Hansi Flick says he’ll “miss” Marcus Rashford after sending the on-loan ahead again to Manchester United and signing Anthony Gordon to exchange the England worldwide.
Rashford helped Barca win La Liga final season, contributing 14 targets and 11 assists in 49 appearances earlier than the Spanish aspect determined in opposition to paying a payment of round £30 million to maintain him completely.
“I actually admire having labored with him,” mentioned Flick (by way of Marca), who purchased Three Lions winger Gordon for £69.3m from Newcastle in Could.
“Loans don’t at all times result in everlasting transfers. I’m grateful for his work. I’ll miss him. However Anthony Gordon has arrived and he’s very eager to begin working with us.”
Barcelona signings: Flick ‘proud of the staff’
Karim Adeyemi made his non-competitive Barca debut by taking part in the primary 45 minutes of their first pre-season pleasant at English second-tier membership Birmingham Metropolis on Friday.
The Germany ahead arrived for £18.8m from Borussia Dortmund this month however was overshadowed by 18-year-old Egypt worldwide Hamza Abdelkarim, who scored twice in Barca’s 2-2 draw earlier than they had been overwhelmed 3-2 on penalties.
“He has quite a lot of potential however he has issues to enhance,” Flick mentioned of 24-year-old Adeyemi. “He’s solely had per week of coaching. He can provide us lots.
“[Abdelkarim’s] very humble, has a very good character and quite a lot of potential. He’s a striker and is well-positioned within the field. He’s very conscious of the world, which is what I ask of a quantity 9.”
Flick was non-committal when he was requested concerning the prospect of Barca signing a striker. “I’m targeted on the staff I’ve,” he replied.
“I don’t speak about those that aren’t right here. Now we have massive targets this season, as at all times, and I’m proud of the staff.
“What’s necessary is the staff, the mentality, the angle.”
Birmingham Metropolis vs Barcelona
Abdelkarim initially equalised by changing a Forty first-minute penalty after being fouled by Christoph Klarer.
Birmingham had taken the lead within the thirty first minute when August Priske headed in Alex Cochrane’s cross however Abdelkarim turned the scoreline round quarter-hour after half-time, sweeping in from shut vary when goalkeeper James Beadle spilled Roony Bardghji’s long-range effort.
Barcelona’s second aim was a deserved one on the stability of play and Birmingham, who’re co-owned by NFL icon Tom Brady, responded admirably to regain management and equalise by new £6 million signing Jhon Solis’ end from Christoph Klarer’s header.
Cochrane went closest to a winner by arrowing a drive in opposition to the highest of the crossbar earlier than Jack Robinson cleared Alex Gonzalez’s shot off the road through the closing phases.
Beadle made an excellent double save throughout added time, springing to both aspect of his line to repel strikes by the spectacular Roony Bardghji and Gonzalez, then made two saves in his staff’s 3-2 shootout win.
What’s subsequent for Barcelona?
Barca, who started their pre-season schedule with out their World Cup stars at a sold-out stadium, face a membership in Birmingham’s division after they meet Preston North Finish behind closed doorways on Monday,
Spain gamers and newly-crowned world champions Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Joan Garcia, Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, Dani Olmo and Pedri are among the many stars absent from their journey.
Birmingham journey to fellow Championship membership Swansea Metropolis within the EFL Cup first spherical on August 8 (15:00 BST).
Barcelona staff vs Birmingham Metropolis
Alejandro Balde was on the bench because the left-back continued his damage comeback and winger Raphinha has taken half in particular person classes this week following an injury-hit 2025/26 and World Cup with Brazil.
Frenkie de Jong was not concerned however has travelled with Barcelona and labored within the health club because the midfielder continues his restoration from a critical knee damage.
Barcelona beginning XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Xavi Espart, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin, Jofre Torrents, Marc Casado, Ebrima Tunkara, Marc Bernal, Karim Adeyemi, Hamza Abdelkarim, Shane Kluivert
Barcelona substitutes: Hector Fort, Alejandro Balde, Ronald Araujo, Alvaro Cortes, Guille Fernandez, Brian Farinas, Tommy Marques, Raphinha, Roony Bardghji, Toni Fernandez, Fermin Lopez, Jordi Pesquer, Iker Rodriguez, Ibrahim Diarra, Oscar Gistau, Orian Goren, Aron Yaakobishvili, Alex Gonzalez
