Barcelona Begin Pre-Season Push: World Cup Stars Return in Waves, Adeyemi Deal Confirmed

Barcelona returned to training on July 13, 2026, kicking off preparations for a La Liga season that starts later than usual because of World Cup scheduling. The club will see its international players filter back in stages over the coming weeks.

All Barcelona players at the World Cup get a guaranteed three-week break before returning—a rule that will stretch pre-season across several phases. Seven players were available for that first session: Wojciech Szczesny, Alejandro Balde, Andreas Christensen, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, Roony Bardghji and Fermin Lopez. Lopez was still recovering from a foot fracture that had ruled him out of the World Cup.

Thirteen Barcelona first-team players were called up for the World Cup, including new signing Anthony Gordon. They’ll return at different times. Ronald Araujo was expected back the week after July 13, since Uruguay exited in the group stage. Frenkie de Jong would follow, the Netherlands having been knocked out in the round of 32. Raphinha was due a few days after de Jong—Brazil lost to Norway in the last 16.

The longer a team stayed in the tournament, the longer the wait. Players who reached the semi-finals weren’t expected back until August 10. That list includes Anthony Gordon, Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Joan Garcia, Dani Olmo and Eric Garcia.

Pre-Season Schedule Takes Shape

Barcelona’s first pre-season outing is a closed-doors match against CE Europa on July 24. Next comes a training camp at St George’s Park from July 27 to August 3, with a friendly against Birmingham City at St Andrew’s on July 31.

A pre-season tournament in northern Italy with Udinese and Nottingham Forest will follow. The Joan Gamper Trophy—Barcelona’s traditional curtain-raiser—is set for August 19 at Camp Nou, one last test before the league begins.

The original La Liga kickoff was August 15-16 against Athletic Club. But on June 9, the league agreed to postpone opening fixtures for any team with a player in the World Cup semi-finals. Barcelona will start their title defence on August 22-23 away at Elche. Their third match comes August 29-30 at home to Rayo Vallecano.

Transfer Window Activity Accelerates

Karim Adeyemi is joining Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund for €22 million plus add-ons. Joao Cancelo is also close to a permanent move from Al Hilal.

The club is targeting Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez to bolster its attack. On the outgoing side, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is nearing a one-year loan move to Ajax.

Barcelona are willing to sell Marc Casado, the 22-year-old defender who saw limited action last season. Roony Bardghji is expected to leave, probably on loan. Ferran Torres, 25, is also available—selling him would help Barcelona avoid an extra payment to Manchester City.