Flick Set to Shake Up Barcelona Squad Against FC Seoul with Major Lineup Overhaul
Barcelona return to the pitch as they take on FC Seoul in their second match of the Asian preseason campaign on Thursday, July 31.
Hansi Flick's squad kicked off their pre-season preparations with an impressive win over Vissel Kobe. The Catalan club controlled the match throughout and will aim to maintain their momentum in the South Korean capital.
The clash against Vissel Kobe featured numerous standout individual displays, with Barcelona supporters thrilled to witness new acquisitions Joan García, Roony Bardghji and Marcus Rashford make their first appearances in Blaugrana colors. Multiple promising La Masia academy graduates who traveled with the senior squad also delivered noteworthy performances.
Flick is expected to make substantial changes to his starting eleven against FC Seoul. Various players who were regular starters last campaign didn't begin the Vissel Kobe encounter and may earn starting positions this time.
With Barcelona's 2025–26 La Liga opener approaching in under three weeks, Flick must continue evaluating his roster depth, providing each player an opportunity to demonstrate their worthiness for a key role when the new season commences.
Here's how Barcelona might set up against FC Seoul.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. FC Seoul (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—García retains his spot between the posts as he works to develop understanding with his defensive teammates, given his expected role as first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming campaign.
RB: Jule Koundé—Just days before finalizing a contract extension, Koundé will make his first start since the opening leg of the Champions League semifinals against Inter Milan.
CB: Ronald Araújo—Araújo steps in to replace Pau Cubarsí in the starting formation. Strong preseason showings are crucial for Araújo, or questions about his future may intensify further.
CB: Iñigo Martínez—The Basque center-back has established himself as Barcelona's defensive leader and has mastered Flick's high defensive line approach.
LB: Alejandro Balde—Health permitting, Balde has the opportunity to establish himself among the world's elite left-backs next season.
CM: Frenkie de Jong—The Netherlands international was outstanding during the latter half of 2024–25 and may be next in line for a contract renewal at Barcelona.
CM: Pedri—Pedri will join De Jong in the central midfield duo as they rebuild the partnership that made Barcelona nearly unstoppable in domestic competition since early 2025.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Barcelona's new number 10 appeared off the pace in their opening preseason fixture, so he'll seek an improved showing against FC Seoul.
AM: Dani Olmo—Olmo takes the advanced midfield position. While solid since his Barcelona arrival last summer, persistent injury problems hampered his inaugural campaign. Continued fitness concerns could threaten his starting status as the season progresses.
LW: Raphinha—The Brazilian winger starts again after wearing the captain's armband in the previous match, sporting a style that evoked memories of Ronaldinho's iconic look during his Barcelona tenure.
ST: Robert Lewandowski—The Polish forward makes his preseason debut as he targets another 40-goal campaign.