BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Real Madrid and Barcelona are used to luring players from other clubs.
The Spanish powerhouses face key support players possibly moving to the wealthier Premier League at the pending closure of the transfer market.
Brazil forward Rodrygo, who has scored clutch goals for Madrid to add to its Champions League title haul, is at the center of media speculation that he could be heading to Manchester City or another English club.
Chelsea is also reportedly after Barcelona midfield sparkplug Fermín López, while Marc Casadó could also be sold with Barcelona needing income.
Coach Hansi Flick has said he wants to keep both players, especially after Barcelona let starting central defender Íñigo Martínez go to Saudi Arabia. Catalan media say the club would consider an offer of only more than 60 million euros ($70 million) for Fermín if he asked to leave.
The transfer window closes on Monday, just after the third round of the Spanish league this weekend.
Barcelona and Madrid both seek a third win in as many games — along with Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao and surprising Getafe.
Key matchups
Barcelona visits Rayo Vallecano on Sunday after two away wins at Mallorca and Levante. Will Fermín and Casadó, who made significant contributions to their domestic double last season, get minutes in the capital?
Real Madrid hosts Mallorca on Saturday with Kylián Mbappé seeking to add to his three goals from their opening two wins over Osasuna and at Real Oviedo. Xabi Alonso gave Rodrygo only his second start in eight games since he took over as Madrid’s coach this summer before the Club World Cup.
Atletico Madrid is at Alaves also on Saturday. Atletico has taken only one point of six so far, making its worst start to the league in 14 seasons under coach Diego Simeone.
Players to watch
Ferran Torres has two goals in as many games while playing as Barcelona’s central striker. Robert Lewandowski returned last round as a substitute after recovering from a thigh injury. Flick will have to pick between Torres and Lewandowski at Rayo. Marcus Rashford is another option up front for Flick.
Villarreal’s Tajon Buchanan is coming off his hat trick in a 5-0 rout of Girona last round. The Canada winger, who joined from Inter Milan this summer, will likely figure again for leader Villarreal when it plays Celta Vigo on Sunday with Gerard Moreno injured and Ayoze Pérez doubtful.
Out of action
New playmaker Alex Baena is doubtful for Atletico, while Valencia’s José Luis Gayà is suspended for Valencia’s game on Friday against unbeaten Getafe.
Off the field
Barcelona wants to play its first home game of the season at its remodeled Camp Nou on Sept. 14. But the club acknowledges it is cutting it close getting the final permission from authorities to clear the way for the public to return.
The club has not confirmed alternative stadiums, but Barcelona played the last two seasons at the city’s publicly owned Olympic Stadium. Another potential option could be the club’s smaller Johan Cruyff Stadium, with a capacity for just 6,000 spectators, after La Liga officials inspected it this week to check its suitability.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Joseph Wilson, The Associated Press
