Barcelona facing uncertainty over assigning new squad numbers with Joan Garcia among those affected

FC Barcelona are juggling several issues ahead of the 2025/26 season, from player registration challenges to compliance with La Liga’s strict 1:1 rule. 

Added to this is the ongoing situation involving Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s refusal to sign off on his medical report, which has further complicated the club’s registration process. 

However, once these matters are resolved and the club is able to register new signings and promoted players, attention will turn to assigning shirt numbers for the upcoming campaign.

Joan Garcia’s case

At present, some decisions have already been made. Marcus Rashford, the marquee summer signing, will wear the number 14 shirt. But Joan Garcia’s number is still uncertain. 

During the pre-season tour in Asia, the goalkeeper wore the number 1 shirt in Ter Stegen’s absence. Given that the German is expected to remain at the club despite his latest injury, Garcia will need to switch. 

The number 12 is available, while the number 13 could open up if Iñaki Peña leaves this summer.

What about the promoted players

Apart from Rashford and Garcia, Barcelona are also set to register Wojciech Szczesny, who has already been given the number 25 shirt.

Young talents Gerard Martin and Marc Bernal will also be promoted from the reserve team and officially become first-team players. 

As of now, shirt numbers 12, 18, and 22 are vacant. If available, the number 18 is expected to go to Martin, a lifelong admirer of Jordi Alba, who wore the same number during his time at the club. 

Bernal, whose latest contract extension guaranteed a place in the first team, will also be assigned a new squad number soon.

Official announcement

Meanwhile, Roony Bardghji is expected to start the season with the reserve-team contract, but should Barça find enough salary margin after key registrations, he could be registered with the first team and wear the number 19, already seen on his back in early appearances.

Barcelona are working to register all players before the Joan Gamper Trophy, scheduled for Sunday, August 10. 

Traditionally, the squad numbers are officially revealed before the match, with players being introduced to fans in numerical order. 

If everything goes according to plan, the club is expected to announce the full list in the days leading up to the presentation.