Three Barcelona Stars Face Make-or-Break Pre-Season to Secure Their Future
Barcelona commenced their pre-season training sessions this week as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting 2025–26 campaign.
After enduring a season without silverware, Barcelona achieved their first-ever domestic treble under Hansi Flick's inaugural year at the helm. For the first time since Lionel Messi's departure, Barça have emerged as a formidable force that commands respect throughout Europe, with expectations now set on competing for all major honors in the upcoming season.
However, the summer period in Barcelona has presented challenges. The club's ongoing financial constraints have significantly limited their capacity to provide Flick with new signings for the coming season. Nevertheless, this remains a squad abundant in quality. In fact, numerous positional competitions are developing that promise to be particularly compelling.
While certain starters seem guaranteed, other squad members must capitalize on the pre-season tour to make an impression on Flick and secure a significant role for next season. Meanwhile, some players need to demonstrate their value to avoid being transferred during the remaining transfer period.
Here are three Barcelona squad members who deserve particular attention throughout pre-season.
Andreas Christensen
It's widely understood that Andreas Christensen's Barcelona future will likely be determined within the coming month. His continuation or departure hinges significantly on his pre-season displays.
Barcelona presently possess five central defenders in their roster, excluding Jules Koundé. Last season, Flick chose to retain all five considering both Christensen and Ronald Araújo began the campaign recovering from injuries. With all central defenders now fit, at least one becomes surplus to requirements.
Christensen enters his final contract year. Following a campaign where he missed over 40 matches due to injury, he might be considered dispensable, with Barcelona potentially seeking to profit from the former Chelsea defender.
Despite his injury-plagued season, Christensen appeared in five of Barcelona's final seven matches, including two starting appearances. While his displays weren't exceptional, he appeared superior to club vice-captain Araújo.
The Danish international has expressed his intention to fulfill his Barça contract. For this to materialize, he requires a strong, injury-free pre-season that persuades Flick of his indispensability. Should Christensen demonstrate his peak form, he could climb the center-back hierarchy, potentially forcing the club to consider releasing their vice-captain.
Gavi
Twelve months ago, Gavi remained deep in rehabilitation from an ACL injury sustained in November 2023. Now fully recovered, the 20-year-old seeks to secure a more substantial role in Flick's lineup.
Gavi resumed playing in October last year and featured in 42 matches for Barcelona during the previous season. Despite numerous appearances, Gavi only started 15 games across all competitions and accumulated nearly 2,000 fewer minutes compared to his 49 appearances in 2022–23.
His intensity, energy, and relentless off-ball movement were evident, but the young midfielder struggled to create meaningful impact when in possession.
Since his teenage breakthrough in 2021, Gavi primarily operated as one half of a midfield partnership. Conversely, Flick utilized him almost exclusively as an attacking midfielder last season, frequently relying on his pressing intensity to compensate for Robert Lewandowski's limited defensive contribution.
However, Gavi excels when given additional operating space with the entire field ahead of him. Pre-season provides the ideal opportunity for Flick to evaluate the Spanish international in his preferred position.
If Gavi eliminates any remaining rustiness and rediscovers his optimal form, he could potentially displace either Dani Olmo or Frenkie de Jong from the starting lineup when the season commences.
Marc Bernal
Beyond potential transfer activity, few Barcelona narratives entering the season are more significant than La Masia prospect Marc Bernal's fitness condition.
The most encouraging development from Barcelona's opening pre-season training week was Bernal participating in complete team sessions nearly 11 months after suffering an ACL tear just three games into the season.
The 18-year-old midfielder so impressed Flick last summer that the German manager decided against pursuing additional midfield reinforcements despite injuries to both Gavi and De Jong. Bernal started Barça's opening three 2024–25 fixtures and appeared destined to partner Pedri in the midfield partnership.
Marc Casadó's breakthrough campaign might never have materialized without Bernal's injury. Now, the teenager approaches his return to action.
Bernal has frequently drawn comparisons to Sergio Busquets due to his natural physical qualities that complement his technical ability perfectly. He represents the archetypal La Masia central midfielder, an intelligent orchestrator capable of controlling matches from deep positions with virtually every passing technique available.
Flick will exercise caution with Bernal and won't risk him in matches until receiving complete medical clearance, making his pre-season game appearances doubtful. Nevertheless, his training displays during the season preparation and his physical response will determine his return timeline once the campaign begins.
All attention will focus on Bernal's development over the next month to assess when his season debut might occur. When it happens, he could prove to be Barcelona's most valuable addition for 2025–26.
It's noteworthy that Bernal captained the La Masia generation that also featured both Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal.