Barça still has many financial problems to solve, but it is showing great ambition in the transfer market. The great season under Hansi Flick has filled Barcelona fans with hope and anticipation, as they aim high with the ultimate goal of winning the Champions League eleven years later. The German coach and Deco have made it clear that they have confidence in the squad, and although the only clear target was a left winger, they have already signed goalkeeper Joan García and are not ruling out further moves.
Competition for Koundé
One of those moves that seemed out of the question a few weeks ago but has gained momentum in recent days is the arrival of a top-level right-back to compete with Jules Koundé for the position. Both full-backs have been the subject of debate throughout the season. The Frenchman on the right and Alejandro Balde on the left played absolutely everything, and it was believed that both positions needed to be strengthened to lighten their workload given the number of games to be played.
However, when both were injured for the final stretch of the competition, the performance of their replacements meant that the issue was put on the back burner. In the case of left-back Gerard Martín, the German chose Eric García for the right flank, who he converted to the position and who performed excellently. Despite this, the natural replacement is Héctor Fort, and there is no confidence in him, so now the club has put the signing of a right-back back on its to-do list, and a high-level candidate has emerged as a priority option.
Operation Dumfries
Denzel Dumfries impressed Hansi Flick in his match against Inter Milan and now FC Barcelona has him on their agenda. La Gazzetta dello Sport is categorical in stating that Barça is serious about Dumfries. So much so that Inter are already looking for a replacement in the market. The Dutchman fits the profile set by the Barça sporting department, but once again the problem is how to fit his signing into the club’s finances and fair play regulations. The player has changed agents and is now working with Jorge Mendes, who has close ties to Barça and wants to push through the deal, knowing that Barça are looking to strengthen that position.
As journalist Fabrizio Romano pointed out, the Dutch international defender has a release clause of €25 million, an affordable price for Barça, especially after not investing €63 million in Nico Williams. However, the winger remains the priority, so this deal for the right-back will have to be put on hold until the club resolves all its other issues.
Right now, the money to pay for the transfer and the lack of salary cap space to register players are the main concerns for Barça, which cannot compete in the market without resolving this issue, as no player will risk not being able to play for the team.