Alex Gonzalez Joins Barcelona’s Pre‑Season Squad

Rapid Rise to Barcelona’s Senior Team

In just a few months, the 19‑year‑old winger has gone from Damm to Barcelona’s first team. After leaving Damm’s Division de Honor Juvenil side in February, he signed a contract that runs until 2028 and impressed enough in Barcelona’s Under‑19 squad to earn a surprise invitation to senior pre‑season. The club’s coaching staff decided to include him in first‑team training from day one, and he now trains alongside seasoned players such as Alejandro Balde, Marc Bernal and Wojciech Szczesny. His versatility, pace and eye for goal helped him finish among the top scorers in his youth league last season, while his mature attitude has won praise from the coaching staff.

Gonzalez is described as capable of playing either flank, combining dribbling skill with a scoring instinct that makes him a useful asset for both the reserves and the senior side. Fellow academy graduates Hafiz Gariba and Ebrima Tunkara have helped him settle into the senior environment, easing his transition off the pitch as well as on it. Barcelona’s technical team sees him as a key player for the upcoming season, planning to integrate him into first‑team preparations while also giving him frequent minutes with the reserves.

Training Under Flick in Pre‑Season

Gonzalez has already completed five days of intensive training under head coach Hansi Flick, following a program crafted by fitness coach Benjamin Kugel. He arrived in top physical shape, having followed an individual summer regimen that prepared him for the demanding double‑session schedule. During the opening week, he took part in both morning and evening workouts, and Friday’s session ended with an 11‑vs‑11 friendly where he featured actively, despite his side not winning. The experience has given him a firsthand feel for the pace and intensity of senior football, while the presence of teammates and coaching staff has helped him adapt quickly.

Off the pitch, the coaching staff and senior players have been supportive, offering guidance and making the transition smoother. The camaraderie with academy graduates like Hafiz Gariba and Ebrima Tunkara has also made the adjustment easier, reinforcing a collaborative environment that encourages young talent to thrive.

Looking Ahead at the Season

Gonzalez is slated to stay with Flick’s group through the start of next week and could earn his first pre‑season minutes in Barcelona’s friendly against Europa on July 24. After that encounter, he may link up with Juliano Belletti’s Barça Atlétic squad, balancing senior‑team exposure with reserve‑team responsibilities. The coming weeks will be crucial for him to cement his role and prove he belongs among Barcelona’s brightest emerging talents, building on the extraordinary leap he has made in recent months.

Supporters and analysts are watching closely as his contract runs until 2028, a clear vote of confidence from the club. With his contract, skill set and determination, Gonzalez is positioned to become a regular fixture in Barcelona’s attack, whether wearing the senior kit in league games or helping the reserves challenge for promotion.