Eight Culés Called Up, Lewandowski Exit Confirmed & Cancelo's Love Letter — May 26, 2026

Spain Raids Barcelona for World Cup Squad

Luis de la Fuente has called up eight Barcelona players for this summer's World Cup, creating a preseason headache for Hansi Flick. The German coach will start work with just eleven first-team players available, a skeleton crew that will test his planning.

Joan Garcia earned his spot after a stellar debut season. The goalkeeper arrived last summer and quickly established himself as worth every euro spent. Eric Garcia also made the cut, posting a heartfelt message about working "without making noise" to improve on and off the pitch. Marc Bernal will join the training camp too, capping off a breakthrough year for the young midfielder.

Ansu Fati didn't make it. His father Bori wasn't happy, insisting his son "is now at a superior level to any Spanish forward." The frustration is understandable given Ansu's resurgence this season, but De la Fuente went another direction up front.

Marquee commentator Raúl Varela had fun with the squad announcement, joking "Barça 8 - Real Madrid 0 y ¡Visca Catalunya!" He's not wrong about the numbers, though it's more about merit than geography.

Lewandowski Era Ends, Hunt for the '9' Heats Up

Robert Lewandowski is definitely leaving as a free agent when his contract expires. Chicago Fire made it official, with manager Gregg Berhalter confirming talks: "He is someone we want to sign." MLS beckons for the Polish striker after what's been a productive final campaign.

Deco and Flick are working together on the replacement. Julián Álvarez tops the list, and Barcelona "haven't said their last word" on signing the Argentine, according to reports. João Pedro is also high on the shortlist and apparently prioritizes a Barça move, which could "neutralize the Xabi Alonso effect" — whatever pull the Bayer Leverkusen manager might have.

The club is finally in a position to make major signings again. This is where the summer investment goes. No more half-measures.

Cancelo's Emotional Goodbye (Or Is It?)

João Cancelo posted what felt like a love letter to Barcelona as his loan from Al Hilal wraps up. "There are paths that don't need thinking about twice," he wrote in Spanish. "Barcelona isn't just a club."

Both Deco and Flick want him back. Cancelo arrived in January without much fanfare and became the undisputed starter at inverted left-back. His enigmatic social media message about his future suggests he wants to stay, but these things are never simple.

Real Madrid Chaos: Mourinho In, Presidential Election On

Across town, Real Madrid is preparing for their first presidential election in two decades. Florentino Pérez faces challenger Enrique Riquelme, who claims he already has "two international stars signed" if elected. Bold talk from someone who needs to win first.

Mourinho is reportedly set to return once Pérez — the overwhelming favorite — secures another term. The Portuguese has already sent Madrid a document requesting four to six transfers this summer. Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, had his Manchester City farewell party attended by Michael Jordan himself. Different exits for different managers.

Quick Hits

Barcelona's goalkeeper situation is getting complicated. Joan Garcia's success means tough decisions ahead with too many keepers on the books. Osasuna sacked manager Alessio Lisci after just one season. And Girona's relegation from La Liga completes a dramatic fall for last season's surprise package.