Barcelona acknowledge overcrowding in key position, could open doors for sale | OneFootball

Barcelona are five days into their pre-season training camp, which began on July 13 as Hansi Flick prepares his team for the 2025/26 campaign.

After a successful first year, the German tactician is carefully analysing his squad to make any changes necessary to take the team to the next level.

Overbooking in midfield

And, as per SPORT, one key issue that Flick and Barcelona are acknowledging is the clear overbooking in midfield, and, as such, changes in that area are possible.

The German coach has a set of untouchable players, but he may be open to letting someone go if the right offer arrives – one that benefits all parties.

Barcelona need to sell, and Flick also wants to avoid an overcrowded squad, so changes could come after the pre-season tour.

Flick has already made it clear internally that there are too many midfielders. Last season already gave clues, as his preferred starting XI had several key players who were never rotated in his tactical setup.

It is evident that Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are essential, as they are central to the team’s creative play.

Casado’s future in doubt? (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Alongside them, Flick also has Marc Casado, the recovered Marc Bernal, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, and, potentially, Raphinha, who could move to a central role if the club signs a new winger. Oriol Romeu, meanwhile, is not part of the project.

That makes eight players competing for only three positions, meaning some will likely get very limited minutes over the season.

Last season, Casado began as a starter but lost his place, while Fermin became increasingly prominent. Gavi accepted a bench role as he returned from injury, and Olmo struggled with fitness issues that kept him out of the lineup.

Earlier this summer, it was suggested that Barcelona would be open to listening to offers for Fermin due to the overcrowded midfield. There was interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and also from Chelsea, but nothing materialised.

In recent weeks, attention has shifted to Casado, with Chelsea and Atletico Madrid interested. Barcelona would consider offers, although the academy player has made it clear he does not wish to leave.

August could be a turbulent month for Barcelona. Within the club, there is an expectation that offers will come in and will be reviewed carefully.