Iker Rodriguez, an 18-year-old goalkeeper from Barcelona’s youth academy, has been called up by head coach Hansi Flick to join the first-team’s pre-season training camp in England. The camp is scheduled from July 27 to August 3 at St George’s Park.
Rodriguez has been training with the senior squad since Friday and will remain with the first-team group, unlike many players from Barça Atlètic who start their preparations later. Despite ongoing negotiations surrounding Marc-André ter Stegen’s potential loan to Ajax, the German goalkeeper continues to train with the first team, while Rodriguez joins the group as an additional young option.
Rodriguez previously worked with Flick during the 2024/25 season, and his inclusion in the pre-season signals the coaching staff’s confidence. He is also close to signing a new contract with the reserve team.
The England trip provides Rodriguez with valuable exposure to experienced professionals and the senior coaching staff during a key period in pre-season. This aligns with Barcelona’s strategy of gradually integrating promising academy players into the main squad.
