Flick takes 17 Barcelona youth players to training camp in England

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Publication Date: 2026-07-29 07:14:01

Updated on: July 29, 2026 09:14 CEST

By Sergi de Juan AS Editor. Previously at L'ESPORTIU and SPORT. Covers Barça news.

Flick Brings 17 Youngsters to England Camp

Hansi Flick has decided to take all the young players who began preseason with the first team to the England training camp. The German coach opted not to make any cuts and has rewarded them with a stay at St George's Park, where it is highly likely that all of them will feature in the two upcoming matches.

• July 31: Open match against Birmingham
• August 3: Closed-door match against Preston North End

The 17 youngsters have traveled with tremendous enthusiasm, aiming to convince the Barça coach—who has always trusted homegrown talent—that they can be useful throughout the season or in the immediate future. Flick is reportedly thrilled with the level they have shown in the first two weeks of training in Barcelona.

Below, AS breaks down the prospects one by one.

Álvaro Cortés (21 years old)

Flick gave Cortés his official debut with the first team in the match against Alavés last season, where he left a very good impression. A center-back with good ball distribution and a certain toughness in his game, he is among the most experienced players in Barça Atlètic. At 21, he is already considered a "mature" player compared to his teammates.

Jofre Torrents (19)

Torrents already knows what it's like to play in the first division, having also been part of the tour of Japan and Korea last summer. A left-back with great range and a good foot, he is technically well-endowed and stands out more for his offensive profile than his defensive one. In principle, he should go out on loan to a first division team to continue gaining experience, as the reserve team is too small for him.

Jofre Torrents. FCB

Xavi Espart (19)

Espart was recently crowned champion of the U-19 European Championship. With Spain, he plays as a central midfielder—the position in which he was trained—but with the first team and depending on Barça Atlètic's needs, he has also played as a right-back. He possesses good tactical sense and great ability to combine. He debuted against Newcastle in the Champions League, showing great composure in high-pressure final minutes. He wants to earn a place in the first team, and Flick likes him, comparing him to Kimmich and Philipp Lahm.

Guille Fernández (18)

Despite being only 18, Guille Fernández's name has been associated with the first team for some time. This is his third preseason with the senior squad. He is a physically strong and highly skilled interior midfielder. Barcelona wants him to stay and extend his contract, though he has offers to leave. The Barça sporting directorate does not see a loan move as detrimental to his continued growth.

Toni Fernández (18)

Toni is Guille's cousin and another promise from the youth academy. He plays a bit further forward, in more offensive positions, and is fast and direct. His case is similar to his cousin's: if he does not have space in the first team, the best option is to find him a team elsewhere to gain minutes at the elite level. The reserve team is too small for both of them.

Brian Fariñas

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