FC Barcelona News: July 9, 2025 — Joan Garcia Begins Training with Barça First Team as Marc Casadó Addresses Exit Rumors…read more…
As FC Barcelona’s preseason intensifies at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, two young players have captured the spotlight — newly signed goalkeeper Joan Garcia and homegrown midfielder Marc Casadó. With Joan Garcia making his first appearance in training since his summer move from Espanyol and Casadó addressing recent speculation about a possible departure, the buzz surrounding Barça’s evolving squad continues to grow.
Joan Garcia’s First Day in Training
On Tuesday morning, July 9, Joan Garcia stepped onto the Barça training grounds wearing Blaugrana colors for the first time. Signed in early July from city rivals RCD Espanyol, the 23-year-old goalkeeper was brought in to provide depth and long-term competition to Marc-André ter Stegen and Iñaki Peña. Known for his reflexes and strong distribution, Garcia has been on Barcelona’s radar for a few seasons.
“It’s a dream to be here,” Garcia said in a short statement after training. “Putting on this shirt and being part of this club is something I’ve worked towards since I was a child. I’m ready to learn from some of the best and contribute when called upon.”
Joan Garcia’s arrival marks a strategic move by Barcelona’s sporting department. With ter Stegen recovering from back surgery and expected to gradually return to full fitness by mid-August, Garcia is seen as both a short-term backup and long-term investment. Barcelona’s goalkeeping coach, José Ramón de la Fuente, reportedly pushed for his inclusion after studying his performances for Espanyol last season.
Sources within the club indicate that Garcia could start in at least one of the preseason friendlies scheduled for late July in the U.S. This would allow the coaching staff to assess how well he adapts to Barça’s possession-based system under Hansi Flick.
Marc Casadó Breaks Silence on Transfer Rumors
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding Marc Casadó’s future has been swirling over the past few weeks. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder and former captain of Barça Atlètic has been linked with a potential move to several La Liga clubs, including Real Betis and Girona, who are reportedly interested in giving him first-team minutes.
In a post-training interview with Barça TV, Casadó addressed the rumors directly.
“I’ve seen the stories and heard the talk, but I remain committed to FC Barcelona,” he stated. “This club has given me everything, and my goal is to keep working and prove I can play at the highest level here.”
Casadó, known for his tenacity and positional intelligence, was promoted to the first team last season but saw limited action due to the presence of Oriol Romeu and Andreas Christensen, who occasionally filled in defensive midfield duties. However, with the departure of Romeu this summer and Flick’s preference for high-pressing, mobile midfielders, Casadó’s profile might finally fit the system better.
Barcelona insiders suggest that Flick is interested in giving Casadó a fair chance during preseason. The German tactician, who is known for promoting youth at Bayern Munich, reportedly wants to see Casadó in action during the U.S. tour before making a final decision about his status in the squad.
“If Marc continues to impress, he could very well be part of the regular rotation,” a club source said. “The club won’t force him out unless the player himself feels a move is best for his development.”
The Bigger Picture
Barça’s preseason is not only about welcoming new arrivals or addressing departures; it’s about shaping the identity of the 2025–26 squad under Flick’s leadership. Hansi Flick is said to be closely monitoring player adaptability, fitness levels, and mental resilience. Players like Joan Garcia and Casadó have a chance to rewrite their narratives in a squad that is undergoing significant transformation.
With budget restrictions limiting blockbuster signings, Barcelona are turning inward, banking on La Masia talents and smart acquisitions like Garcia. This makes every preseason training session and friendly even more crucial.
The club’s preseason tour begins in earnest with matches against Chelsea, Club América, and Inter Miami in the United States. These games will offer Flick and his staff the opportunity to observe players like Garcia and Casadó in competitive situations.
What the Fans Are Saying
Fans have taken to social media to welcome Joan Garcia, with many impressed by his humility and sharp reflexes. “Finally, a proper backup with La Liga experience!” tweeted one supporter, while others praised his ability to play out from the back — a key trait in Barcelona’s system.
As for Casadó, there’s a growing chorus urging the club to retain him. “He’s got the DNA, he bleeds Blaugrana,” one popular fan account posted. “Give him his shot!”
Final Thoughts
As Joan Garcia begins his journey at FC Barcelona and Marc Casadó fights to stay in the team’s plans, the club finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. Balancing youth development, financial stability, and competitive success is never easy — but for Barcelona, it’s a necessity.
With preseason just getting underway and a long campaign ahead, these early signs are encouraging. Garcia brings composure between the posts, while Casadó embodies the spirit of La Masia. Both may not be the marquee names on headlines across Europe, but their roles could prove just as vital when the season kicks off in August.
If they seize the moment, Joan Garcia and Marc Casadó could become key pieces of the new era at FC Barcelona — one defined not just by stars, but by the st
rength of its system and the belief in its own.
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