Barcelona begin their 2026-27 preseason against Birmingham City as transfer activity continues, with Atlético Madrid challenging the club’s pursuit of Julián Álvarez.
SPAIN | By Sayer Zaland
FC Barcelona will begin their 2026-27 preseason campaign with a friendly against Birmingham City on Friday, as preparations for the new season continue alongside several key developments in the transfer market.
The squad completed a double training session at St George’s Park in England, with Brazilian winger Raphinha joining the team after linking up with the preseason camp earlier this week.
The club also announced that the Barça Foundation logo will appear on the back of the men’s first-team shirt for the first time during the preseason opener, highlighting an initiative promoting the club’s social responsibility efforts through sport.
Off the pitch, Barcelona remain at the center of transfer discussions. According to Spanish media, Atlético Madrid has lodged a complaint regarding Barcelona’s pursuit of Argentine forward Julián Álvarez. However, club officials reportedly believe they have acted within the regulations and plan to continue their approach.
Meanwhile, German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is expected to leave the training camp to complete a move to Ajax, while negotiations continue over João Cancelo’s proposed transfer to Saudi club Al-Hilal.
Barcelona have also re-registered young full-back Héctor Fort following his loan spell at Elche and continue negotiations with Racing Santander over defender Salinas, although the two clubs remain apart on the transfer fee.
Elsewhere, reports indicate that Barcelona retain a financial interest in former winger Abde, who has attracted attention from Italian side Roma, while the club decided not to activate the option to permanently sign Marcus Rashford following his loan spell.
Barcelona’s preseason opener against Birmingham City marks the beginning of the club’s preparations for the new campaign as both on-field training and transfer activity continue.
