Hansi Flick`s Second Season Kicks Off: Initial Squad and New Faces
Hansi Flick has officially begun his second tenure as Barcelona`s head coach. The morning saw the team gather at the sports center, with a remarkably large initial squad of 34 players: 26 first-team members and 8 promising youth academy prospects. Among the few new faces are goalkeeper Joan García and forward Roony Bardghji. The latter, in particular, is still under close medical observation following a severe knee injury sustained a year ago and will initially start his path with Barça Atlètic.
Transfer Woes and Key Player Futures
On the departure front, Oriol Romeu has returned from his loan spell at Girona. Pablo Torre was absent to finalize his transfer to Mallorca, while Ansu Fati has been loaned out to Monaco. These mere two departures, however, are considered insufficient to unlock the incoming transfer market. Several crucial uncertainties persist, primarily regarding Marc-André ter Stegen`s future: although Flick has informed him that he is considered the third-choice goalkeeper, the German appears determined not to leave the club. In the defensive department, the abundance of options is evident, with Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen among the names who might depart, despite both expressing a desire to remain.
Youth Evaluation and Remaining Transfer Targets
During the summer training camp, eight youth sector talents, including Jofre Torrents and Jan Virgili, will be closely evaluated. Ferran Torres, having recovered from an appendectomy, and Marc Bernal will also join the preparations. On the incoming transfer market front, after target Nico Williams slipped away, the club`s attention remains focused on Luis Díaz and Marcus Rashford. Proper training sessions will commence on Monday at 6 PM, including a full battery of physical tests, even the specific dental evaluations, a procedure already introduced by Flick last season.
