop us from being one of the closest title contenders at the 2026 World Cup."

Gundogan recorded one assist at Euro 2024, as well as averaging 32.8 successful passes per 90 minutes, 25.9 of which were in the opposition half. 

His international retirement comes amid reports suggesting he will be leaving Barcelona after just one season with the Catalan giants, who he joined on a free transfer in June 2023.

Gundogan is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Turkiye and Saudi Arabia as well as City, where he won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and the Champions League between 2016 and 2023.

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder's last domestic appearance for City saw him score twice in last year's FA Cup final victory over Manchester United, with his first goal being the fastest scored in FA Cup final history, coming just 12 seconds after kick-off. 

Hansi Flick expects Ilkay Gundogan to remain with Barcelona this season, despite speculation linking the midfielder with a move away from Camp Nou.

The Germany midfielder, who arrived from Manchester City in 2023, has less than 12 months remaining on his contract with the Blaugrana.

Spanish media reports suggested Gundogan may depart the club following the arrival of Dani Olmo, with Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce rumoured to be interested in acquiring his services.

The 33-year-old missed Barca's 2-1 victory over Valencia on Saturday, having suffered a head injury in their Joan Gamper Trophy defeat to Monaco earlier in the week.

Nevertheless, Flick is hopeful his compatriot's future will be at Barca.

"[He] hurt his eyebrow on Monday and that's why he stayed at home," Flick told reporters following the Valencia win.

"I appreciate what kind of player he is and what he is like as a person. I've talked to him a lot, but it's something between me and him.

"We have a good relationship. I know him well. I have the feeling that he will stay."

Robert Lewandowski saluted the character demonstrated by Barcelona's young side, after they came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 in their opening match of the LaLiga season.

A depleted Barca trailed at the Mestalla to Hugo Duro's 44th-minute header, but Lewandowski struck either side of half-time to complete the turnaround in Hansi Flick's first competitive match in charge.

With the Blaugrana missing several key players including Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Ilkay Gundogan, Flick handed a senior debut to 20-year-old Marc Casado, who joined 17-year-olds Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Marc Bernal in the starting line-up.

Nevertheless, the visitors recovered from their slow start, and Lewandowski was thrilled by the youngsters' exploits. 

"It was very important to start with a win in such a difficult stadium and with the problems we faced," he told Movistar Plus.

"We didn't play well for the first 20 to 25 minutes. In the first half, we had problems getting close to their box, but then we started playing much better, and we did it with three or four very young players.

"If you can win like this with such young players, it is something special and they have shown big potential. No signs of the lack of experience, they played very well with possession and without the ball.

"We could have won by a larger margin, but it's great to start the season with a win." 

Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Hansi Flick's depleted Barcelona side came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 in their opening game of the season in LaLiga.

Barca were without several key players including Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Ilkay Gundogan for their first competitive game under Flick, and they were put under intense pressure in the first half at the Mestalla.

Valencia produced an energetic display and hit the front after 44 minutes as Hugo Duro headed Diego Lopez's delivery past Marc-Andre ter Stegen from close range.

Duro almost doubled Los Che's lead when he saw an effort cleared off the line in first-half stoppage time, and Barca immediately went up the other end to level.

Lewandowski tapped home a cross from Euro 2024 breakout star Lamine Yamal five minutes into first-half stoppage time, then doubled up shortly after the break.

Raphinha was felled inside the area by Cristhian Mosquera, allowing Lewandowski to blast an unstoppable penalty into the top corner for what proved to be the winner.

Data Debrief: Flick off to flying start

Flick looked likely to endure a difficult start to his Barca reign when Valencia penned his team back in the first half, but Lewandowski netted twice in four minutes either side of half-time to flip the encounter on its head.

Flick is the third German to coach Barca in LaLiga after Hennes Weisweiler and Udo Lattek, and all three won their first match at the helm.

Hansi Flick fully trusts Barcelona and has no complaints over his squad ahead of their opening LaLiga clash at Valencia.

Barca, who finished second behind fierce rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga last season, have so far signed attacking midfielder Dani Olmo and fellow Spaniard Pau Victor in the transfer window.

Flick replaced Xavi at the Catalan side after they sacked the former midfielder in May, just four weeks after he confirmed he would honour the last year of his contract.

And the 59-year-old, who led Bayern Munich to two Bundesliga titles and one Champions League victory, a Club World Cup and Super Cup crown, among other honours, said he was happy with his team.

"I am satisfied with the squad I have, the rest is a question mark," Flick told reporters on Friday.

"When I signed my contract, I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I trust the club blindly. And I am happy with the team, with what it offers. We have injured players who will gradually come back. We are still a strong team."

Flick confirmed that Olmo, who helped Spain win Euro 2024, will not be available to face Valencia. 

"Olmo is not in good physical condition, he started late, and we will look after him. He won't be here. We want everyone to be well and play injury-free," he said.

The head coach did, however, confirm Lamine Yamal, whose father Mounir Nasraoui is in a 'serious but stable' condition after being stabbed on Wednesday in a car park in the northeastern Spanish town of Mataro, according to Spanish national TV broadcaster TVE, would play.

Valencia finished ninth in LaLiga last season, and the German is not expecting an easy outing for his first competitive game in charge of Barcelona.

"I am very much looking forward to this first game. Valencia is a special place," he said.

"It will be a tough game. Our opponents have shown that they play good, attacking football. You have to watch your lines... It will be difficult." 

Julian Araujo has completed a permanent transfer to Bournemouth from Barcelona, the Cherries confirmed on Tuesday.

Araujo, who spent last season on loan with La Liga side Las Palmas, arrives at the Vitality Stadium on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee. 

The 23-year-old failed to make a senior appearance for Barcelona after joining from La Galaxy last year, despite having made 98 MLS appearances. 

Araujo has also been capped 13 times by Mexico since his debut in 2021, but missed their group stage exit at this year's Copa America with a hamstring problem.  

He missed 13 games during the league season through injury or suspension, with his impact on the Las Palmas squad felt in his absence. 

The Spanish side managed to win just three games when Araujo was not in the side, while also scoring more goals (18) when he was in the right-back position. 

Araujo will also offer Andoni Iraola another attacking full-back option alongside Max Aarons, with his 11 successful crosses only bettered by Sergi Cardona (16) and Sandro Ramirez (24) in the Las Palmas side last season. 

Chief Executive Neill Blake said of the transfer: “Julian is someone who we have tracked for a while now and we’re delighted to bring him to AFC Bournemouth.

“He’s a young player with high potential and we’re pleased to have beaten lots of competition for his signature.

“We believe that we have all the tools here for Julián to build on the quality he already has and we really look forward to welcoming him to Vitality Stadium.”

He becomes the Cherries' fifth senior summer signing and follows Dean Huijsen, Luis Sinisterra, Enes Unal and Alex Paulsen to the south coast.

Barcelona saw their 11-year run of victories in the Joan Gamper Trophy come crashing to a halt on Monday as Monaco trounced Hansi Flick's side 3-0 at Montjuic.

Flick was without several big names from the start as the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys played host to Barca's traditional curtain-raiser, though Robert Lewandowski started and the likes of Lamine Yamal, Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran Torres featured as substitutes.

Any hopes of a positive start to his reign were dashed by an impressive Monaco side after a goalless first half, Lamine Camara pouncing on a loose pass from Inigo Martinez to slot home a 50th-minute opener.

Breel Embolo added a second just seven minutes later, the Switzerland international timing his run to perfection before lifting a clipped finish past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Adi Hutter's visitors then added further gloss at the death, following a spate of Blaugrana changes. Substitute Christian Mawissa latched onto a loose ball on the right side of the area, then curled a delicate finish into the bottom-left corner to cap a poor night for Barca.

Data Debrief: Barca's long reign ends

Not since a 2012 defeat to Sampdoria had Barcelona been beaten in the Joan Gamper Trophy, with an 8-0 rout of Santos and victories over Juventus, Arsenal and Tottenham among their standout results through an 11-year winning streak.

Barca may have been without several big names, but Flick now has food for thought ahead of his first game in charge in LaLiga, at Valencia on Saturday. 

This is the first time they have lost by three or more goals without scoring in the Joan Gamper Trophy since 1981, when they were beaten 4-0 by Koln.

Dani Olmo has become Barcelona's second signing of the transfer window after his reported £47million switch from RB Leipzig was confirmed on Friday. 

Olmo, who starred at Euro 2024 in Spain's record fourth success in the competition, has signed a six-year deal with a release clause of €500m (£428.5million). 

The Spaniard brings an end to his time with RB Leipzig, leaving the club having scored 29 goals and adding 34 assists across 148 appearances in all competitions. 

Olmo created 32 chances in his 21 Bundesliga outings last year, a total bettered only by Lois Openda (35), Benjamin Henrichs (40), David Raum (68) and Xavi Simons (79) in the Leipzig squad. 

During the European Championships, Olmo became the first Spanish player to score in three successive games, despite only starting three of La Roja's seven games. 

His five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) was also the most by a Spaniard at a major tournament since David Silva at Euro 2012 (two goals, three assists). 

Olmo is Hansi Flick's second signing since becoming Barca's new head coach following the arrival of Pau Victor from Girona for a reported €3m fee. 

The 27-time La Liga champions start their league campaign on August 17 away to Valencia. 

RB Leipzig's Spain international Dani Olmo is leaving after more than four years at the Bundesliga club, the midfielder said on Friday.

The 26-year-old signed for Leipzig in 2020, extending his contract until 2027 last year. He played 148 times for the team in all competitions, scoring 29 goals and winning the DFB-Pokal twice.

"A young club, a young player... We grew up, won our first trophies and made history together," Olmo said in a post on social media.

"Two Cups and the Super Cup are just some of the many unforgettable moments that'll always stay with me. Thank you, RB Leipzig, you'll forever be in my heart."

The versatile Olmo was a vital part of his country's Euro 2024 triumph and one of six Spain players in UEFA's team of the tournament.

Olmo is expected to sign for Barcelona, returning to the club where he spent seven years in the youth academy before joining Dinamo Zagreb aged 16.

Milan beat Barcelona 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 friendly draw in which Robert Lewandowski scored twice for the Blaugrana.

The Rossoneri stormed into a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes at M&T Bank Stadium on Tuesday. 

Having teed up Luka Jovic's opener with a neat ball across the six-yard box, United States star Christian Pulisic further delighted the American crowd with a dazzling run and finish to double Milan's lead.

Cutting in from the left, Pulisic skipped beyond his marker before lashing a fine effort high into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Yet Barca were back in the contest in the 22nd minute when Lewandowski coolly picked out the bottom-right corner from the edge of the area.

A slick move from Hansi Flick's team saw them draw level midway through the second half - Pau Victor laying it up for Lewandowski to tap home.

But with Lewandowski off the pitch, Barca could not get over the line in the shootout, with Mikayil Faye seeing the decisive penalty saved.

Data Debrief: Blaugrana can take the positives

Despite the shootout loss and the sluggish start, it was an excellent performance for much of the match from Barca, who had 17 shots to Milan's four and created 1.72 expected goals.

That being said, Milan's xG (1.02) shows that the Rossoneri did get into good positions despite their low shot count, and Barca will have to tighten up defensively ahead of their LaLiga campaign.

Oriol Romeu has rejoined Girona on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

The midfielder left Girona last year to join Barca but has now made the move back to the Blanquivermells for the 2024-25 campaign.

Romeu made 28 LaLiga appearances for La Blaugrana last season, playing just 930 minutes, and only making 11 starts.

Barcelona announced last week that he had left their pre-season tour in the United States to "resolve his future".

He was keen to join Girona during the January transfer window, but the move was blocked by Barcelona's sporting director, Deco.

In his last spell at the Catalan club in 2022-23, the Spaniard made 33 LaLiga appearances and scored twice in the competition.

He is the seventh player to move to the club this transfer window, and Michel will be looking to his experience as they embark on their first-ever Champions League campaign. 

Pau Victor scored twice as Barcelona maintained their unbeaten record in pre-season, beating rivals Real Madrid 2-1 to give Hansi Flick his maiden El Clasico triumph. 

Victor scored twice either side of half-time with two instinctive finishes inside the area, with Nico Paz scoring late on for Madrid to set up a nervy final 10 minutes. 

But Barca, who beat Manchester City on penalties earlier this week, were able to hold on in front of a sell-out crowd in New York. 

The game was suspended for an hour after a wild storm around MetLife Stadium and when play continued, Barcelona showed Real why they won't have it all their own way in La Liga again this season.

Despite Madrid dominating possession, their opponents created the better chances and took the lead three minutes before the break when Robert Lewandowski's header found Victor to finish from close range. 

The 22-year-old would grab his second of the game in the 54th minute, sliding in to bundle Alex Valle's teasing delivery beyond the grasp of Thibaut Courtois. 

Carlo Ancelotti's side would get themselves on the scoresheet eight minutes from time when Arda Guler's corner kick found an unmarked Paz to head the ball home. 

Madrid pushed to find an equaliser with Vinicius Junior going close, but Barcelona were able to hold on to take the first El Clasico of the season. 

Data Debrief: Victor to replace Lewandowski up front?

Having scored eight goals less than Madrid in La Liga last season, Barcelona are keen for more firepower, and they may have found the answer in Victor. 

The Spaniard impressed again for Flick's side, registering the most shots (six), most shots on target (four), and touches in the opposition box (five) than anyone on the pitch.

Barcelona ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.52, with Victor contributing 1.57 to that total during his impressive showing.