The fate of six Barcelona players this summer following loan spells away from club | OneFootball

As Barcelona continue planning for the 2026/27 season, one of the biggest tasks facing the sporting department is deciding what to do with the players returning from loan spells.

Over the course of the 2025/26 campaign, as many as six first-team and academy players spent the season away from Spotify Camp Nou in search of minutes, development and a pathway back into the club’s plans. 

However, not everyone appears to have a realistic chance of earning a place under Hansi Flick next season.

With Barcelona looking to balance the squad, reduce wage commitments and continue building a competitive team around its young core, the future of these returning loanees could be decided quickly over the coming weeks.

Hector Fort

As reported before, among all six returning players, Hector Fort appears to have the strongest chance of remaining at Barcelona next season.

Hector Fort could stay at Barcelona. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The young right-back spent the campaign at Elche, where he gradually established himself as a regular starter after a difficult beginning. 

Although an injury disrupted his momentum, Barcelona remain convinced about his potential.

Notably, his future could depend on several factors, including the situation surrounding Jules Kounde and the role Hansi Flick envisions for other defensive options.

Ansu Fati

Ansu Fati has arguably enjoyed the most successful campaign of the group after rebuilding his confidence at Monaco. 

The forward scored 12 goals in 30 appearances and finally showed glimpses of the talent that once made him one of the brightest prospects in world football. 

However, those performances are expected to lead to a permanent stay in France rather than a Barcelona comeback, with Monaco prepared to activate their €11 million purchase option.

Marc-André ter Stegen

Ter Stegen is ready to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Marc-André ter Stegen’s situation has also taken a dramatic turn. 

After joining Girona on loan in January, another injury halted his season after just two appearances. 

As such, the German goalkeeper is open to finding a new club, while Barcelona are equally interested in removing one of the highest salaries from the wage bill. Ajax have already been linked with a potential move.

Aron Yaakobishvili

Aron Yaakobishvili remains a different type of case, as Barcelona view the young goalkeeper as a project for the future rather than a player ready to compete immediately. 

As reported before, the preferred option is another loan move where he can continue developing while remaining under Barcelona’s control.

Inaki Pena

Inaki Pena could leave too. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Like Ter Stegen, Inaki Pena’s future also appears to lie away from Barcelona. 

The goalkeeper featured regularly during his spell at Elche but is not expected to become part of Flick’s long-term plans. 

While he is likely to report for pre-season, the club is actively looking for a solution elsewhere.

Ander Astralaga

Finally, Ander Astralaga returns from Granada with uncertainty surrounding his future. 

His contract situation remains unresolved, although Barcelona hold an option to extend his deal. 

Whether that option is exercised could determine if the goalkeeper remains connected to the club or moves on permanently, potentially on a free transfer.