FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has confirmed that the club does not anticipate making any additional signings during the current summer transfer window. Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta stated that the squad is in good shape and that head coach Hansi Flick is content with the current options available. The president emphasized that Barcelona’s focus will now shift toward internal development rather than further additions from the market.

“In principle, there will be no more new signings this summer,” Laporta said. “We have a good squad, and the coach wants to strengthen the first team with players from the reserves.” His comments come amid speculation linking Barcelona to several targets, including a potential move for a new midfielder and a right back. However, financial constraints and La Liga’s salary cap regulations continue to restrict the club’s transfer flexibility.

Laporta’s remarks also highlight the club’s renewed commitment to its youth system. With a number of promising talents emerging from La Masia, including Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Guiu, Barcelona aims to promote and develop young players rather than spend heavily in the transfer market. This strategy aligns with the club’s long-standing philosophy and the current leadership’s desire to operate within sustainable financial limits.

While fans may be hoping for late surprises before the window closes, Laporta’s comments suggest that Barcelona’s business for the summer is effectively complete. Unless an unexpected opportunity arises or player sales free up significant resources, the Catalan giants will head into the new season relying on squad continuity and internal growth. The challenge for Flick will be to blend experience with emerging talent as Barcelona look to reclaim domestic and European success.

Chelsea are actively working behind the scenes to secure two of the most exciting young talents in European football: Jorrel Hato of Ajax and Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig. The club is holding parallel negotiations with both players’ representatives and their respective clubs as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season. Sources close to the negotiations confirm that Chelsea have made significant progress in both pursuits, with personal terms nearly finalized.

For Jorrel Hato, the deal appears to be further along. The 18-year-old Dutch defender has already agreed to personal terms with Chelsea, signaling his strong desire to make the move to Stamford Bridge. Talks between Chelsea and Ajax are ongoing regarding the transfer fee, with the Dutch club expected to demand a significant sum for one of their brightest academy graduates. Hato is known for his composure on the ball and maturity beyond his years, and he is seen as a long-term solution in central defense.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s pursuit of Xavi Simons is described as being at an advanced stage. The versatile midfielder, who impressed during his loan spell at Leipzig last season, is open to joining Chelsea, and discussions over a potential permanent move are continuing. Although Simons is officially contracted to Paris Saint-Germain, Leipzig retain a degree of involvement due to a prior agreement, which complicates the negotiation process. Still, Chelsea remain confident they can reach a suitable arrangement.

These moves signal a clear shift in Chelsea’s recruitment strategy, prioritizing elite young talent with high ceilings and resale value. With Hato and Simons both eager to join, the club’s next hurdle will be agreeing on fees with Ajax and Leipzig. If successful, these signings could reinforce Chelsea’s long-term project under manager Enzo Maresca and provide additional energy and creativity across the backline and midfield. Fans will be watching closely as talks continue in the coming days.

On a night filled with tension and high drama in Rabat, hosts Morocco sealed their place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after edging Ghana 4-2 on penalties. The semi-final clash had ended 1-1 after extra time, but the Atlas Lionesses showed grit and composure in the shootout, much to the delight of their home crowd. Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi stepped up when it mattered most, making a vital save to send Morocco through to their second consecutive WAFCON final.

Ghana started the game with intent and energy, taking the lead in the 26th minute through Stella Nyamekye, who pounced on a loose ball inside the box after a corner. The Black Queens looked sharper in the opening half, with dangerous runs and clever link-up play from the likes of Doris Boaduwaa and Princess Marfo keeping Morocco on the back foot. But the home side came out of the break with renewed determination, and their persistence paid off when Sakina Ouzraoui Diki bundled home the equaliser in the 55th minute.

What followed was a gripping back-and-forth contest, with both sides throwing everything forward in search of a winner. Ghana’s Evelyn Badu narrowly missed a golden chance in extra time, while Morocco pushed hard with efforts from Ibtissam Jraïdi and Kenza Chapelle. As the minutes wore on, tired legs and injuries added to the drama, but neither team could find a breakthrough, forcing a shootout to decide the finalist.

When the moment came, Morocco showed nerves of steel. Hanane Aït El Haj, Jraïdi, Chapelle, and Anissa Lahmari all scored from the spot, while Ghana faltered under pressure, missing twice. As the final whistle confirmed Morocco’s place in the final against Nigeria, the stadium erupted in celebration. For Ghana, there was heartbreak, but also one more opportunity to leave the tournament with a medal when they face South Africa in the third-place playoff on Friday.