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Barcelona is preparing for the 2025/26 season with a mixture of ambitious transfer moves, preseason fixtures, and significant off-field developments. The club’s preseason includes a three-game tour of the Far East in July, while competitive football will return to a newly renovated Camp Nou in September. Key fixtures early in the campaign feature LaLiga matches against Valencia, Getafe, Real Oviedo (marking Barcelona’s first trip there in 25 years), and Real Sociedad. Barcelona will also kick off their Champions League campaign in mid-September and host several significant home games at Camp Nou as construction wraps up[1].

In the transfer market, Barcelona’s priority has been squad reinforcement despite ongoing financial constraints. The club has completed the high-profile signing of goalkeeper Joan García from Espanyol for €25 million (£21.4m). García, who earned a spot in the 2024-25 LaLiga team of the season, is expected to compete for the starting role alongside Marc-André ter Stegen, raising questions about the latter’s future at the club[4][2]. Additionally, Barcelona is in advanced talks with Arsenal’s Thomas Partey, aiming to secure the Ghanaian midfielder on a free transfer. The club is also considering offensive reinforcements, with Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford listed as key targets for the left wing, fitting new coach Hansi Flick’s tactical plans[2].

Regarding departures, Barcelona recently sold left-back Álex Valle to Como for €6 million and has several other players, including Ansu Fati and Oriel Romeu, potentially leaving during the window. These moves are part of the club’s effort to balance the books and comply with financial fair play regulations[2][6].

The club’s most high-profile ongoing transfer saga concerns Nico Williams of Athletic Club. Barcelona has expressed willingness to activate his €58m release clause, but the deal is complicated by the club’s current salary cap issues, preventing a guarantee of player registration. Williams and his family are reportedly holding key meetings to decide on his future. The transfer may hinge on Barcelona’s financial maneuvers, such as securing new funding streams and offloading additional players[3].

Off the pitch, Barcelona recorded its hottest June in over a century, with temperatures hitting a record 37.9°C (100°F). The extreme weather has prompted health warnings across Europe and further highlights the city’s changing climate patterns[5].

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