Published 10/02/2026. By Michel Duran. As the campaign reaches a crucial stage — with Barcelona holding a slim lead over Real Madrid in La Liga, standing in the Copa del Rey semi‑finals and waiting to learn their Champions League opponent — the club is already turning attention to the months ahead.
Pre‑season preparations are due to begin at the end of next July. This summer will be unusual because the World Cup will run longer than normal, meaning a large portion of the first‑team squad will not return until August. Against that backdrop, SPORT reports that background work is already in progress at Barcelona to outline the pre‑season squad.
The situation is similar to what Hansi Flick faced when he arrived in 2024: during his first weeks he had very few senior players available. That opens the door for a selection process in which La Masia graduates are given the opportunity to prove they merit involvement with the first team.
Several talents from the youth and reserve ranks have already been identified as candidates for the first‑team pre‑season. Xavi Espar and Juan Hernandez are expected to join the first‑team preparations. Juan Hernandez recently renewed his contract with the intention of working more regularly under Flick. Jofre Torrens, Alvaro Cortes, Toni Fernandez and Guille Fernandez are also expected to be involved.
Players such as Tommy Marques and Xavi Espar, despite not featuring in last summer’s pre‑season under Flick, have spent many weeks training with the first‑team coach this season, which strengthens their case for inclusion.
There remain numerous unresolved issues. With club elections approaching and uncertainty over whether Deco and Flick will remain in their roles, planners are proceeding cautiously. Even so, a strategy has been sketched out and the German coach’s confidence in La Masia is evident.
Some youngsters who do not stay with the first team will need loan moves to gain experience, while others will continue with the reserve side. Ultimately, much depends on how those opening weeks of pre‑season unfold.
