Barça will head this Thursday to its Asian preseason tour. The team will play three friendly matches against Asian rivals, which will help fine-tune tactical details. For the German, it's an opportunity to solidify his playing philosophy, which is why he has made it clear to the sporting management that he wants the squad to be as finalized as possible.
Flick believes that preseason is not just physical preparation, but the real start of the season. Working with all the final players allows him to speed up the integration of new signings, clarify locker room roles, and reduce unnecessary distractions. For this reason, he has specifically requested that both arrivals and departures be on track before boarding for Asia.
Joan García and Rashford will be on the tour
The good news for Flick is that the two signings confirmed by Barça will already be available for the tour. Joan García has arrived with the label of starter to take Ter Stegen's place. His performance in the first training sessions has caused positive impressions, and the coaching staff expect a lot from him.
Marcus Rashford is also joining, on loan from Manchester United. Although the Englishman hasn't yet trained normally due to hamstring discomfort, he is expected to travel with the group. The club considers him a top-level reinforcement, arriving at no cost and with the potential to make a difference if he regains his best form.
Departures pending
However, not everything is finalized. The coach has also requested that the departures of several players he doesn't count on be solved before Thursday. Among them, three names stand out due to their delicate situation: Oriol Romeu, Pau Víctor, and Ter Stegen.
The first returns after his loan at Girona, but he isn't in Flick's plans. The second, who hasn't managed to convince, is also on the way out.
Ter Stegen's case is more complex. The German has been an important figure, but his performance has declined in recent seasons and his high salary represents an obstacle. Barça wants to find him a way out as soon as possible, while Flick prefers that he not be part of the trip to Asia if he isn't going to continue.
Iñaki Peña, another departure that must happen
In addition, another goalkeeper who could leave in the coming days is Iñaki Peña. The goalkeeper isn't counted on, and Hansi Flick has already communicated that he won't count on him for this season. Peña is considering different offers and the club hopes to finalize his departure soon.
With these decisions, Barça hopes to travel to Asia with a defined group and without uncertainties. Flick wants to start strong from day one, which will only be possible if he has the right players and no unnecessary burdens.