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A glance at Spain’s squad for their crucial Women’s World Cup qualifier against England on Friday reveals one clear trend — Barcelona dominate. Out of the 25 players chosen by head coach Sonia Bermudez, 11 hail from the Catalan giants. This familiarity has greatly benefited La Roja in recent years. However, major changes are on the horizon for Barca this summer.

Last month, following Pere Romeu’s team’s emphatic 4-0 triumph over Lyon in the Champions League final — sealing a remarkable quadruple — the club confirmed three significant departures. Alexia Putellas headlined the news as the two-time Ballon d’Or winner brought her 14-year association with her boyhood club to a close. Ona Batlle and Mapi Leon will also be major losses as they seek new challenges, while Salma Paralluelo, who struck twice in that UWCL final, might also leave.

Barcelona have faced similar transitions before. Just last summer, doubts surrounded their potential, particularly in Europe, after a quiet transfer window caused by financial constraints. Yet, they silenced critics by capturing a fourth Champions League title. This time, though, the circumstances are different due to the sheer quality of the players departing — Putellas, Leon, and Batlle are all world-class talents.

So what will this summer bring for Barcelona? And what might it mean for Spain as they prepare to defend their World Cup crown in Brazil next year?

A pivotal summer awaits

For the European champions, this is a defining moment. Putellas’ departure means the loss of not just a star player but an icon — one whose performances this season could well earn her a third Ballon d’Or. Leon leaves behind a legacy as arguably the best centre-back in the world, while Batlle’s exit deprives the team of an elite full-back. Replacing them will be no small task.

Over the years, Barcelona have excelled at rebuilding. Whether through La Masia — the most productive youth academy in women’s football — or shrewd transfer business, the club has consistently found ways to refresh its squad.

This summer’s transfer activity will be particularly intriguing, especially after last year’s financial restrictions. The men’s side’s monetary challenges, coupled with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations, had a knock-on effect on the women’s team as well. However, with Hansi Flick’s men’s team recently spending £69 million ($93m) on Anthony Gordon, there are indications that the financial landscape may have improved. If Barca can invest, that’s encouraging — but spending wisely will be the key.

Farewell to a true leader

Replacing talent is one thing; replacing leadership is another. Putellas’ influence as captain and mentor was immeasurable this season. Romeu turned to youth, promoting teenagers Clara Serrajordi and Aicha Camara into regular first-team roles, while Martine Fenger, Carla Julia, and Adriana Ranera also got minutes. Rising stars like Sydney Schertenleib, Esmee Brugts, Vicky Lopez, and Kika Nazareth shouldered more responsibility, guided by Putellas’ example.

“She’s a player who always tries to help others become their best,” Brugts said recently of the 32-year-old. “When I talk about experienced players leading by example, she’s the first person I think of. Playing beside her gives me calmness and the confidence to perform well.”

Experience in abundance

Barca now need to find replacements not only for a world-class midfielder, centre-back, and full-back but also new leaders to step forward. Fortunately, players like Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmati, and Irene Paredes are ready to take on that mantle.

This is a club accustomed to change — having previously lost Mariona Caldentey, Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, and Sandra Panos during the 2024-25 season — and one that continues to silence doubters. Few expect a significant decline anytime soon.

Barcelona remain a powerhouse, backed by an unparalleled youth system and years of experience in winning at the highest level. The transition may bring challenges, but the Blaugrana are well-equipped to handle them.

New challenges abroad

The ripple effects extend beyond club football. Mapi Leon is reportedly set to join London City Lionesses, who finished sixth in their debut Women’s Super League campaign, with Putellas possibly following suit. Batlle, meanwhile, is expected to sign for Arsenal, the side that beat Barcelona in the 2024-25 Champions League final.

For Batlle, the change might not disrupt her rhythm much. She will move from a Barca team battling on four fronts to an Arsenal side competing on three, as teams in the Champions League are excluded from the League Cup under new rules. The WSL’s intensity compared to Liga F should balance out her workload and match exposure.

Silver linings for La Roja

For Leon — and potentially Putellas — joining London City Lionesses could mean fewer games, given the club’s absence from the Champions League. While they’ll miss out on Europe’s elite fixtures, the WSL’s quality ensures they’ll still face top opponents like Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United. A lighter schedule for two influential players in their 30s, while maintaining high-level competition, could prove beneficial for Spain’s World Cup preparations.

Emerging stars on the horizon

If the gaps left by Putellas, Leon, and Batlle are filled with La Masia graduates — such as Serrajordi, who is already in Spain’s squad for the England qualifier and has impressed since her senior debut in October — it bodes well for both Barcelona and the national team.

Alongside the 11 current Spain internationals from Barca, players like Jana Fernandez and Lucia Corrales also emerged from the club’s academy, though financial pressures forced their sales last summer. The youth development system in Catalunya continues to flourish, strengthening both club and country.

It promises to be a captivating transfer window, particularly for Barcelona. Whatever unfolds, Spain could ultimately benefit — with fresh energy and experience combining as they look ahead to defending their Women’s World Cup title in 2027.