In just over a month’s time, Barcelona will begin their pre-season games with a fixture against Vissel Kobe, quickly followed by two more against FC Seoul and Daegu.
As their main rivals domestically and in Europe toil in what looks like an ever more worthless Club World Cup, Barca’s stars can bask in their few weeks off to rest and recharge the batteries.
Though there’s a school of thought that the Catalan giants should really have been there, it will surely be seen to be to their absolute benefit as we go deeper into the 2025/26 season and their opponents begin to flounder.
It could become an even better season than Hansi Flick’s debut campaign, and whilst we know what many of his squad can bring to the table, who is going to be the breakout star over the next 12 months?
The player ready to help to propel them forward to even more success...
Marc Bernal
Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images
Marc Bernal’s 2024/25 campaign ended before it had even begun, the youngster snapping his anterior cruciate ligament as well as injury his outer meniscus at the end of August.
Having only just turned 18, Bernal, who has been compared to a young Sergio Busquets, is expected to be back for he start of the new campaign, and he will certainly hand Flick an option denied him throughout 24/25.
A calmness and a first touch that belies his tender years, Bernal could conceivably become Barca’s midfield mainstay for years to come.
It would shake things up a bit squad wise as Flick will need to decide who drops out to accommodate him, however, Bernal is far, far too good a defensive midfield talent to be sat on the bench for any longer than is necessary.
Joan Garcia
Rcd Espanyol V Fc Barcelona - La Liga Ea Sports Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images
The hype can begin to die a death now. As we close in on pre-season, Joan Garcia will be staking his claim to oust club captain, Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
It’s certainly a battle to set the pulses racing, particularly if the German really does refuse to leave before the transfer window closes.
Garcia comes very highly rated indeed, and was the keeper with the most saves in La Liga during 2024/25.
He’ll be under an altogether different pressure at Barca, however, and how he reacts to the same could author his entire season.
Gavi
Athletic Club v FC Barcelona - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
A stalwart before his own injury, Gavi has found it difficult to earn a starting spot under Hansi Flick.
In Gavi, Barca have a player that will give more than 100% every single week, and whilst his talent is still a little raw - even now - he is the type of player that every club needs.
Regardless of his seemingly telepathic relationship with Pedri, as a midfield disruptor there’s none finer.
To label him as just that, however, does him a disservice. He’s got Barca DNA... with a little bit extra thrown in.
It’s time to let him off the leash again.