​The wait is over as Barcelona’s pre-season for the 2026/27 campaign officially gets underway, with Hansi Flick welcoming his players back to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. While several first-team stars remain away on World Cup duty, the opening week of preparations presents a valuable chance for La Masia’s brightest talents to catch the eye of the German coach. The initial day will involve routine medical examinations for the returning squad before training commences in earnest on Tuesday. Flick has scheduled a demanding start to pre-season, alternating between single and double training sessions as Barcelona set the pace for another challenging season ahead.
A notable feature of the early sessions is the blend of senior players and academy graduates who have earned a place in the squad. Although many first-team regulars will be available, the club has yet to publish its full training group due to ongoing transfer negotiations and players still enjoying a break after international duties. According to Mundo Deportivo, Flick has also summoned a robust cohort of academy talents to train alongside the first team, underscoring Barcelona’s commitment to integrating youth through the pre-season program.
In goal, Iker Rodríguez and Eder Aller will train with Barcelona’s senior shot-stoppers as part of the goalkeeping rotation during pre-season, gaining valuable experience alongside the club’s established custodians. Creative playmaker Tommy Marques has earned inclusion due to his ability to operate effectively between the lines, while left-back Jofre Torrents continues to bolster his growing reputation as one of the staff’s favorite prospects within the academy.
Alvaro Cortes has already stepped into senior football, making his debut under Flick, illustrating the pathway from youth to the first team. Midfielder Guille Fernandez appears set for another opportunity to showcase his talent, particularly if a potential loan move materializes; Fernandez has consistently impressed at youth level and remains a key figure in the club’s development plans. On the wings, Toni Fernandez returns to first-team training after previously working with Flick, and Ibrahim Diarra seeks to turn the page on injury lay-offs by making a strong early impression in pre-season.
Midfield prospect Ebrima Tunkara is another name to watch, having emerged as one of the academy’s most promising players in recent months and attracting attention for his technical prowess and adaptability in midfield roles. The defensive unit features left-footed centre-back Alvaro Cortés, who has already made his first-team bow in Flick’s tenure, illustrating the depth of talent being cultivated within Barcelona’s ranks.
Rounding out the academy cohort is Shane Kluivert, whose pace, dribbling prowess, and confidence in one-on-one situations have positioned him as one of the most exciting attacking talents emerging from Barcelona’s youth system. As Flick’s pre-season plans unfold, the club will look to blend seasoned performers with rising stars, building a squad ready for the rigors of the 2026/27 season and beyond.
With the club still finalising its training squad in light of ongoing transfer negotiations and international commitments, the early sessions promise an exciting glimpse at how Barcelona will approach the new campaign. The combination of experienced first-team players and a growing slate of academy standouts offers a compelling picture of a club intent on sustaining progress through a well-balanced and dynamic pre-season period.