Hansi Flick to trim Barcelona pre-season squad — academy gems given short window to impress | OneFootball

As FC Barcelona prepare to kick off their pre-season under Hansi Flick, the German coach is set to make a major decision of this summer. He will determine which academy talents will travel with the first team to Asia.

The pre-season begins on July 13, and Flick will work with at least eight La Masia players during this initial stage. For the youngsters, it is a golden window of approximately ten days to impress the German manager before he finalizes his squad for the Japan and South Korea tour.

A Very Different Context from 2024

This pre-season unfolds in a vastly different setting from the previous summer. A year ago, Hansi Flick was just beginning his tenure, still unfamiliar with Spanish football and forced to rely on more than fifteen youth players due to absences caused by the Euros, Copa América, and the Olympics.

Now, he is starting this pre-season as a proven coach who has brought new energy and clarity to the club.

Under Flick’s guidance last season, Barcelona won three trophies, reached the Champions League semi-finals, and revived a vertical, dynamic style of play. The atmosphere at Montjuïc reflected the transformation. The team showed identity and ambition, with players such as Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha, Koundé, and Cubarsí thriving under Flick’s approach.

A Handpicked Group

This time, Flick has opted for a more selective process. Eight standout academy prospects will join the first team for preseason: Landry Farré, Juan Hernández, Jan Virgili, Ibrahim Diarra, Toni Fernández, Guille Fernández, Dro, and Jofre Torrents.

They will be joined by goalkeeper Diego Kochen, who has already become a familiar presence around the senior squad.

Unlike last year’s widespread call-up, this is a targeted evaluation focused on identifying which of these young players can handle the tactical and physical demands of the first team.

Pre-season Fitness Plans

Barcelona’s staff have provided the selected players with personalized training programs in the lead-up to pre-season. These plans are designed to prepare them for senior-level intensity by emphasizing strength development and overall conditioning.

In recent days, several of the academy players, including Toni, Guille, Landry, and Diarra, have been seen following these regimens at gyms and private facilities. Personal trainers and performance coaches have played a key role in supporting their preparation.

The Cut Is Coming

By July 23, Hansi Flick will announce the final list of players who will travel to Asia. According to SPORT, the touring group is expected to include no more than thirty players, meaning only half of the academy hopefuls may be selected. The squad is scheduled to depart for Japan on July 24.

Barcelona will face Vissel Kobe on July 27, then travel to South Korea to take on FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4. Flick’s decision will also impact Juliano Belletti’s planning for Barça Atlètic.

The reserve team begins its own pre-season on July 21, and Belletti is awaiting clarity on which players will remain available to him.

What Comes Next

Once the Asian tour is complete, Barcelona will prepare for the Joan Gamper Trophy, followed by their official season opener on August 16 against Mallorca. For the youngsters who make the trip and stay with the senior team, it could be the beginning of a long-term breakthrough.

Flick’s second year at the helm promises continuity, refinement, and possibly the emergence of new academy stars. For those looking to seize their chance, the countdown has already begun.