FC Barcelona News: 25 February 2026; Aitana Bonmatí steps up injury recovery, Barça interested in Omar Marmoush as Julián Álvarez alternative

Barcelona, 25 February 2026 — FC Barcelona’s sporting agenda on Tuesday centred on two fronts: the women’s camp celebrated a significant step in Aitana Bonmatí’s rehabilitation, while the men’s sporting department tested the market for attacking reinforcements, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush emerging as a prime target should the long-running pursuit of Julián Álvarez fail to materialise.

Aitana returns to grass Three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí marked a new phase in her recovery from a transsyndesmotic fracture of the fibula in her left ankle by completing part of Tuesday’s session on the pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. The 28-year-old midfielder had previously been restricted to gym-based work following surgery, but club medical staff green-lit outdoor drills as she edges closer to a first-team return. Bonmatí, whose influence was sorely missed by Jonatan Giráldez’s side during her lay-off, is expected to be eased back into full training over the coming weeks.

Marmoush on Barça’s radar In the men’s section, sporting director Deco has added Omar Marmoush to the shortlist of strikers should negotiations for Manchester City’s Julián Álvarez remain deadlocked. The 26-year-old Egyptian international, currently shining for Eintracht Frankfurt, is admired for his versatility across the front line and his ability to press aggressively—traits that align with coach Hansi Flick’s tactical blueprint. Sources at the club describe the interest as “concrete but exploratory”, with no formal offer tabled yet.

Joan García’s stellar maiden campaign Between the posts, summer signing Joan García continues to exceed expectations. After arriving from Espanyol, the 24-year-old has established himself as La Liga’s most effective goalkeeper on a saves-to-shots ratio basis, underlining why the club moved swiftly to secure his signature. García’s composure with the ball at his feet has also complemented Flick’s high-line system, and the Catalan stopper is viewed as a long-term cornerstone of the project.

Cancelo’s conditional future João Cancelo’s Camp Nou future remains performance-related. Barça and the Portuguese full-back struck an informal agreement in January: if Cancelo met on-field targets during the second half of the campaign, the club would attempt to make his loan permanent provided certain economic conditions are satisfied. Despite opting to return over other offers, Cancelo has found minutes hard to come come by of late, placing the arrangement under scrutiny.

Flick’s hot streak Hansi Flick, appointed last summer, has overseen a vibrant brand of football that has reignited enthusiasm among supporters. Although the source material did not specify league position or trophy prospects, the club highlighted a montage of the German’s most memorable tactical moments in Tuesday’s communiqué, signalling confidence that the current trajectory is sustainable.

Off-pitch, the outgoing club president dismissed recent allegations as “opaque and politically motivated”, insisting that FC Barcelona is financially and structurally stronger than five years ago and cautioning members against inexperienced leadership in the upcoming elections.

As February draws to a close, Barcelona’s dual narrative—an injury comeback and a potential attacking overhaul—captures the blend of optimism and pragmatism defining the Catalan giants in 2026.