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Summary
FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is poised to integrate La Masia graduate Xavi Espart as a key midfielder for the upcoming 2026/2027 season. Espart, from the talented Class of 2007, debuted in 2025/2026, initially in defense. However, his natural midfield position and Flick’s vision for him as a versatile player, akin to Philip Lahm, have led to his transition to midfield during preseason, where he has delivered impressive performances. With Pedri and new signing Rodri sidelined by injuries, Espart has a strong chance to start Barcelona’s season opener against Elche. This could mark a historic moment, potentially seeing Espart start alongside fellow 2007 graduates Lamine Yamal and Marc Bernal, and possibly Pau Cubarsi, underscoring La Masia’s continued influence.
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick looks to have effectively signed a new midfielder for his team’s upcoming 2026/2027 campaign, which kicks off with an away trip to Elche on Sunday night in Spain.
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick looks to have effectively signed a new midfielder for his team’s upcoming 2026/2027 campaign, which kicks off with an away trip to Elche on Sunday night in Spain.
In 2025/2026, where Barca retained the La Liga
In 2025/2026, where Barca retained the La Liga title, Flick promoted another promising graduate of La Masia’s gifted Class of 2007.
Like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Marc Bernal, who were all born in that year and grew up in the academy together, Xavi Espart fulfilled the dream of millions of youngsters worldwide by making his Barcelona debut.
His first outing in blaugrana – or rather the orange away shirt of the era still being used in preseason this year – came towards the end of a 1-1, Champions League last 16 first leg draw at Newcastle United.
Espart went on to make six appearances
Espart went on to make six appearances for Flick that term, however there were always whispers that he could venture into midfield.
A lot of this is down to the fact Espart played in that area of the pitch in La Masia. Yet his senior manager also identified him as a Philip Lahm of sorts, capable of playing in either position.
In preseason, Espart has been solely in midfield while Eric Garcia looks to be a lock at right back now providing positional rivalry to Jules Kounde.
Culers were particularly impressed by Espart’s showing
Culers were particularly impressed by Espart’s showing in a 2-5 away win over Basel last Sunday, and also in the Gamper against Al Ahly where he almost got on the scoresheet but was blocked near the line in the 2-1 victory.
With Barca starting their campaign later than the others, save for Real Madrid, because of the amount of players they had at the World Cup, business kicks off at 21.30 local time on Sunday night against Elche.
As Pedri still isn’t fit, nor is new signing Rodri, Espart has a realistic chance of getting the nod alongside his fellow 2007 graduates Lamine and Bernal.
Because Cubarsi didn’t have any minutes
Because Cubarsi didn’t have any minutes in the Gamper, there are doubts as to whether he can play or Flick was just saving the World Cup’s Best Young player as a precaution.
The chances of all four talents starting together are increasing, however, in what will be a special moment for Barcelona and La Masia.
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