Barcelona cleans up squad

Hansi Flick sent the first signal of a large-scale force purge at Barcelona.

According to Sport , the German coach has begun the process of shaping his first-team squad for the new 2025/25 season and all eyes are now on the shortlist for the Asian tour departing on July 24.

Flick worked with 36 players at the latest training session at the Ciutat Esportiva, but he confirmed that he would only take 26 names on the trip. That means at least seven or eight players will be left out - a clear message about the philosophy: competition is a must.

The most notable addition to the almost finalised list is the presence of two young names: Jofre Torrents, a promising left-back from La Masia, and Roony Bardghji, a “rough diamond” brought in from FC Copenhagen in the last transfer window. Giving the two youngsters a chance shows that Flick is not afraid to refresh the squad, but he is not easy to choose: they have to perform very well in training.

However, the opportunity is not open to everyone. Other young players - especially those who had a chance to play for the first team last season - will have to continue playing under Juliano Belletti at Barca Atletic, at least for the time being.

The final two spots on the 26-man squad are yet to be confirmed, and Flick will continue to monitor them closely before finalising the list. Among the “half-in, half-out” cases is goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who is still struggling with a back injury and is likely to miss the trip.

Also on the list is Marc Bernal, a young talent who has just returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and Oriol Romeu, who is almost no longer in the new coach's plans despite his loan having just expired.

Ter Stegen is no longer used by Barcelona.

Flick’s message is clear. He does not select players for their past, but for their future. Those who do not meet tactical, physical or attitude requirements will be eliminated – regardless of whether they are veterans or homegrown products.

It's a major change in approach for Barca, and could be the start of a new cycle - where competition and performance come first.

The Asian tour is more than just a series of commercial friendlies. For Flick, it is a chance to test, refine and build a permanent squad. And for the players, it is a stage to fight for a place in the starting line-up. No one can afford to be complacent – and no one is untouchable.

As early as July, Hansi Flick's reign began with determination and clarity. Barcelona is entering a new era - where every starting spot must be won with real sweat and effort.

Source: https://znews.vn/barcelona-thanh-loc-doi-hinh-post1569414.html