Hansi Flick Adds Joan Anaya to Barcelona First Team Training

Hansi Flick Calls Up Joan Anaya to Barcelona First Team Training

Barcelona youngster preps for Valencia clash as part of senior squad

BlaugranaNews EditorialMay 21, 20262 min read

So what

Bringing Joan Anaya and other academy players to train with the first team shows Hansi Flick’s intent to expand squad depth ahead of season’s end. Fans should watch how youth prospects compete for spots and how this influences squad rotation in upcoming matches. This move signals Barcelona’s focus on nurturing homegrown talent and preparing for the next campaign.

Ahead of Barcelona’s final La Liga game of the 2025/26 season against Valencia, head coach Hansi Flick included a new face from the youth ranks in the first team’s training sessions — 21-year-old right-back Joan Anaya. A La Masia graduate since 2015, Anaya recently recovered from a thigh muscle injury and joined senior squad preparations.

According to Barca Universal, Anaya has been a regular for Barcelona Athletic this season, contributing four assists in 19 appearances under coach Juliano Belletti. He is known for his speed, strength, attacking mindset, and versatility, capable of playing as a winger or left-back as well.

Several other reserve players such as Xavi Espar and Diego Kochen also participated in the training, with no new injuries reported aside from absences of Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez.

What this means

The call-up of Anaya reflects Flick’s willingness to test young academy talents in a low-pressure environment as Barcelona’s league position is settled. This is one of multiple occasions this season where reserve defenders get chances in senior training, fostering healthy competition on the defensive flanks.

Moreover, with injury concerns limiting options, Flick appears focused on exploring new possibilities tactically and building squad depth. This approach also offers motivation to players returning from loan spells, like Hector For, who will join preseason preparations while vying for a spot.

Since the final game against Valencia carries no stakes, Flick can experiment and give prospects valuable experience. This benefits squad rotation and team development for the future.

Overall, integrating new young members into senior training shows Flick’s strategic plan for squad renewal and La Masia potential exploitation—key to maintaining Barcelona’s high standards and preparing for upcoming seasons.