News Focus
- Hansi Flick will assess two young right-backs during Barcelona’s preseason training camp
- Jules Koundé faces an uncertain future after a disappointing season at Camp Nou
- Eric Garcia may switch from central defence to the right-back position next term
- Xavi Espart and Hector Fort are competing for one remaining squad place
- One youngster will stay with the senior team while the other exits, likely on loan
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is collaborating with Sporting Director Deco and President Joan Laporta to shape the club’s summer transfer plans. However, several key decisions will not happen until the squad returns for preseason training. The right-back role remains particularly unclear ahead of the new campaign.
Jules Koundé has struggled to meet expectations during the current season. The French defender has produced his weakest performances since arriving at the club, and the Catalan giants are now willing to consider bids for the former Sevilla man. Coaches are also considering a positional switch for Eric Garcia. The Spaniard may move from central defence to the right side of the backline, which would further limit opportunities for other players in that position.
Radio station Cadena SER reports that Flick will use the preseason period to judge both Xavi Espart and Hector Fort. The German coach must decide which of these academy graduates deserves a place in the first-team squad.
Fort has spent this term on loan at Elche in the Segunda División. He enjoyed reasonable success before a shoulder injury halted his progress midway through the spell. He has registered sixteen outings for the Valencian club, finding the net on three occasions and creating two goals for teammates. The defender wants to remain at Camp Nou next season, and ultimately, Flick will decide his fate. The club has also presented him to potential buyers, which could generate funds or help balance the books for other transfers.
Espart, meanwhile, has caught the eye during limited first-team appearances. He has featured mainly for Barça Atlètic, the club’s reserve side. Sources indicate that only one youngster will remain in the senior squad. Espart would probably depart on a temporary basis if he loses this battle.
Goalkeeper Iñaki Peña is also returning from his loan at Elche. He made sixteen appearances but lost his place to Matías Dituro in February. He is expected to seek a permanent move away this summer.
Barça Atlètic striker Hamza Abdelkarim, who arrived in January 2026, will also return. The Egyptian might join the senior squad for preseason preparation after earning a spot in his national team’s World Cup squad. Nevertheless, Barcelona will entertain offers for the forward during the transfer window.