Barça's new captains have been named.

Flick reshapes Barcelona’s captaincy plan

Hansi Flick has made Raphinha his first choice for Barcelona’s captain’s armband, moving away from the expectation that Frenkie de Jong would take the role.

The German coach outlined the plan in comments to the media, with Eric García set to act as second captain and Pedri as third. The arrangement may only be temporary, with Flick planning to leave the final decision to a dressing-room vote once the squad is complete after the transfer window closes.

De Jong’s absence has played a part in the call. The Netherlands midfielder is out for several months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained at the World Cup, which has ruled him out of action for now.

Final call may come later

Barcelona traditionally decide their captains through a player vote, and Flick appears ready to follow that route after the summer business is finished. Until then, Raphinha, García and Pedri are the names set to lead the side.