Champions League Winners Face Player Exodus

Barcelona's women's team, fresh off a trophy-laden 2025-26 season, is experiencing a significant player exodus, marking their second consecutive summer of departures. Seven players have already left since 2024, with only one new arrival so far. This situation is exacerbated by the departure of star players like twice Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain internationals Ona Batlle and Mapi León.

The primary driver behind these departures is the financial strain stemming from the men's La Liga team's financial fair play difficulties. The club currently has 17 senior players and is in talks to sign forward Kerolin. Putellas and León both departed on free transfers, highlighting internal management challenges.

The Women's Super League in England has become a popular destination, with 14 of the last 19 Barcelona departures joining English clubs. Batlle signed for Arsenal, and Salma Paralluelo is rumored to be heading to PSG after talks with Chelsea failed. The club is under pressure to sign new players before pre-season training begins on July 27.

Even key academy players are leaving, diminishing internal options for the senior squad. Last season, academy products like Aïcha Camara and Clara Serrajordi stepped up, but the current pool of talent for promotion is smaller. Despite a reported profit of €1.955m last season, the club's ability to match that figure in 2026-27 is unlikely with their star players departing.