FC Barcelona and Real Madrid opened preseason training on Monday for the 2026-27 campaign, with both Spanish giants navigating significant off-field storylines alongside their preparations.
Hansi Flick arrived at Barcelona's training complex early Monday to begin work with a 25-player squad, joined on the coaching staff by Benjamin Kugel. New signing Hamza Abdelkarim attended despite having only a week's rest following the World Cup. Off the pitch, club president Joan Laporta confirmed that sporting director Deco made an offer for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, a move that prompted Atletico to threaten a formal complaint to FIFA over an alleged improper approach.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, begins its first full campaign under José Mourinho, who returns 13 years after his initial departure. Barcelona will hold a training camp at St George's Park in England from 27 July, while Madrid has scheduled friendlies against Fiorentina and Deportivo.