Barcelona youngster called up to first-team preseason as Flick prepares for new campaign | OneFootball

Barcelona’s 2026-27 preseason is set to begin on July 13 at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

As expected, Hansi Flick is once again planning to use the occasion as an opportunity to assess the club’s most promising young talents.

According to The Telegraph (h/t Mundo Deportivo), striker Shane Kluivert is among those who have received a call-up message, with the youngster summoned to join the first team for the start of preseason.

Whether he will travel with the squad to the training camp at St George’s Park in England will depend on Flick’s assessment during the initial sessions.

A bumper crop of La Masia talent

Kluivert might get a chance to impress in pre-season. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The number of academy players involved in preseason this summer is expected to be higher than usual, largely due to the World Cup and the extended holidays that follow for international players.

In defence, Alvaro Cortes is among those best positioned to feature, having already earned first-team minutes during the past season.

Xavi Espart and Jofre Torrents, two of the most highly regarded young defenders in the academy, are also expected to be included.

In midfield and attack, Guille Fernandez, Toni Fernandez, Juan Hernandez and Tommy Marques are all considered near-certainties to be part of the group, having been on Flick’s radar for months as players ready to take the next step.

A crucial showcase

Several La Masia products will be in focus this pre-season. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

Preseason will once again serve as a key evaluation period for La Masia’s rising generation.

Flick will use the weeks at the Ciutat Esportiva and at St George’s Park to determine which youngsters are ready to push for a first-team role and which will continue their development with Barca Atletic.

For Kluivert and the others, it represents a significant opportunity.