Barcelona Begin Two‑Speed Pre‑Season as La Masia Steps Up

Overview

• Barcelona opened pre-season with medicals on July 13 and full training from July 14, starting a phased programme that separates available players from those still on international duty.
• The club confirmed World Cup participants will not rejoin for the opening sessions, forcing a two‑track preparation that prioritises load management when stars return.
• About 25 players reported for the first week, including roughly 10 first‑team names and a large group of La Masia prospects who have been invited to train with the senior squad.
• Barcelona have added pace to their forward options this summer with Anthony Gordon signed from Newcastle and a reported agreement for Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund as the team moves away from replacing Robert Lewandowski with a like‑for‑like centre‑forward.
• The early weeks and scheduled friendlies will be used to assess academy players, test how Gordon and Adeyemi fit into Flick’s system, and manage the staggered reintegration of returning internationals ahead of the competitive season.