Anthony Gordon surprises everyone at Barcelona today

There was a surprise appearance at Barcelona's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper training complex today (Sunday). Although manager Hansi Flick cancelled the post-triangular tournament recovery session against Udinese and Nottingham Forest at the last minute, Anthony Gordon arrived at the club's facilities to begin his preparations and start the 2026/27 season in top form. This marked the England international's first working day as a Barça player.

Gordon was originally scheduled to join Hansi Flick's squad on Monday, August 10th, but he decided to cut his holiday short and get straight to work. He had been training individually for several days after finishing third at the World Cup with England.

Deco made a significant investment this summer to secure Gordon's services, and the winger demonstrated at the World Cup that he could be an exciting addition to Flick's project. Anthony arrives with over 200 matches of top-level experience in the Premier League and Champions League.

Spanish internationals Joan García and Eric García also brought their return to training forward. The goalkeeper and defender were granted leave until next Wednesday, August 12th, but they too appeared at the sports complex on Sunday for individual sessions. "It's hot, but I feel good. I was eager to come back and be in top shape, there's not much time left," the goalkeeper told the Catalan club's media.

"The three players trained individually alongside Gavi. The session included gym work and a physical circuit with the ball on the pitch," the club reported on its official website.

The Barça squad is eager for the season to get underway, and these gestures from the players prove it.

Monday will mark the start of the team's fifth week of pre-season training. Double sessions are expected on Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for the friendly match in Basel (August 16th) – the penultimate test before the official season kicks off on Sunday, August 23rd, against Elche at the Martínez Valero.

The return of Barça's internationals who went furthest in the World Cup will mean that several of the youth players who have been training under Flick for the past month will rejoin the reserve team. As the 2026/27 season approaches, opportunities for young talent will be reserved for those specifically chosen by the German manager.