FC Barcelona begins 2026-27 pre‑season training; many stars absent, eyes Julian Alvarez

FC Barcelona kicked off pre‑season preparations on Monday for the 2026‑27 LaLiga season. A number of first‑team regulars – including Lamine Yamal, Eric Garcia, Pedri, Ferran Torres and Jules Koundé – remain at the FIFA World Cup, with a three‑week break scheduled after the tournament.

The squad underwent medical examinations, and new signing Hammza Abdelkarim joined the group. Mid‑fielder Marc Casadó and winger Runi Bardghji face uncertain futures at the club. Barcelona, under coach Xavi Hernández, is seeking to add a winger and a forward, with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez identified as the main target. President Joan Laporta confirmed an offer for Alvarez, prompting Atletico to warn of a possible FIFA complaint over alleged premature contact with the player, whose contract runs until 2030 with a €500 million release clause.