Headline: Barcelona Prepares for Squad Changes Ahead of New Season as Significant Shirt Numbers Become Available
Barcelona’s roster may see considerable shifts before the start of the new season, as several key shirt numbers are set to become vacant due to player departures and potential new signings.
Reports from SPORT indicate that the Blaugrana are anticipating notable movements within the squad, potentially affecting some of the club’s most recognizable jersey numbers.
The most notable change on record involves the No. 1 shirt, which is now free following Marc-Andre ter Stegen joining Ajax. La Liga has already sanctioned Joan Garcia’s transition from No. 13 to No. 1, which in turn will pave the way for Wojciech Szczesny to assume the No. 13 jersey.
In addition, numbers that were previously associated with Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, and Marcus Rashford are now available. The arrival of new players like Joao Cancelo, Rodri, and Julian Alvarez could further shape the squad’s number assignments.
Iconic Barcelona numbers become available
The No. 2 shirt is currently unassigned, and if Barcelona successfully re-signs him, Joao Cancelo may reclaim it, having previously donned No. 2 during his first tenure with the club.
The No. 4 is also open after Ronald Araujo’s transfer to Liverpool. Eric Garcia is a candidate for this number, although it may hinge on Barcelona’s ongoing pursuit of Rodri. Should the Manchester City midfielder finalizes his transfer to Camp Nou, he may become a contender for one of Barcelona’s historic shirts.
Additionally, the No. 7 has become vacant following Ferran Torres’ transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. Players like Fermin Lopez, currently in No. 16, might switch to a different first-team number, thereby opening opportunities for Rodri or Anthony Gordon to inherit No. 7 or potentially No. 17, depending on further roster adjustments.
Julian Alvarez’s No. 9, Adeyemi’s No. 14
One of the most noteworthy shirt numbers available is the No. 9, which has been left empty due to Robert Lewandowski’s departure after a four-year stint. Reports suggest Barcelona intends to reserve this number for Julian Alvarez.
The Argentine player targets continue to be prioritized for the centre-forward position, indicating that the No. 9 may play a significant role in Barcelona’s transfer strategy if negotiations with Atletico Madrid progress.
Moreover, the No. 14 has also opened up following Marcus Rashford’s exit, with reports confirming that Karim Adeyemi has expressed a preference for this number.
Other numbers, including No. 12 worn by Xavi Espart during preseason, could also transition to him if he secures a permanent spot in the first team.
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The future of Marc Casado, who currently wears No. 17, may also dictate the final roster of Barcelona’s shirt numbers. Should he leave, this number would become available for another player.
There remains uncertainty regarding Bardghji’s No. 19. If medical evaluations find that the winger’s injury will keep him out for the rest of the season, this number could become up for grabs. This situation might allow Jesse Bisiwu, depending on whether he stays within the first-team setup or returns to the reserves.
Barcelona’s busy summer could bring another round of changes before the new season begins, with several important shirt numbers set to become available following a number of departures and potential new arrivals.
According to SPORT, the Blaugrana are preparing for movement across the squad, and the changes could affect some of the club’s most recognisable numbers.
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The biggest confirmed switch involves the No. 1 shirt, as Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s departure has left the jersey vacant, and La Liga has already approved Joan Garcia’s move from No. 13 to No. 1.
That decision will create another change in the goalkeeping department, with Wojciech Szczesny expected to take over the No. 13 shirt.
Furthermore, numbers previously worn by Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford are also available, while possible arrivals such as Joao Cancelo, Rodri and Julian Alvarez could influence how Barcelona’s final squad numbers are decided.
Iconic Barcelona numbers become available
As per the outlet, the No. 2 shirt is currently available and Joao Cancelo could reclaim the number if Barcelona complete his return.
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The Portuguese full-back previously wore No. 2 during his earlier spell with the Blaugrana.
The No. 4 is also vacant following Ronald Araujo’s loan move to Liverpool.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has joined Ajax. (Photo courtesy: Ajax official website)
Eric Garcia could be one candidate to take the shirt, although another possibility depends entirely on Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri.
If the Manchester City midfielder completes his move to Camp Nou, he could reportedly become a contender for one of the club’s most historic numbers.
Meanwhile, the No. 7 has also been freed following Ferran Torres’ move to Paris Saint-Germain.
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Fermin Lopez, who currently wears No. 16, could potentially switch to another first-team number, a scenario that could also allow Rodri to take No. 16, a number he has worn during different stages of his career.
Anthony Gordon could also enter the picture, with the No. 7 and potentially No. 17 emerging as possible options depending on further departures.
Julian Alvarez’s No. 9, Adeyemi’s No. 14
Perhaps the most significant shirt number still available is the No. 9.
Robert Lewandowski’s departure has left the famous jersey vacant after four years, and Barcelona are reportedly keeping it reserved for Julian Alvarez.
Ronald Araujo has signed for Liverpool. (Photo courtesy: Liverpool official website)
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The Argentine remains the club’s leading target for the centre-forward position, meaning the No. 9 could become another part of Barcelona’s transfer plans if a deal with Atletico Madrid can eventually be completed.
The No. 14 is another number that has become available following Marcus Rashford’s exit.
According to the report, Karim Adeyemi has already shown a preference for No. 14.
Meanwhile, Xavi Espart has worn No. 12 during pre-season and could retain it if he earns a permanent first-team place.
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Marc Casado’s future could also have an impact on the final list of Barcelona shirt numbers. The midfielder currently wears No. 17, and a departure would make that number available for another player.
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There is also uncertainty surrounding Bardghji’s No. 19. If Barcelona’s medical staff determine that the winger will miss the remainder of the season because of his injury, the number could become available.
That could create another opportunity for Jesse Bisiwu, although Flick must first decide whether the player will remain part of the first-team setup or return permanently to the reserve side.
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