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FC Barcelona Handball Faces Transition

Handball

Major player departures signal change for the team.

Quick read: FC Barcelona Handball is amid a significant roster change as seven players, including influential goalkeeper Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas, are set to depart. The team has secured new signings, emphasizing youth in their transition, while Coach Carlos Ortega prepares the remaining players for upcoming challenges.

FC Barcelona's handball team is entering a period of significant transition as the season concludes. Following their recent championship victory, the club is focused on reshaping the roster amidst numerous player departures.

Player Departures

The club has revealed that several notable players will be leaving this summer. Among the most significant exits is Gonzalo Pérez de Vargas, a seasoned goalkeeper who will join the German team THW Kiel after an extensive eleven-year career with Barcelona. Other key departures include Hampus Wanne, who is set to transfer to HøJ Elite in Denmark, and Thiagus Petrus, a strong defensive player who will move to Veszprem HC in Hungary. Melvyn Richardson, recognized as the MVP of the 2024 Champions League, will also depart for Wisla Plock.

Additionally, Juan Palomino will be joining Fraikin BM Granollers after just one season with Barcelona, while Aitor Arino heads to Füchse Berlin. Pol Valera is expected to end his contract early in order to move to FC Porto.

New Signings

In response to these departures, FC Barcelona has initiated roster changes with the addition of four new players. Daniel Fernandez from TVB Stuttgart has been signed to fill the void left by Wanne and Arino. Seif Elderaa from Limoges will bolster the backcourt, while young talents Ian Barrufet, returning from MT Melsungen, and Djordje Cikusa from Montpellier Handball will reintegrate into the team after loan periods. With an average age of 19 and 20, these new signings highlight the club's focus on future potential while maintaining competitive performance levels.

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Looking Forward

As FC Barcelona undergoes this transition, Coach Carlos Ortega acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, emphasizing the need for the remaining players to elevate their performance given the leaner roster. Although financial implications necessitate such changes, there remains cautious optimism regarding the team's prospects.

Details of Hallgrímsson's Transfer

Viktor Hallgrímsson has officially signed a two-year contract with FC Barcelona, which will keep him with the team until the summer of 2027. Previously with Orlen Wisla Plock, he is expected to take over the primary goalkeeper duties, joining Emil Nielsen and Filip Saric to fortify the club's defensive capabilities.

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Jamal Abdallah Published 1 month ago. Updated 1 month ago.