Two potential debuts for Barcelona against Real Mallorca

Barcelona have a long history of integrating new signings and La Masia talents into the first team as soon as possible. The season opener against Real Mallorca offers Hansi Flick the perfect chance to hand out debuts, and we predict two stars will finally be unveiled as full-fledged Blaugrana.

However, it all hinges on one crucial factor, whether Barcelona can register their summer arrivals. Financial struggles have hampered their ability to do so for the past two years, with last season’s Dani Olmo saga serving as a cautionary tale. That same uncertainty likely influenced Nico Williams’ decision to remain at Athletic Bilbao.

Joan Garcia

A key step in resolving Barcelona's registration crisis appears to have been taken, and it directly relates to goalkeeper Joan García. His signing created a complex situation, especially with the public drama surrounding Marc-André ter Stegen’s medical report. However, the German goalkeeper’s medical report has now been accepted by La Liga, which frees up a significant portion of his salary for the signing from Espanyol. This move brings the club much closer to achieving the crucial 1:1 financial fair play ratio, and reports suggest that the registration of all new signings is now on track to be completed before the fixture on Saturday.

This progress means the much-anticipated debut of García is set to happen. As the intended new number one, he is expected to be in between the sticks for the start of the season. His technical ability with his feet is a key reason for his signing, perfectly suiting Barcelona’s style of play. Fans have already seen his impressive shot-stopping ability in pre-season friendlies, particularly in the game against Como 1907, and the hope is that he can carry that form into the competitive season.

Marcus Rashford

With Barcelona facing a striker crisis due to Robert Lewandowski’s absence with a hamstring injury, the club’s new English forward Marcus Rashford is in a strong position to make an immediate impact. However, he is not expected to start the season opener against Real Mallorca, with Ferran Torres likely to be given the nod as the central forward.

Rashford’s debut, and that of fellow new signing Roony Bardghji, hinges on the club’s ongoing registration efforts. While a resolution is a race against time, the successful registration of goalkeeper Joan García could be the positive domino that allows both forwards to be registered. Regardless of whether he starts, Rashford is expected to be a crucial weapon from the bench. He is a prime candidate to be introduced in the second half for Torres, bringing a renewed intensity and fresh pressing to the forward line as the game wears on. With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha expected to play the full 90 minutes on the wings, Rashford’s fresh legs and blistering pace through the middle will be a crucial asset in breaking down a tiring opposition defense.