​FC Barcelona’s pre-season officially kicks off on Monday, July 13, but Fermin López and Marc Bernal have already been at the Ciutat Esportiva for several days, laying the groundwork for what is expected to be a demanding campaign, according to Mundo Deportivo. The two midfielders have chosen to start early because they recognize that the opening weeks of the season can influence numerous decisions, and with Pedri as the standout exception, no midfielder is assured a starting spot.
Barcelona’s midfield is set to be one of the squad’s most competitive areas. With Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Marc Casado, Bernal, Dani Olmo, and Fermin capable of contributing varied talents, every training session could become a chance to climb in Hansi Flick’s plans. In this context, López and Bernal are determined to arrive fully prepared from day one, aiming to demonstrate not only their technical quality but also their work ethic, commitment, and resolve.
Fermin returns to training with an added challenge, coming off an injury that ended his previous season. In May, he suffered an accidental blow that fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, necessitating surgery. Missing out on the World Cup was a significant setback, yet the La Masia product has spent the summer focused entirely on rehabilitation. His objective remains to rejoin the squad in peak condition and quickly regain his competitive rhythm so that he can be ready when the official season begins.
For Bernal, this pre-season carries equal weight. The young midfielder is eager to leave his injury woes behind and prove he is physically capable of contributing meaningfully. Bernal finished the previous season strongly, tallying 33 appearances and five goals, and he continues to be held in very high regard by Flick. He has intensified his physical preparation to ensure he arrives at the start of team training in top shape and is ready to compete for minutes from the first session.
Neither López nor Bernal is waiting for opportunities to come to them. Both recognize the immense demands ahead and are already putting in the work at the training facilities to prove themselves to Flick. Their early immersion signals a strategic push to establish themselves as key components of Barcelona’s midfield rotation, aiming to secure minutes and influence under Flick’s management. The early start also aligns with the club’s broader strategy to build depth and readiness across all positions as the new season looms. This proactive approach highlights Barça’s commitment to fostering emerging talent while maintaining a highly competitive environment in the middle of the park. As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how López and Bernal translate their early form into consistent performances when competitive action resumes.