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5 clusters · 17 sources · 26 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: SPORTS

FC Barcelona preseason under Hansi Flick

Entities: Hansi Flick · FC Barcelona · Karim Adeyemi · Xavi Espart · Jordi Pesquer

Overview

In mid‑July 2026 Barcelona began its preseason at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper under new coach Hansi Flick. Early sessions featured the full first‑team and academy prospects, with left‑back Jofre Torrents returning from injury. By late July the squad played a friendly against Birmingham City, where new signing Karim Adeyemi struggled and was substituted at halftime. The window saw several roster moves: Anssumane Fati transferred to Monaco, Iñaki Peña to Panathinaikos, and the future of goalkeeper Marc‑André ter Stegen remained uncertain; Hector Fort remained under review and Aron Yaakobishvili was expected to leave. In early August 19‑year‑old midfielder Xavi Espart earned strong praise from Flick after appearances at right‑back and defensive midfield against Newcastle United and Birmingham City, being described as a “top‑level player” and a possible replacement for Jules Koundé. Further developments on 3–5 August added new transfer and youth news. World‑cup winner Rodri is reported to be close to a move to Barcelona, with talks underway with Manchester City. Adeyemi made his preseason debut against Birmingham City, with Flick noting the performance was below his potential but expecting improvement. La Masia midfielder Guille Fernandez is being considered for a loan to FC Andorra or CE Sabadell, while the club evaluates a long‑term contract for him. Three La Masia graduates – Espart, 16‑year‑old Ebrima Tunkara and Orian Goren – impressed in training and met first‑team standards. Flick’s strict code of conduct led to the sidelining and eventual sale of defender Héctor Fort. Two preseason matches were cancelled – a behind‑closed‑doors game against Preston North End and a friendly in Tangier – and the squad will instead compete in a triangular tournament in Udine, Italy. During the triangular tournament in Udine, 17-year-old La Masia left-back Jordi Pesquer emerged as a standout talent.

Timeline

  1. about 8 hours ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Jordi Pesquer emerges as preseason talent for FC Barcelona

    17-year-old La Masia talent Jordi Pesquer has impressed Hansi Flick during FC Barcelona's preseason, standout performances in friendlies and the Udine tournament.

  2. 4 days ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Barcelona under Hansi Flick tackles transfers, youth promotions and preseason cancellations

    Barcelona under Hansi Flick is negotiating Rodri’s transfer, assessing new signing Adeyemi, considering a loan for Guille Fernandez, promoting La Masia talents, and coping with two preseason match cancellations

  3. 6 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Barcelona youngster Xavi Espart impresses Hansi Flick

    Barcelona’s 19‑year‑old Xavi Espart has impressed coach Hansi Flick with versatile performances in pre‑season, earning praise and a potential first‑team role at right‑back.

  4. 10 days ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    FC Barcelona preseason under Hansi Flick sees mixed player performances

    Hansi Flick's Barcelona preseason featured a lackluster debut for Karim Adeyemi and several roster changes, including Fati to Monaco and uncertain futures for ter Stegen and Peña.

  5. 26 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    FC Barcelona kicks off pre‑season under Hansi Flick with focus on Jofre Torrents

    FC Barcelona's pre‑season under Hansi Flick saw all available players train at Joan Gamper, with academy left‑back Jofre Torrents returning early in peak condition to vie for a first‑team place or loan.

Sources

324.cat · 3cat24.cat · barcanewsnetwork.com · barcauniversal.com · bola.liputan6.com · dxtcampeon.com · elidealgallego.com · elnacional.cat · excelsior.com.mx · football-espana.net · okdiario.com · ria.org.mx · sportlive.bg · volley24.pl · webvolei.com.br · wochentlich.de · worldsoccertalk.com

This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history