FC Barcelona's preseason begins with surprises

No Nico? No problem. FC Barcelona has turned the page with a surprise Marcus Rashford signing and a goal-packed start to preseason, beating FC Seoul 7-3 on their second match on their Asian tour.
FC Barcelona v FC Seoul - Preseason Friendly
FC Barcelona v FC Seoul - Preseason Friendly | Chung Sung-Jun/GettyImages

The 2025/26 season has officially begun for FC Barcelona and has brought with it surprises. The Blaugrana club kicked off their preseason tour in Asia with their first win against Vissel Kobe and a recent dominant 7-3 win over FC Seoul, demonstrating that Flick's work with the squad didn't end last season and it's already promising good things for this new season in La Liga.

FC Barcelona is now looking ahead to their next opponent, Daegu FC before returning to Spain for the Joan Gamper Trophy against Italian club, Como.

Beyond the commanding scorelines, certain stories have emerged from the individual performances and tactical shifts. Young talents are seizing their opportunities, new signings are integrating seamlessly, and some established stars are showcasing renewed vigor under Hansi Flick's tutelage. These early matches, though friendlies, suggest a dynamic and aggressive Barcelona ready to challenge on all fronts, providing a thrilling preview for fans eager to see the team back at its competitive best.

These positives are certainly taking the lights off the negative transfer stories which dominated the early part of the summer.

There have been many eyes on the transfer market, especially after yet another failed attempt to sign Nico Williams. For the second summer in a row, negotiations with Athletic Club broke down, and this time, FC Barcelona have decided to walk away for good from the deal. The club has closed the chapter on Nico, as they won't try to sign him again.

In an unexpected move, Barcelona turned to Marcus Rashford. The English forward, arriving from Manchester United on a season long-loan with an option to buy him, is seen as a player who can add pace, versatility and experience. While not the original target that everyone thought at the beginning, Rashford's arrival has brought excitement and raised hopes for a revitalized frontline.

Marcus Rashford
FC Barcelona Unveil New Signing Marcus Rashford | David Ramos/GettyImages

The 2025/26 season is just starting, but it can already be seen a team that's eager to win many titles in Spanish and European competitions.