Israeli Talent Ori Goren Trains With Barcelona Senior Squad Ahead of 2026/27 Season

Seventeen-year-old Israeli midfielder Ori Goren, a La Masia academy product, has begun training with FC Barcelona's senior team as they prepare for the 2026/2027 season. Jordi Cardero, a journalist from Mundo Deportivo, described Goren as a technically refined central midfielder, comparing his style to Andrés Iniesta and noting that Barcelona's staff even show him videos of Pedri to emulate certain movements. Cardero emphasized that Goren is highly valued by the club's leadership.

Despite his involvement in the senior team's preseason training, Cardero clarified that this move is primarily intended to support and encourage Goren rather than signaling an immediate promotion to the first-team squad by coach Xavi Hernandez. Last season, Goren appeared in five UEFA Youth League matches, scoring two goals. Notably, his youth team was eliminated by Maccabi Haifa's youth squad during their European campaign.

Goren's progress is being closely watched as he continues to develop within one of Europe's top football academies, with expectations of a promising future ahead.