First moves after the disappointment in Lisbon

BarcelonaA week after the disappointment in Lisbon, Barça's players are taking a short break from their Barça routine, taking advantage of the international break for the Nations League. Afterward, the internationals will return to work and join the rest of the players in preparation for the final final of the season, the Copa de la Reina, which they will try to win on June 7 against Atlético Madrid. It will be the last match for some players, and despite the fact that the season could end with three of the four titles in the trophy cabinet, the club knows that adjustments are necessary.

The Champions League defeat left a sour taste in the mouth and many people were singled out, starting with the coach, Pere Romeu, who was criticized for the starting lineup and the way he handled the substitutions. But the coach shouldn't have to worry about his job, and next season's project will be built with him on the bench. On the other hand, Ingrid Engen will not be there, as she will not renew her contract and will leave for free in the summer. It is likely to be with Olympique Lyonnais.

After four seasons wearing the Barça shirt, the Norwegian defender is certain to be out, although not the only one. Gemma Font and Marta Torrejón are on the way out, while the club listens to offers for Mapi León and Fridolina Rolfö. In recent days, activity has intensified in the office of Marc Vivés, the technical secretary of the women's team, although the movements will not be made official until the season is declared over, in a week.

Laia Alexandri, the first reinforcement of the season

Now, it's a public secret that one of the first to arrive will be Laia Alexandri, a Manchester City defender whose contract expires this summer and who will join Barça on a free transfer. For now, she's focused on the Spanish national team and dodging direct questions about her future. But, reading between the lines, it's all clear: "We'll know soon; not everything depends on me, but we hope it happens," she said in an interview on Catalunya Ràdio. Thus, she'll return home at 24, eight years after leaving La Masía for Atlético Madrid first, and then the British Isles.

The other name is Martina Fernández, the 20-year-old midfielder who was on loan at Everton. Her case is curious, as she went from being an important player last season—when the team was coached by Jonatan Giráldez—to having a minimal role in the first half of the season, in which she played only two matches under Pere Romeu. However, she has taken advantage of her Erasmus stay in Liverpool to get playing time, demonstrate her quality, and return home in style.

Among the players on loan, there are two more notable names. One is Bruna Vilamala, who was looking for playing time at Brighton after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The experience has been positive, although Barça does not foresee her returning and will most likely terminate her contract, as reported by Catalunya Ràdio. On the other hand, Giulia Dragoni, 18 years old and with a contract until 2027, was expected to be one of next season's reinforcements after having a magnificent season on loan at Roma. But an ankle injury that required surgery casts doubt on his future. Whether he returns to Barcelona or extends his loan a few more months will depend on his recovery.