As FC Barcelona gears up for their pre-season tour of Asia, manager Hansi Flick faces the daunting task of trimming his squad to a lean 26 players, a decision that underscores his strategic vision for the upcoming campaign.
With no major international tournaments this summer, Flick has the luxury of a full-strength squad from day one, allowing him to focus on integrating young talents while making tough calls on veterans.
The pre-season tour, featuring friendlies in Japan and South Korea, is a critical opportunity to set the tone for the season, but not all senior players will be on the plane.
This move highlights Flick’s intent to balance experience with youth, prioritizing players who align with his long-term plans while addressing the club’s need for squad depth.
The two players excluded from the tour are Pau Victor and Oriol Romeu, as reported by Jijantes FC.
Pau Victor, a young forward, has attracted interest from Valencia, and his future at Barcelona remains uncertain as discussions continue.
Oriol Romeu, a seasoned midfielder, has been out of favor for some time, having spent last season on loan at Girona with limited impact.
Both Valencia and Girona are reportedly interested in Romeu, and Barcelona is open to a transfer or even a mutual contract termination to facilitate his departure.
These decisions reflect Flick’s pragmatic approach, as he aims to streamline the squad and create opportunities for emerging stars like Jofre Torrents, Pedro Fernandez ‘Dro’, and new signing Roony Bardghji, all of whom are confirmed to travel.
Flick’s choices signal a shift toward a more dynamic and youthful squad, with the German coach clearly prioritizing players who fit his tactical vision.
The exclusion of these two stars, while tough, is a strategic move to ensure Barcelona’s competitiveness in a demanding season.
As the team prepares to face Vissel Kobe, FC Seoul, and Daegu FC, Flick’s selections will be closely watched, setting the stage for a transformative campaign
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