FC Barcelona News: 20 February 2026; Pedri returns to training, Julián Alvarez once again tipped to join Barça this summer

Barcelona returned to the Ciutat Esportiva on Thursday as Hansi Flick put his squad through their first session of the week ahead of Sunday’s LaLiga meeting with Levante at the Spotify Camp Nou. The headline development was the reappearance of midfielder Pedri, who trained alongside Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford after a spell on the sidelines. Both players completed part of the workout with the main group, offering Flick a timely boost as he seeks a reaction from last weekend’s setbacks.

The German coach convened a squad meeting earlier in the week to reaffirm his commitment to the high-intensity, possession-based style that delivered four trophies last season. According to defender Eric García, the tone of the gathering was constructive. “The meeting we had with Flick was positive and we all left happy,” García told Catalunya Ràdio. “We’ve been in worse situations and we can turn things around in the League and the Cup. The key is that they’re creating more chances against us. We’ve been losing possession a lot lately, and it’s killing us.”

Off the pitch, speculation linking Atlético de Madrid striker Julián Álvarez with a summer move to Catalonia refuses to abate. Argentine outlet Radio La Red reports that the World Cup winner has “decided to go to a team that can be champions” and that his destination will be Barça once the global tournament concludes. The 26-year-old has reportedly made up his mind to leave the Metropolitano, and Barcelona are once again being positioned as his preferred landing spot.

Elsewhere, the club confirmed that Phase 1C of the Spotify Camp Nou redevelopment—focused on the North Stand—has received provisional approval from the Barcelona City Council. When the green light is formalised, every additional seat generated by the expansion will be offered exclusively to existing season-ticket holders, underscoring the board’s pledge to prioritise loyal members during the phased reopening of the iconic stadium.

Barça Women will also grace the renovated arena on 2 April when they host Real Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final. Kick-off is scheduled for 6.45pm CEST, and organisers anticipate a capacity crowd for what has become one of the marquee fixtures in European women’s football.

With Pedri edging closer to full fitness and Flick demanding an immediate response from his players, Sunday’s clash with Levante now carries added significance as Barcelona look to reignite their domestic campaign.