An analysis by Mundo Deportivo published this week reveals that FC Barcelona's starting lineup for the 2026-27 season is the most expensive in La Liga. Manager Hansi Flick has a core of high-market-value players who have started all three opening league matches.
The Catalan side tops the standings with a perfect record, having taken 9 points from three games. They have scored 12 goals and conceded just 2, marking a solid start to the campaign. Their next challenge is an away trip to face 17th-placed Valencia, as shown in the fixtures schedule.
Who are Barcelona's guaranteed starters?
Five players have been ever-present in Flick's starting eleven from day one. Goalkeeper Joan García is the guaranteed starter, with Wojciech Szczesny and recent arrival Dominik Livakovic as backups. In defence, Marc Bernal and Xavi Espart have also played every minute. Espart has cemented himself as the starting left-back, a role previously held by João Cancelo, while Alejandro Balde waits for his chance from the bench.
In midfield, Marc Bernal is another mainstay. Pedri is considered a key reference point for the team, although Dutch midfielder Rodrigo is injured and unavailable. Gavi brings his intensity and character, while Dani Olmo and Fermín López alternate in the attacking midfield role. The injuries list also includes Frenkie de Jong, Jesse Bisiwu, Roony Bardghji, and Eric García.
How is the forward line set up?
In attack, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have started all three matches. However, Yamal picked up a knock and is doubtful for the Valencia game. On the left wing, Flick rotates between German Karim Adeyemi and Englishman Anthony Gordon. Experience and mobility are provided by striker Gabriel Jesus, who arrived this summer. Youngsters Jesse Bisiwu and Hamza Abdelkarim are knocking on the first-team door.
The defence has seen some rotation. Eric García started at right-back but was replaced by Jules Koundé for the third match. Andreas Christensen started twice, against Elche and Rayo Vallecano. Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín complete the options for the German coach.
What is the impact of this costly lineup?
The heavy investment in the starting eleven requires careful management of the rest of the squad. Flick must balance rotations to keep his star players fresh and utilise the potential of quality backups like Balde or Fermín López. The strong collective performance, reflected in leading the standings, currently justifies the faith placed in this core group.
The team travels to Mestalla to face Valencia on Sunday, 6 September, looking to maintain their positive away form.
