FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has returned to Ciutat Esportiva to start preparations for the 2027/28 campaign.
Although players return for training on 13 July, Flick began organizing the pre-season schedule and coordinating with his coaching staff. Key priorities include planning training sessions and important sporting decisions before the squad reunites.
Flick works closely with sporting director Deco, who joined after a trip to the United States following the World Cup. Official training kicks off on 13 July with medical examinations.
From 27 July to 3 August, Barcelona will train at St. George’s Park in England. Confirmed friendlies include matches against CE Europa on 24 July at Ciutat Esportiva, Birmingham City on 31 July at St. Andrew’s Stadium, and Udinese on 8 August in Italy. The Joan Gamper Trophy is scheduled for 19 August with the opponent yet to be announced.
Due to players’ involvement in the World Cup, the initial squad will be reduced. Available first-team players from day one include Wojciech Szczesny, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin, Hector Fort, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Roony Bardghji. Fermin Lopez will join once fully recovered from injury.
Flick’s role includes deciding which academy youngsters will participate in pre-season training. Many will join the sessions, though the number traveling to England is still uncertain.
With Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong eliminated from the World Cup, they are expected to join the England training camp. Additional players may also become available if their teams exit the tournament during the Round of 16.
Flick will also receive updates on transfer developments. Barcelona have finalized the signing of Anthony Gordon but are still searching for a new centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski. Julian Alvarez is the priority target, and Flick also wants a permanent signing of Joao Cancelo.
Outgoing player situations remain pending for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Casado, Fort, and Bardghji. These departures may open first-team opportunities for academy players.
Should several first-team places open, some youngsters involved in the pre-season could secure permanent spots in Flick’s senior squad throughout the campaign.
