Barcelona are entering the final week of the summer transfer window with several major decisions still unresolved, leaving manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco facing a potentially dramatic reshaping of the squad.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Deco and Flick are continuing to work on restructuring the team, but new questions are emerging as quickly as existing issues are addressed. The transfer window closes in seven days, with the club yet to settle either its recruitment plans or the futures of a number of current players.
Signing a new striker remains Barcelona’s highest priority after Robert Lewandowski’s departure for Major League Soccer.
Julian Alvarez remains the club’s preferred target, although a deal appears extremely difficult because Atletico Madrid are determined to keep the Argentina international. Barcelona have not formally abandoned the possibility of signing him, but they are preparing to activate an alternative plan if their final attempt fails.
Several forwards have been linked with Barcelona in recent weeks, including Lautaro Martinez, Ayoze Perez, Georges Mikautadze, Nicolo Tresoldi and Luis Suarez. However, the club has kept its recruitment strategy private and has not revealed which player it would pursue if the move for Alvarez cannot be completed.
The uncertainty also extends to defence. Barcelona have begun reconsidering whether to bring in another defender, particularly with several players potentially leaving before the transfer deadline. The need for a new signing could become more pressing if departures materialise in either central defence or at left-back.
Marc Casado is increasingly expected to leave after falling outside Flick’s plans. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is examining the offers available, although the player would prefer to join another European club despite receiving attractive proposals from Saudi Arabia.
There has also been a significant development in Alejandro Balde’s situation. Flick left the left-back out of the squad for the match against Elche, a decision Marca interpreted as a clear indication that Barcelona are willing to sell him.
Balde has three offers, with Manchester United understood to be the most prominent. The player is also aware that Joao Cancelo would be Barcelona’s first-choice option at left-back.
Flick said: “I spoke to Balde and told him that he is not 100% mentally present, and he has to make a decision about his situation. We will see what happens.”
Jules Kounde could also depart if Barcelona receive a suitable offer. Should either Kounde or Balde leave, the Catalan club would seek a replacement, either at centre-back or left-back. Gerard Martin could be used in more than one position as Barcelona assess their options.
Hector Fort’s future is also unresolved, with Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad both interested in signing him.
The combination of recruitment needs and possible departures means Flick faces a crucial final week before the transfer window closes. Barcelona’s squad could look substantially different by the deadline, with the striker search, defensive reinforcements and the futures of several players all still awaiting a final decision.
