According to Diario Sport, Barcelona's summer transfer window is not yet closed, and the ownership of several jersey numbers has already changed.
The first change has been confirmed. With Ter Stegen's departure, the number 1 jersey is now vacant, and La Liga has agreed to let Joan Garcia inherit that number. The Catalan goalkeeper wore number 13 in his first season with Barcelona, and will now switch to the number 1 jersey that the German has worn for many years. The original number 13 will also change hands; Szczesny will relinquish his number 25, which he has worn since joining the club, and switch to number 13.
The number 2 is currently vacant, but it seems there's a clear candidate. João Cancelo is expected to return to that number. He wore it during his six-month loan spell at Barcelona in the second half of last season, and also during his first stint with the club. Whether his return is confirmed will ultimately determine whether this suspense is completely resolved.
Araujo and Ferran, two very important blank numbers.
Even more attention is focused on the number 4. With Araujo's loan move to Liverpool, Barcelona has another historically significant number vacant, opening up new possibilities for squad changes: Eric Garcia is expected to take over the number 4. The Matorel player has worn number 24 since his return in 2021, but he has proven he is no stranger to the number 4. In fact, he wore this classic number during Spain's World Cup campaign.
There's a second, more symbolic possibility. If Rodri ultimately joins Barcelona, he could also be a candidate for the number 4. This midfielder is one of Guardiola's most prized pupils in Manchester City's system, and might continue the tradition of several top midfielders who have worn this number in recent decades, such as Fabregas and Ivan Rakitic. This isn't just about nostalgia; it also represents status.
Barcelona's current number situation
*Adyemi, Gordon, and Bissiu do not have official numbers.
The number 7 could also change. Ferran Torres vacated the number after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The Foyos player has worn number 7 since Dembele left in 2023, but there could be internal adjustments. Fermín Lopez has worn number 16 since securing first-team registration, and he might choose to switch to a more "regular" number, allowing Rodri to reclaim the number he wore for most of his career at Atlético Madrid, Manchester City, and the Spanish national team. If Fermín retains number 16, then number 7 could also become an option for Anthony Gordon.
The number 9 jersey is also vacant due to Robert Lewandowski's departure. The Polish striker wore the number 9 throughout his four years at Barcelona, scoring 120 goals, averaging nearly 40 per season, earning him a number that holds immense significance in the club's history. Currently, Barcelona still reserves the number 9 for Julian Álvarez, who remains the sporting management's top target. Despite Atlético Madrid's refusal to negotiate his departure, there is still a belief within Barcelona that the Argentine may ultimately leave the Wanda Metropolitano and join Barcelona.
There's still some suspense in the race for a first-team spot. Esparte has been wearing number 12 throughout the preseason, and if he ultimately secures a first-team registration, he'll likely keep that number. He's undoubtedly the player with the best chance of doing so.
The number 14 has become vacant after Rashford's departure. It appears that Karim Adyemi has chosen this number. The German has been using 14 in training and preseason, while 27 was his preferred number, but since 27 was reserved for reserve team registered players, he couldn't use it, making 14 a natural replacement. This number also holds special historical significance for Barcelona, as it once belonged to Johan Cruyff, although the Dutchman always wore number 9 while playing for Barcelona.
Casado's future could also bring about another change. The midfielder currently wears number 17, and if he leaves, that number will become vacant and could become another option for Gordon, provided the England player ultimately doesn't take over the number 7.
The last number is related to injury. If Barcelona determines that Valdeghi will not return for the entire season due to injury, his number 19 may become available. In that case, Basquieu will have another number to choose from. Flick will also have to make a final decision on whether the player should remain in the first team or be relegated to the reserve team.
Regardless, the transfer market is still subject to change, and jersey assignments may also be adjusted accordingly. Some vacant jerseys have already found owners, while others are still awaiting new signings, departures, or simply decisions from the club and the player themselves.
