Barcelona cut three youngsters from first-team squad, return to Barca Athlet

🔵🔴 Barcelona Preseason Update: Flick Trims Youth Ranks, Confirms Squad for Asia Tour

By Landry Farre | Barcelona

Barcelona will resume preseason training on Tuesday with a double session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, but head coach Hansi Flick has made notable adjustments to the group — including releasing three youth players back to Barça Atlètic.

The club confirmed that Jan Virgili, Landry Farre, and Juan Hernandez, who had been training with the senior squad during the opening week, have now returned to the reserve side under the direction of Juliano Belletti for the remainder of the preseason.

While their time with the first team was brief, other young talents have left a stronger impression. Guillermo Fernandez, Toni Fernandez, Jofre Torrents, Dro Fernandez, and new arrival Roony Bardghji have all impressed Flick during the initial sessions and are expected to be part of the squad traveling to Japan and South Korea for Barça’s upcoming summer tour.

🇲🇱 Diarra Injured, Ruled Out of Tour

In less positive news, promising midfielder Ibrahim Diarra has been ruled out of the Asia tour after suffering a muscle tear in his right thigh during training on Saturday. The Malian youngster will stay in Barcelona to undergo treatment and begin rehabilitation. A return timeline has not yet been provided.

🗣️ Cruyff on Yamal: “He Wasn’t Protected”

Meanwhile, former sporting director Jordi Cruyff has offered insight into why the club delayed Lamine Yamal’s debut under Xavi last season, revealing that internal discussions led to caution.

“He wasn’t protected. Xavi wanted to play him earlier, but the club intervened,” Cruyff explained.
“The environment wasn’t ready — not the squad, not the system, not even the media narrative. We had to wait to ensure he had the right support.”

Yamal eventually debuted to much acclaim and is now widely viewed as one of the brightest young stars in world football.

⚽ What’s Next?

With Flick beginning to shape his squad ahead of the new campaign, all eyes will be on the Asia tour to assess how both new signings and emerging academy players perform in competitive preseason fixtures. Barcelona’s ambition is clear: rebuild with youth, intensity, and a winning identity.