Due to the 2026 World Cup, it’s expected that Barcelona will have a reduced group of first team players at the start of pre-season in mid-July. But that is good news for the club’s endless pool of young talent, as they will have the chance to impress head coach Hansi Flick.
Flick has regularly taken a keen interest in the players coming through La Masia, and for the 2026-27 season, there could be more first team promotions on the cards. One of those in contention is attacking midfielder Guille Fernandez, who was in-and-around the senior setup at various stages during the recently-finished campaign.
Fernandez is rated very highly within Barcelona, but his pathway to the first team has been blocked by the likes of Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo. But he could find himself more involved next season, with MD reporting that Flick intends to run the rule over the teenager when the Catalans return for pre-season next month.
Before that, Barcelona will look to agree a new contract with Fernandez, whose current deal ends in 2027. They want to stop any clubs from poaching him, which is possible given that several sides have been following him over the last 12 months. Once that is settled, he will be under the orders of Flick, who will be the one to decide whether he sticks around in the first team.
Loan will be sought if Flick decides against promotion
Image via FC Barcelona
If Flick decides that Fernandez is not yet ready to take on a more prominent role, a loan move will be sought. Barcelona are keen for the young midfielder to play at a higher level this season, rather than continue with Barca Atletic in the fourth tier of Spanish football.
Fernandez is aware that he has the backing of Flick and the Barcelona hierarchy, but now, he must prove himself. He will hope to follow in the footsteps of someone like Marc Bernal, who made his senior Spain debut earlier this week.