Flick fast‑tracks 17‑year‑old Jordi Pesquer into Barcelona training

Hansi Flick invited 17‑year‑old left‑back Jordi Pesquer to join FC Barcelona’s first‑team training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Tuesday, marking the youngster’s inaugural session after a demanding double‑training Monday as the squad prepared for the upcoming season under the new manager’s regime.

The Tuesday programme was deliberately lighter, following a grueling Monday that saw the team train twice, with the afternoon set aside for recovery. This adjustment aimed to give players a breather after the intense double‑session.

Flick’s squad trained only in the morning on Tuesday, reserving the afternoon for recovery after Monday’s demanding double‑training session. The routine reflects an effort to balance intensity with player welfare as the club readied for the new season.

The inclusion of the 17‑year‑old highlighted the coach’s willingness to integrate academy talent into senior preparations, a point noted by SPORT in its coverage of the session. It signals Flick’s openness to giving young prospects exposure at the highest level.

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Pesquer is a left‑back developed at La Masia and is regarded as one of the academy’s most promising defenders. Standing at 1.83 metres, he combines strong physical attributes with attacking instincts, and coaches value his ability to push forward, link up with teammates and deliver quality distribution from the left flank.

He represents Spain at U17 level and recently featured at the UEFA European U17 Championship, adding valuable international experience to his résumé. His performances for the national side complement his development at club level.

Entering his second season as a youth player, Pesquer was a regular with the Juvenil A squad under Pol Planas last season, playing an important role in Barcelona’s run to the Copa de Campeones final against Real Madrid. He signed a new contract with the club last summer and is expected to feature prominently for Juliano Belletti’s Barça Atlètic in the upcoming campaign.

Monday’s other headline was the return of captain Ronald Araujo, the first World Cup participant to rejoin the squad after Uruguay’s early elimination; the defender, who missed the tournament through injury, resumed pre‑season preparations under Flick’s guidance and worked again on Tuesday. Another academy prospect, Ghanaian centre‑back Hafiz Gariba, remains absent after a viral illness that began last Friday, with coaches expecting his return once fully recovered. The call‑up of Jordi Pesquer underscores Barcelona’s commitment to promoting home‑grown players under Hansi Flick’s leadership, signalling a strategic focus on youth development as the club builds for the upcoming season.