Barcelona have accelerated the arrival of 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Vitor Roque by six months.
In a twist of fate for Barcelona, midfield dynamo Pedri Gonzalez may miss out on this season's Supercopa after playing a pivotal role in their triumph last year.
Barcelona FC are strategically shaping their new squad, and the central defensive position is under the spotlight.
In an encounter at the Olympic Stadium, Barcelona secured a 3-2 victory against La Liga's bottom side, Almeria, breaking a three-game winless streak.
In the January transfer window, Bayern Munich are set to engage in a heated battle with La Liga champions Barcelona for Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov.
Holders Manchester City will face FC Copenhagen in the last 16 of the Champions League.