Latest news with #JagobaArrasate
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mallorca vs Barcelona – Match preview and team news
Mallorca and Barcelona go head-to-head in La Liga on Saturday, with both sides looking to start their 2025/26 campaign on a positive note in this season opener. The Catalans begin their title defence at Son Moix, hoping to continue their pre-season form. Mallorca vs Barcelona – Match preview and team news Date: Saturday 16th August 2025 Kick-off: 6:30pm BST Venue: Mallorca Son Moix Stadium Last meeting: Barcelona 1-0 Mallorca, 22nd April 2025, La Liga Team News Mallorca Mallorca face a challenging start to the season with several key players in doubt for the Barcelona clash. Jagoba Arrasate's side have been hampered by injuries during pre-season, with up to six players potentially missing the opener. Ivan Cuellar remains sidelined with muscular problems that have persisted throughout pre-season, while midfielder Samu Costa is almost ruled out after suffering a knee issue during the friendly against Hamburger SV. The Portuguese international has been training separately from the group. Goalkeeper Dominik Greif is expected to depart for Lyon, leaving Lucas Bergstrom and Leo Roman to compete for the number one spot. Pablo Maffeo, Cyle Larin and Dani Luna have all requested transfers and are training separately by Arrasate's decision, having distanced themselves from the coaching staff. Takuma Asano has returned from injury concerns and featured in pre-season, giving Arrasate options on the right wing. New signing Mateo Joseph, on loan from Leeds United, provides additional attacking depth. Barcelona Barcelona could hand debuts to new signings Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford, with both players having impressed during pre-season. Garcia arrived from Espanyol for €25 million after La Liga approved the injury rule to register the goalkeeper following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's back injury concerns. Robert Lewandowski remains a major doubt after suffering a hamstring injury in training, having been spotted training individually while his teammates prepared for competitive action. If unavailable, Ferran Torres is expected to lead the line, with Rashford also capable of playing centrally. The return of Lamine Yamal provides a significant boost to Barcelona's attacking options. Form Mallorca : N/A Arrasate's side had a mixed pre season that includes a draw against Parma (1-1) after defeats to Lyon (0-4) and victories over Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC (2-1) and Hamburger SV (2-0). The Balearic outfit finished tenth in La Liga last season and will be hoping to build on that achievement. Barcelona : N/A Hansi Flick's side ended their preparations on a high note with a 5-0 victory over Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy, with Lamine Yamal scoring twice. The Catalans completed their treble-winning campaign last season, claiming La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup trophies. Predicted Lineups Mallorca: Bergstrom; Maffeo, Valjent, Raillo, Mojica; Mascarell, Morlanes; Asano, Darder, Rodriguez; Muriqi. Barcelona: Garcia; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Gavi; Yamal, Torres, Raphinha. How to Watch Mallorca vs Barcelona? UK fans can watch the game live on Premier Sports 2. The match will also be available on Disney+ for late Saturday fixtures as part of La Liga's new broadcasting agreements. Read Also – See More – Subscribe to our social channels: | | |
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mallorca boss opens up on facing Barcelona in La Liga opener – ‘They are in great form'
Mallorca manager Jagoba Arrasate has shared his thoughts ahead of his team's La Liga 2025/26 opener against Barcelona. Speaking to the media, the 47-year-old addressed several topics, including the challenge of taking on Hansi Flick's side and the special situation of Pablo Torre, who will face his former club. From the very start, Arrasate acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead. 'With a perfect match, it goes without saying that they are the league champions. They have had a good pre-season, and I think they are in great form,' he said. He stressed that Mallorca must be at their best defensively while still looking to attack. 'We have to get closer to our best version and it all depends on defending well against a team that is capable of creating many scoring chances in attack. 'Today they have normalised that in any game they can score four or five goals against any opponent and that is one of the keys, but we also have to attack them and to do so we must be fluid with the ball. In short, we have to get closer to excellence.' Mallorca's tactical approach Arrasate outlined how Mallorca could look to exploit Barcelona tactically. 'Barça stifles you a lot when you play the ball out, you see a lot of space behind their defense, but it's not easy to reach,' he admitted. He noted their tactical flexibility, adding, 'We'll see how they play. They start with a 4-3-3, but then they often modify that formation and use a three-man formation, almost a 3-2-5, and that's where we have to adjust with the midfielders. 'It's not easy, but if we're playing in a zonal position, if we're doing well, it's easier to intervene.' Pablo Torre's return Pablo Torre will face Barcelona as a Mallorca player. (Photo by) Speaking about Pablo Torre, who joined Mallorca this summer with Barcelona retaining a buy-back clause, Arrasate was full of praise. 'He has adapted very well, he's a player who suits us wonderfully. The other day, he had a great game against Hamburg. 'He's very motivated because he likes to play, to be a protagonist and I understand that since it's Barça, it will be special for him. 'We've talked a little about what Barça is all about. I see him very excited about this project, with this challenge of being important at Mallorca, and I hope he shows that from day one.' La Liga in Miami Finally, on the Villarreal-Barça match being played in Miami, Arrasate responded with a touch of sarcasm. 'I have some friends in Miami, some good pelotari who're still there, and I'm sure they've taken it as good news.' On a serious note, he added, 'I don't like it, but it's what I said before: there are clubs, and we're part of it. The garrison has been eating its fill for a while. 'If we think there are things that need to change, we have to transfer it to the club, and the club has to go to LaLiga. I think things have to be done differently.' Source: Mundo Deportivo
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Premier League striker completes La Liga loan switch
Mallorca have continued their summer squad update with a season-long loan move on Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph. The club have been tracking the Spain U21 international for weeks after receiving an indication he wanted to play in La Liga. On the back of bringing in Pablo Torre from Barcelona on a permanent deal, Joseph is another exiting young addition in Palma, and he will add something fresh to Jagoba Arrasate's squad for 2025/26. Leeds have confirmed the agreement does not include a purchase clause with his current contract at Elland Road running until 2028. Daniel Farke has opted to go on a different path following the Whites return to the Premier League after winning the EFL Championship in 2024/25. Joseph only managed three league goals last season with just 12 league starts for the Santander-born striker. Joel Piroe ended the campaign as Leeds' top scorer and Farke has already brought in reinforcements to cover for Joseph's exit. More new faces as Mallorca land Mateo Joseph Germany international Lukas Nmecha has joined from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg and Farke is expected to bring in more new faces in the final days of the summer. Photo by Cordon Press Mallorca may not bring in any more new players, with a tight budget in place for Arrasate, and he will look to pull off another strong season. After taking charge ahead of the 2024/25 season, the former Osasuna coach led Mallorca to 10th in the final La Liga rankings, and the edge of the European race. Hs team have enjoyed a solid preseason ahead of the 2025/26 campaign with three wins from five summer games and they take on Barcelona as a season opener on home soil on August 16. That is followed up by a first home game of 2025/26, against Celta Vigo on August 23, and a trip to Real Madrid on August 30 ahead of the September international break.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Official: Barcelona midfielder completes permanent Mallorca switch
Barcelona midfielder Pablo Torre has officially completed his permanent transfer to Real Mallorca, who confirmed the move in an official statement. The young midfielder has signed a four-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2029, marking the start of a new chapter in his career. Advertisement Torre becomes Mallorca's first signing ahead of the 2025/26 season. The midfielder had permission from Barcelona to skip his medical with the Catalan club, as his move to Mallorca had already been agreed upon over a week ago. Torre will now begin working under new Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate, hoping to take the next step in his development. How much did Barcelona earn? The deal between Barcelona and Mallorca took longer than expected to finalise due to the many details involved. Reports suggest Mallorca will pay €5 million for 50% of Torre's rights, and the contract includes a €25 million release clause. The move was also slightly delayed because Torre was given extra time off after his participation with Spain's U-21 national team this summer. Advertisement Last season, Torre featured in 14 official matches for Barcelona, scoring four goals and providing three assists. His talent and potential have made him one of the most interesting young midfielders in Spain, and Mallorca are hoping he can play a key role in their new project. With this signing, Mallorca have finally kicked off their summer transfer window, after beginning preseason on July 10 without any new arrivals.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Osasuna attempt last-minute hijack of Mallorca's €5 million move for Barcelona midfielder
Barcelona are accelerating player exits, aiming to finalise the departure of at least two players before 30 June. The loan move for Ansu Fati is complete, pending official confirmation, and Pablo Torre's transfer is also close to being finalised. Advertisement Mallorca are pushing to sign the 22-year-old midfielder on a permanent transfer, with the player expected to sign a four-year contract. Osasuna attempt hijack However, according to SPORT, Osasuna have entered the picture eyeing a last-minute swoop for Pablo Torre in case the talks with Mallorca fall through. Osasuna showed interest in Torre early in the transfer window but moved more slowly. Even though they have re-entered the scene, they are likely to miss out – unless there is a breakdown in the financial agreement between Barcelona and Mallorca. Mallorca have made a lot of progress and talks are in advanced stages at the moment. The La Liga club are negotiating to purchase 50% of the midfielder's rights for €5 million. Leaning towards Mallorca. (Photo by) Advertisement Barcelona would retain a buy-back option worth €10 million in the first year and €12 million in the second. Torre is leaning towards joining Mallorca, attracted by the interest of head coach Jagoba Arrasate, who has been personally involved in persuading him. Exit the best course of action for Torre The departure of Torre was inevitable due to the surplus of midfielders at the club. Barcelona's sporting department made it clear that his situation would not change, with other players ahead of him in the pecking order. The Blaugrana decided that a permanent transfer is the best option for the midfielder, whose contract runs until 2026 and has not been renewed. All parties have agreed that Barcelona will keep the option to bring him back, as Torre's dream has always been to succeed at the club and his potential is recognised by the sporting department.
