As the countdown to the 2025/26 La Liga season intensifies, Barcelona’s squad registration on the official LaLiga website has sparked intrigue and raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
The club is currently navigating a tense and delicate phase, juggling player injuries, contract disputes, and the integration of youth prospects into a squad hungry for success.
Recent developments suggest that Barcelona’s dressing room is undergoing a subtle but significant reshuffle, with decisions around squad numbers offering a window into the club’s evolving priorities under manager Hansi Flick.
The new season promises fresh challenges, and how Barcelona manage their squad list could prove pivotal in their bid to challenge on multiple fronts.
One of the updates is the absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s name and shirt number from the official registration list.
The German goalkeeper remains embroiled in a standoff with the club after refusing to approve his medical report following surgery.
This impasse has created friction behind the scenes, with uncertainty surrounding Ter Stegen’s long-term injury and his future at the club.
Whether this omission signals a deeper strategy by Barcelona or simply reflects ongoing injury complications remains unclear.
Meanwhile, in a bold move signalling trust in the younger generation, Barcelona have reassigned the iconic number 5 shirt to Pau Cubarsi, as shown on the official La Liga website.
The young defender’s elevation to this number, previously worn by Inigo Martinez who is set to leave for Al-Nassr, highlights the club’s plans to promote fresh talent and rebuild the squad’s defensive backbone.
Pau Cubarsi registration and shirt number signal that he is viewed as a key figure in Barcelona’s future defensive plans.
Other notable registration absences include key signings Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford, alongside Wojciech Szczesny, who has yet to be re-registered despite his contract renewal.
Rising stars Gerard Martin and Marc Bernal are also missing from the official list.
At present, Barcelona have only 17 players registered — the bare minimum to start the league campaign.
Unless the club expedites further registrations, manager Hansi Flick could face a shortage of available players early in the season, complicating his efforts to build momentum and mount a serious challenge.
This squad shuffle is a clear indication that Barcelona are not just managing players but actively reshaping the team’s identity ahead of a crucial campaign.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
