FC Barcelona pre-season 2026-27: Big absentees, exits loom as Flick begins camp
Synopsis
Barcelona's first pre-season session under Hansi Flick was defined by who wasn't there — and who might not stay. With World Cup stars absent and exit candidates present, the real story is the Atletico Madrid standoff over Julian Alvarez, whose public transfer request has triggered a FIFA complaint threat and a 500-million-euro release clause standoff.
Key Takeaways
FC Barcelona opened 2026-27 pre-season training on 13 July under coach Hansi Flick .
Lamine Yamal , Pedri , Ferran Torres , Eric Garcia , and Jules Kounde are absent, still at the FIFA World Cup .
New signing Hamza Abdelkarim , 18, reported despite only one week of rest after the World Cup.
Marc Casado and Marc-Andre ter Stegen trained with the squad amid uncertainty over their futures; Ajax is reportedly interested in ter Stegen.
Barcelona have made a formal offer for Atletico Madrid 's Julian Alvarez , who is contracted until June 2030 with a 500 million euro release clause.
Atletico Madrid has threatened to report Barcelona to FIFA over an alleged improper approach to Alvarez.
FC Barcelona kicked off pre-season preparations for the 2026-27 La Liga campaign on Monday, 13 July in Madrid, as the Catalan giants chase a third straight domestic title under coach Hansi Flick. The opening session was marked as much by notable absences as by those who reported to the training ground.
World Cup Stars Absent, New Signing Reports Early
Key first-team players including Lamine Yamal, Eric Garcia, Pedri, Ferran Torres, and Jules Kounde were not present, as they remain involved in the FIFA World Cup and are entitled to a mandatory three-week rest period after the tournament concludes. Their return to club duties will come later in the pre-season window.
New signing Hamza Abdelkarim, the 18-year-old Egyptian striker, was present despite having had only a week's break following his World Cup appearances with Egypt. Players arrived at 9 am local time to begin medical assessments.
Uncertain Futures in the Camp
Several players whose long-term futures at the club appear uncertain also reported for training. Winger Roony Bardghji was among those present. Midfielder Marc Casado returned despite indications that his future likely lies elsewhere. Veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also reported back after injury disrupted his loan move to Girona in January; Ajax has been cited as a possible destination for the German international.
Julian Alvarez: Barcelona's Prime Transfer Target
Off the pitch, Barcelona's most pressing business centres on securing Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. Club president Joan Laporta confirmed that a formal offer has been submitted, with Director of Sport Deco leading negotiations.
'Deco made an offer for a certain amount of money,' Laporta said, adding that 'we know the player has wanted to come for some time, since he was at Manchester City.'
Laporta further stated that the offer is 'firm, and we'll keep it on the table until we consider otherwise suitable,' even after Atletico indicated they were not planning to sell.
The 26-year-old Alvarez, who joined Atletico from Manchester City two years ago, publicly stated during the World Cup that a transfer would be in the best interest of both parties — a comment that drew a sharp reaction from Atletico. The Madrid club has threatened to file a complaint with FIFA over what it considers an improper approach to a player contracted until June 2030, with a release clause set at 500 million euros.
What to Watch Next
Barcelona's pre-season squad will gradually fill as World Cup participants return from their rest breaks. The Alvarez saga is set to intensify, with Atletico's legal threat adding a regulatory dimension to what is already one of the summer's most contentious transfer disputes. Whether Barcelona can navigate the contractual and diplomatic obstacles before the transfer window closes will define the shape of Flick's squad for the title defence.
Point of View
Not settled. The Alvarez pursuit is the real flashpoint: a player publicly agitating for a move, a club threatening FIFA action, and a 500-million-euro release clause that Barcelona almost certainly cannot trigger. Laporta's 'firm offer' language is negotiating theatre unless Atletico blink — and their anger suggests they won't. Flick inherits a title-defence brief with a squad whose composition will not be clear until the window closes.
NationPress
14 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were key Barcelona players absent from pre-season training on 13 July?
Players including Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Ferran Torres, Eric Garcia, and Jules Kounde are still participating in the FIFA World Cup and are entitled to a three-week rest period after the tournament ends. They are expected to return to club training later in the pre-season.
Who is Julian Alvarez and why does Barcelona want to sign him?
Julian Alvarez is a 26-year-old Argentine forward currently at Atletico Madrid, having joined from Manchester City two years ago. Barcelona are targeting him as their primary attacking reinforcement for the 2026-27 season, with president Joan Laporta confirming a formal offer has been made.
Why has Atletico Madrid threatened to report Barcelona to FIFA?
Atletico Madrid considers Barcelona's approach to Julian Alvarez improper, as he remains under contract until June 2030 with a 500-million-euro release clause. Alvarez's public comments during the World Cup suggesting a transfer would benefit both parties further angered the club.
What is the status of Marc-Andre ter Stegen at Barcelona?
Ter Stegen returned to pre-season training after an injury disrupted his January loan move to Girona. His long-term future at Barcelona is uncertain, with Ajax reported as a possible destination for the veteran German goalkeeper.
Who is Hamza Abdelkarim and what is his role at Barcelona?
Hamza Abdelkarim is an 18-year-old striker and new Barcelona signing who represented Egypt at the FIFA World Cup. He reported for pre-season training despite having had only one week of rest following the tournament.
