Barcelona closed its La Liga season with a 3-1 defeat to Valencia at Mestalla. The campaign followed a strong run of five national titles from six competitions across two seasons despite ongoing economic difficulties. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, players have little time for recovery before joining national teams. Ronald Araujo is set to travel to Uruguay, while Raphinha is expected to depart for Brazil after being rested. Hamza Abdelkarim will travel to Egypt after finishing the Youth Champions Cup final. Jules Kounde and the France squad assemble on May 29, and Spain’s players report on May 30. After the World Cup, players receive about three weeks of holiday, with earlier eliminations returning sooner. Ebrima Tunkara is expected to join pre-season, and Abdelkarim is expected to be signed after Barcelona exercises a purchase option from Al-Ahly.
"Barcelona finished their La Liga campaign last night with a 3-1 defeat to Valencia at Mestalla, bringing the curtain down on another successful season under Hansi Flick. Five national titles from six competed for across two seasons is a remarkable return for a club struggling with economic woes. Nevertheless, with the 2026 World Cup now just around the corner, several players will barely have time to catch their breath before joining up with their national teams."
"According to Diario SPORT, the exodus has already begun. Ronald Araujo is among the first to depart, flying to Montevideo this Sunday to join up with their Uruguay's squad ahead of their World Cup preparations under Marcelo Bielsa. Raphinha, who was rested for the Valencia game, is also expected to travel to Brazil imminently, with the Selecao beginning their training camp in Teresopolis on Monday."
"Hamza Abdelkarim, one of the more surprising World Cup inclusions, will travel to Egypt on Monday to join the senior squad selected by Hossam Hassan. His departure is delayed by one day due to his involvement in the Youth Champions Cup final this Sunday. Jules Kounde and the France squad will assemble on Friday, May 29th, while Barcelona's Spanish contingent have a slightly longer window, with Luis de la Fuente calling them up on Saturday, May 30th."
"Once the World Cup concludes, players are expected to enjoy three weeks of holiday before returning for pre-season. Those eliminated earlier will report to Flick sooner. The German coach will also have some fresh faces in his pre-season setup. Ebrima Tunkara is set to feature, and Hamza Abdelkarim is expected to be formally signed after Barcelona exercise their purchase option with Al-Ahly."
Read at Barca Universal
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