Karim Adeyemi, Xavi Espart after impressing for Barcelona in Basel victory

In partnership with

Barca News Network

·17 August 2026

Karim Adeyemi, Xavi Espart after impressing for Barcelona in Basel victory

Barcelona took another step forward in their preparations for the 2026-27 season after defeating FC Basel 5-2 in their penultimate friendly on Sunday. Karim Adeyemi, Hamza Abdelkarim, Lamine Yamal and Jesse Bisiwu (x2) got the goals for the Catalan side, who face Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Wednesday before their opening match of the La Liga campaign against Elche next weekend.

As per MD, Adeyemi was one of the players to speak to the media after scoring his first goal since joining Barcelona earlier this summer. He admitted that his adaptation has not been easy, although he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Catalonia thus far.

OneFootball Videos

“I feel very good, I think it was a good match, we continue with the adaptation, I love being here and I want more. It’s a dream that has come true, every day enjoying and I’m learning a lot from the team and trying to be better every day, it’s incredible to be in a city like this and in such a big club. This is the biggest club in the world and every day I go to the limit, I try to learn and give my best on the pitch and I think it’s more difficult than I expected.”

Espart: I feel comfortable as a midfielder

Xavi Espart also impressed in Switzerland, especially as he was playing in midfield – away from his usual full-back position. However, he admitted (via MD) that he is comfortable being utilised in the centre of the park, having done so at international level.

“I felt comfortable because in the end I am used to playing in this position, in the European Championship I have played as a midfielder and with the teammates next to me they make it quite easy for me, with a lot of enthusiasm and to try to enjoy myself. I tried to be here 100% and show that I can be here and my game, at the moment I’m happy, but football is every day and I will continue to give 100% to continue being here. I hope I can play in Elche but you never know football, I go game by game and train by train, I prefer to think like that and always give 100%.”

Espart is expected to feature prominently in the Barcelona first team this season, and he reflected on his journey to this point when speaking to the media.

“It’s very difficult to get there, but really what is difficult is to stay because of the demand with these players, in the end it’s Barça, the best team in the world and the demand is every day, you can never go down, it’s every day with enthusiasm and working to the maximum.”