FC Barcelona News: 29 March 2026; Fallout from Raphinha injury continues, Barça increasingly confident in Alessandro Bastoni deal

Barcelona enter the final nine-match sprint of the La Liga campaign with the trophy in their sights, yet the mood at the Ciutat Esportiva is a blend of urgency and cautious optimism. While the first team prepares for the title run-in, off-pitch developments have intensified around two key dossiers: the uncertain future of Marcus Rashford and the accelerating pursuit of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.

Raphinha’s five-week lay-off, suffered on Brazil duty, has reopened wounds between the club and FIFA. Mundo Deportivo reports growing outrage inside Barça over the timing of the friendly call-up, which has left the squad without its first-choice winger for the decisive stretch. The Brazilian’s absence simultaneously hands Rashford a gilt-edged audition; the Englishman, on loan from Manchester United, now has nine games to convince sporting directors that he merits a permanent contract. Sources close to United say the English club remain relaxed and are already mapping out alternative destinations should Barça decline their €35 million option.

Confidence is markedly higher regarding Bastoni. Barça technical staff have identified the 26-year-old Italian international as the cornerstone of next season’s defensive rebuild. Talks have progressed to the point that club officials consider the operation “under control.” Inter’s need to balance accounts before 30 June is viewed in Catalonia as an open door, and Bastoni has privately signalled his enthusiasm for a move to Camp Nou. Negotiations are expected to gather pace once the domestic season concludes.

Elsewhere, Barça Atlètic’s promotion hopes suffered another setback, falling 0-1 to seasoned visitors UE Sant Andreu despite dominating possession and carving out a raft of chances. The reserves remain outside the playoff places with only a handful of fixtures remaining.

In the international orbit, Kosovo striker Mirlind Asllani boosted his stock with a standout performance for his country, and agent Ayman Dahmani confirmed to Mundo Deportivo that Barcelona’s interest is live. Hoffenheim will only entertain offers that trigger the player’s €25–29 million clause. Meanwhile, a surprise sighting at the Ciutat Esportiva saw former La Masia gem Ansu Fati and Paul Pogba, now teammates at Monaco, put in a training session on Barça soil during the break.

Nine games, multiple sagas, one objective: reclaim the league crown and set the table for a transformative summer.