[REVISION HISTORY]

FC Barcelona preseason under Hansi Flick

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2026-08-07 02:43 UTC → 2026-08-08 21:41 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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