Speaking after Barcelona's pre-season friendly against Birmingham City, the German coach dismissed speculation linking Torres with a move away from the Camp Nou and praised the forward's contribution to the team.

"We hope and fully expect Ferran to be with us this season," Flick said.

The Barcelona coach revealed he stayed in touch with Torres during the 2026 FIFA World Cup but is giving the player time to enjoy his holiday before returning for the new campaign.

"He is currently on holiday and I respect that time. He has every right to enjoy it," Flick said. "He is, without a doubt, a key member of our squad and proved on several occasions last season just how vital he is to us. That is the standard we expect from him, and we want him to stay here."

Flick also spoke positively about new signing Karim Adeyemi, saying the Germany international has already shown encouraging signs during training but still has room to improve.

"In training, I am seeing Karim at a much higher level," Flick said. "His explosive pace and eye for goal are his primary assets, and it is encouraging to see him adapting so well. He possesses enormous potential and I believe he can be a real difference-maker for the team."

The Barcelona manager reserved special praise for teenage Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim after his impressive display against Birmingham.

Abdelkarim scored both Barcelona goals in an entertaining 2-2 draw before Birmingham claimed a 3-2 victory in the penalty shoot-out at St Andrew's Knighthead Park.

"For me, the vital thing is that he and the other youngsters manage to translate that potential onto the pitch and harness the talent they possess," Flick said. "It is a genuine pleasure to work with this group."

Birmingham had taken the lead through August Priske's well-taken header before Abdelkarim equalised from the penalty spot just before half-time.

The young striker then gave Barcelona the advantage early in the second half when he reacted quickest to convert a rebound.

The Championship club hit back eight minutes later as Jhon Solis finished calmly following a cleverly worked set-piece.

Both teams created chances to find a winner, with Birmingham goalkeeper James Beadle making several important saves late in the game, while Jack Robinson cleared another Barcelona effort off the line.

Beadle then became Birmingham's hero in the penalty shoot-out, saving spot-kicks from Jordi Pesquer and Brian Farinas to hand Chris Davies' side victory.

Lehlohonolo Seema knows he needs to make a fast start after Sekhukhune appointment