The thrill of claiming all four trophies during 2025-26 faded quickly for Barcelona's women's side as they prepare for another summer of player departures.

Securing the Champions League title should help keep talent in place yet seven players have already exited the European champions this window with only 19-year-old Renee van Asten arriving from Ajax.

Compounding the issue the players leaving include several standout performers led by two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas. Spain teammates Ona Batlle, Mapi León and Salma Paralluelo have also moved on.

The cause remains familiar across football: finances. The men's La Liga fair play constraints continue to affect operations throughout the club. Currently the women's squad holds 17 senior players including two goalkeepers six defenders six midfielders and three forwards though discussions continue over signing Brazil forward Kerolin from Manchester City.

Putellas represented the largest departure after 14 years at the club joining Michele Kang's London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League. Her free transfer exit underscored internal management challenges. Mapi León joined her former captain at London City also without a fee where they will link up again with three ex-teammates Jana Fernández María Pérez and Lucía Corrales.

The WSL attracts many Barcelona players as 14 of the past 19 departures headed to English clubs. Batlle moved to Arsenal to team with former Barcelona winger Mariona Caldentey. Salma Paralluelo has not confirmed her next destination though PSG leads the race following stalled talks with Chelsea.

The 19 exits since 2024 encompass academy talents who featured regularly with the senior group. Only two signings plus two academy promotions reached the first team in that period. Reserve goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck arrived in July 2024 but departed after one year while Laia Aleixandri joined without cost from Manchester City in June 2025.

Pre-season training begins Monday 27 July placing immediate pressure on the club to add depth to a squad that appears sparse and potentially vulnerable. Officials have confirmed incoming players will be revealed shortly though it remains unclear if they will be experienced professionals or promoted from the academy.

Last season academy talents Aïcha Camara and Clara Serrajordi received senior contracts amid similar shortages. Barcelona has long promoted strong internal options yet now even top academy players are departing. Goalkeeper Txell Font moved to FC Badalona Adriana Ranera joined Deportiva de A Coruña Martina Fenger signed for Hoffenheim and Alba Caño headed to Boston Legacy in the NWSL.

Some academy players contributed significantly last season and helped secure the club's success. Serrajordi covered midfield roles during absences for Bonmatí or Guijarro while Camara supported the defense during Batlle's month-long injury. With top academy prospects already promoted fewer internal options exist this summer. Midfielders Carla Julià aged 19 and Rosalía Domínguez aged 17 appear positioned for possible first-team opportunities if the club favors homegrown solutions.

Barcelona Femení recorded a profit of €1.955m (£1.67m) last season marking their strongest financial outcome since 2023-24. Increased Champions League prize money and domestic success supported the result. However further high-profile exits make matching that performance unlikely in 2026-27.

Losing Batlle will affect the back line following Fridolina Rölfö's move to Manchester United last year. Van Asten has joined from Ajax and Martina Fernández is expected back from Everton. The attack appears especially light though coach Pere Romeu can adapt his approach by shifting midfielders such as Vicky López Kika Nazareth and Sydney Schertenleib forward.

The squad seems one serious injury from major disruption. They managed last season and claimed every available trophy yet this approach cannot continue indefinitely. A side aiming to retain the European title cannot depend indefinitely on academy promotions alone.

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