Four Crucial Questions That Will Define Barcelona's 2026–27 Season

Barcelona's La Liga title defense gets underway this weekend, but the reigning Spanish champions face a significant challenge if they hope to secure a third consecutive league crown.

Since Hansi Flick's arrival in Catalonia, Barcelona have been the dominant force in Spanish football. The German tactician transformed a largely inexperienced, youthful squad into back-to-back La Liga champions, while also adding two Spanish Super Cups and a Copa del Rey trophy to the cabinet.

Such sustained domestic dominance makes Flick's side the frontrunners to retain their standing as Spain's premier club. However, a turbulent summer transfer window has left the Catalans with several pressing questions heading into the 2026–27 campaign.

To compound the situation, some of those questions carry urgent deadlines that draw nearer with every passing day, leaving Barcelona in a frantic race against time to address critical concerns.

Who Will Start at Striker?

It's a question that has overshadowed Barcelona's entire summer. The club parted ways with Robert Lewandowski at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season and subsequently lost Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain.

Now bereft of a natural center forward, Flick must think outside the box. The pursuit of Julián Alvarez appears to have stalled, while reported alternative Lautaro Martínez is said to be unavailable for transfer.

New arrivals Anthony Gordon or Karim Adeyemi may be asked to lead the attack despite being more naturally suited to wide positions. Raphinha or even Lamine Yamal could be deployed as a false nine, though neither represents a sustainable long-term fix.

Flick could also place his faith in 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim, who netted four goals during preseason, though his future most likely lies with reserve side Barcelona Atlètic.

All attention will be fixed on Flick's starting lineup for Sunday's clash with Elche. His selection could set the tone for the entire season if the club fails to bring in a striker before the transfer deadline.

Is Rodri the Key to Champions League Success?

Barcelona sent shockwaves through European football this summer when they snatched Rodri from under Real Madrid's nose. The Catalans secured the newly crowned World Cup winner on a deal running until 2030, worth up to $87.8 million (€76.5 million).

Adding Rodri to an already formidable midfield unit makes Spain's finest engine room even more potent. The former Manchester City stalwart is widely regarded as the world's best No. 6 and will now operate alongside Pedri, who gains the freedom to roam with Rodri anchoring the midfield.

Barcelona likely could have retained the La Liga title without Rodri — they managed it the previous two seasons in his absence — but his presence could prove decisive in their quest to finally go deep in Europe.

The defending Spanish champions have not reached a Champions League final since 2014–15, a drought that Rodri's quality could help end — provided he remains fit.

When Will New Signings Be Registered?

It feels like a recurring theme, with yet another summer dominated by discussions over when Barcelona will officially register their new recruits. Despite the season being just days away, Rodri, Gordon, Adeyemi and João Cancelo have yet to be formally enrolled.

A repeat of the Dani Olmo saga from two years ago would be catastrophic for the club. It took weeks and an injury to Andreas Christensen before Olmo was finally cleared to feature in La Liga.

Reports from Spain suggest Barcelona should encounter few obstacles in registering Rodri, Gordon and Adeyemi ahead of Sunday's league opener, now that the club has returned to compliance with La Liga's 1:1 financial fair play rules. Cancelo, however, may require additional time to be processed.

Until all documentation is submitted and confirmed, supporters will be anxiously waiting for the new arrivals to officially become eligible for selection.

Can Barcelona Defend Their La Liga Title ... Again?

Barcelona successfully unseated Real Madrid in 2024–25 before retaining the Spanish title in 2025–26. Last season's triumph was rarely in doubt once the new year arrived; the Catalans dropped points in just four matches after January, and two of those came after the title had already been clinched.

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Flick's side now have their sights set on a third straight La Liga crown — a feat last achieved 15 years ago. Barcelona topped the Spanish top-flight in 2008–09, 2009–10 and 2010–11.

That historic treble, accomplished under Pep Guardiola, remains the only instance of any club completing a La Liga three-peat in the 21st century.

History may not favor the Catalans, but Flick's squad has shown a remarkable knack for rewriting it.