Mixed fitness news as squad builds for the new season

Barcelona's daily news cycle was dominated by fitness and transfer updates on Monday, with positive news on midfielder Gavi and a significant milestone for new signing Rodri, who joined his team-mates for his first training session at the club's first-team base.

Instant impact from new faces

Two Barcelona summer signings have wasted little time in stating their claims. German winger Karim Adeyemi found the net on his first official start for his new club, securing a debut goal. Meanwhile, new signing Anthony Gordon made an instant impact, needing only four minutes on the pitch to provide two assists.

News also filtered through that Gavi, the Andalusian midfielder, has avoided a serious injury - a relief for Hansi Flick's squad as they build momentum heading into the campaign.

Balde and the transfer dominoes

ESPN report that Manchester United are monitoring Alejandro Balde at Barcelona, having earlier enquired about Newcastle's Lewis Hall. Barcelona have been made aware of United's interest, although club sources are playing down the chances of a deal.

Elsewhere, Mundo Deportivo carried several transfer items. Julián continues to fuel the Barça dream, with the Atlético striker reacting with a 'like' to a TikTok video featuring the Argentinian wearing the Barcelona jersey. Real Sociedad are looking for a way to sign Barcelona full-back Héctor Fort, who also has a convincing offer from Borussia Dortmund.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have entered the race to sign midfielder Marc Casadó with force. Casadó is not in Flick's plans and must decide his next destination in the coming days, prioritizing European football.

Not all news was positive, though. Flick has lost Ebrima Tunkara to injury, with the Spanish Federation announcing the midfielder will be out for six weeks with a traumatic ligament injury to his left ankle.