As the 2025/26 season edges closer, FC Barcelona are racing against the clock to sort out a host of internal issues before their squad can be officially unveiled.
Hansi Flick has already wrapped up the bulk of pre-season, with the Joan Gamper Trophy looming on August 10 — the traditional moment when the squad is introduced to fans, and shirt numbers are formally revealed.
However, despite progress in some areas, the Catalan giants remain bogged down by a range of challenges, from financial restrictions under La Liga’s 1:1 rule to unresolved player registration matters.
At the centre of the administrative storm is Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has reportedly refused to sign off on his medical report, delaying his registration and throwing the goalkeeping pecking order into confusion.
This situation directly affects Joan Garcia, who wore the No.1 shirt during pre-season in Asia while Ter Stegen recovered from injury, as per the Daily Mail.
With the German stopper still expected to stay at the club, Joan Garcia will be forced to switch numbers — possibly to No.12 or No.13, the latter depending on Iñaki Peña’s future.
Elsewhere, decisions are starting to take shape.
New marquee signing Marcus Rashford has been handed the No.14 shirt, while Wojciech Szczesny will wear No.25 after joining from Juventus.
Two highly rated youth prospects, Gerard Martin and Marc Bernal, are set to be officially promoted to the first team.
Martin is expected to take the No.18 jersey, paying homage to his idol Jordi Alba, while Bernal’s number remains unconfirmed but will be announced before the Gamper clash.
Another potential twist involves Roony Bardghji, who could start the campaign under a reserve-team contract.
However, if Barcelona create enough salary margin after the major registrations, he could be bumped up to the first team and take the No.19 shirt, which he has already worn in early pre-season cameos.
The club’s aim is to finalise and register all players before Sunday’s fixture, with the full squad list expected to be unveiled in the coming days.
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