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As FC Barcelona continues to rebuild under the guidance of manager Hansi Flick, the club is poised to make strategic moves in the transfer market for the 2025-26 season. With a focus on blending La Masia academy talents with high-profile signings, Barcelona’s recruitment strategy often prioritizes players who fit their possession-based, high-pressing style. Given the club’s strong ties to Spanish football and its current financial constraints, targeting homegrown talent from Spain remains a priority. Here, we explore some of the most promising Spanish players who could potentially don the Blaugrana jersey next season, based on recent performances, transfer rumors, and Barcelona’s squad needs.  

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### **1. Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)**  

Nico Williams, the dynamic 23-year-old winger from Athletic Bilbao, has been a long-standing target for Barcelona. His electrifying performances at the 2024 UEFA European Championship, where he scored in the final to help Spain clinch the title, have only heightened interest. Williams’ pace, dribbling ability, and chemistry with Barcelona’s young star Lamine Yamal make him an ideal fit for Flick’s system, which emphasizes width and intensity on the flanks.  

Barcelona made a public push for Williams in the summer of 2024 but failed to meet his €58 million release clause due to financial difficulties. Despite signing a new contract with Athletic Bilbao, rumors persist that Williams remains open to a move, especially to a club like Barcelona, where he could elevate his career on a global stage. His versatility to play on either wing and his work rate off the ball align perfectly with Flick’s demands. If Barcelona can stabilize their finances, Williams could be a marquee signing in 2025.  

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### **2. Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)**  

Martín Zubimendi, a 25-year-old defensive midfielder from Real Sociedad, is another Spanish star frequently linked with Barcelona. With the departure of Sergio Busquets in 2023 leaving a void in the pivot role, Zubimendi’s composure, passing range, and defensive nous make him a prime candidate to anchor Barcelona’s midfield. His standout performances for Spain at Euro 2024 further underscored his quality, though interest from Barcelona cooled slightly after Flick’s arrival, as the club prioritized attacking options.  

Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause is a hurdle, but with his contract running until 2027, Barcelona could negotiate a deal if they generate funds through player sales. His familiarity with La Liga and ability to control the tempo of games would provide balance to a midfield currently dominated by more attack-minded players like Pedri and Gavi. A move for Zubimendi could hinge on Barcelona’s ability to offload high-wage players like Frenkie de Jong or Ronald Araujo.  

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### **3. Samu Aghehowa (Porto)**  

One of the most exciting young prospects in European football, 20-year-old Porto striker Samu Aghehowa has emerged as a potential target for Barcelona. The Spanish forward, who made his international debut in November 2024, has been prolific at club level, scoring 20 goals and providing three assists in 33 appearances during the 2024-25 season. His physicality, finishing, and ability to link play make him a potential long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, who will be 37 by the start of the 2025-26 season.  

Barcelona’s interest in Aghehowa is part of a broader race, with Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea also reportedly in the mix. However, Aghehowa’s Spanish roots and Barcelona’s reputation for nurturing young talent could give them an edge. A transfer fee for the Porto star could be substantial, but his potential to lead the line for both club and country at the 2026 World Cup makes him a tantalizing option.  

### **4. Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig – Already Signed, But Registration Issues Persist)**  

While Dani Olmo is already a Barcelona player, having joined from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2024 for €60 million, his registration issues with La Liga highlight the club’s ongoing financial struggles. The former La Masia graduate has proven his worth with key goals, including a decisive strike against Rayo Vallecano and a brace in the Barcelona derby. However, if Barcelona fail to resolve their salary cap issues, Olmo’s future could remain uncertain, potentially forcing the club to revisit his status in the summer of 2025.  

Assuming Barcelona secure his registration, Olmo’s versatility across attacking midfield and wide positions makes him a cornerstone of Flick’s project. His inclusion here serves as a reminder of Barcelona’s intent to prioritize Spanish talent with strong ties to the club’s identity.  

Barcelona’s need for a reliable right-back or left-back backup has been evident, especially with Alejandro Balde’s heavy workload and injury concerns. Two Spanish full-backs, Marc Pubill of Almería and Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Rațiu, have been mentioned as potential targets. Pubill, a 23-year-old right-back, offers attacking flair and defensive solidity, while Rațiu, 26, has impressed with his versatility and work rate. Both players could provide cost-effective solutions compared to high-profile foreign targets.  

Additionally, Barcelona may look to promote academy prospect Gerard Martin to the senior squad as a left-back option, potentially reducing the need for external signings. However, if the club seeks immediate impact, Pubill or Rațiu could be realistic additions.  

Barcelona’s ability to sign new players in the 2025-26 season will largely depend on their financial situation. The club’s well-documented struggles with La Liga’s salary cap have limited their activity in recent transfer windows, with only two signings (Dani Olmo and Wojciech Szczesny) completed in the 2024-25 season. To fund moves for players like Williams, Zubimendi, or Aghehowa, Barcelona may need to sell high-profile players such as Ronald Araujo, Jules Koundé, or Ferran Torres, who have attracted interest from Premier League clubs.  

Moreover, the return to the renovated Camp Nou and potential revenue from the Supercopa de España could provide a financial boost. President Joan Laporta’s strategic vision, coupled with Flick’s emphasis on a high-pressing, attacking style, suggests that Barcelona will prioritize players who can contribute immediately while aligning with the club’s long-term goals.  

Barcelona’s pursuit of Spanish talent for the 2025-26 season reflects a blend of ambition and pragmatism. Nico Williams and Martín Zubimendi stand out as dream signings who could elevate the squad, while Samu Aghehowa represents a bold investment in the future. Meanwhile, cost-effective options like Marc Pubill or Andrei Rațiu could address specific squad needs without breaking the bank. With Hansi Flick’s transformation of Barcelona into a resilient, high-energy team already yielding a La Liga and Copa del Rey double in 2024-25, the addition of one or more of these Spanish stars could solidify the club’s status as a global force once again.  

As the summer transfer window approaches, Barcelona fans will be eagerly watching to see which of these talents joins the Blaugrana in their quest for continued success.