Barcelona will have to look elsewhere for a defender, as Denzel Dumfries’ €25 million release clause has expired on July 31. The Catalan club has a strong squad, but it is true that the arrival of some new faces has not been ruled out. However, what really concerns Can Barça right now is finding a destination for the players Hansi Flick does not want and also putting an end to the internal soap opera surrounding Marc-André Ter Stegen, as they are waiting to find out how long he will be out of action according to LaLiga’s Medical Committee.
Deco and the rest of the Blaugrana sports management have a few busy weeks ahead of them. They are still looking for a destination for Oriol Romeu and Iñaki Peña after having already placed Pau Víctor, Pablo Torre, and Ansu Fati. The Barcelona squad is about to return to Barcelona from its Asian tour, and Hansi Flick would like to have the squad he will be counting on for the entire season at that point, but until September 1, when the transfer window closes, there may be a few more surprises, either in the form of signings or unexpected departures.
Dumfries’ clause has expired
One of the names on Barcelona’s shopping list is Denzel Dumfries, but now the possibility of the Dutch international joining the club is fading. The Inter Milan player had a €25 million release clause until July 31, making him a real bargain for all the big clubs in Europe. No one has taken advantage of that amount and, barring an unexpected turn of events, the Dutchman will continue to wear the Nerazzurri jersey next season.
Now that this €25 million clause has expired, Inter Milan will not let Denzel Dumfries leave for less than €40 million, so the price tag for the Dutch right-back has risen considerably and his signing by Barcelona is looking increasingly unlikely. The Catalans would have to raise that money and then give the player the necessary guarantees that he could be registered, as it should be remembered that, as of today, Joan García and Marcus Rashford, the two signings made this summer, and the re-signed Szczesny have not yet been registered with LaLiga.
Options in defense
As we have already said, Barcelona’s squad is practically complete. Hansi Flick has his two goalkeepers for this season, the midfield is also well stocked, and the forward line would be finalized with the signings of Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji. Something different is happening with the defense, as the club wants Andreas Christensen to leave, but the Danish center back wants to fulfill the year remaining on his contract. If he stays at Can Barça, Eric García would be moved to right back to compete with Jules Koundé for that position, an area where Héctor Fort could also appear and end up leaving as well.
If Andreas Christensen leaves Barcelona, Eric García would form the center of the defense with Íñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsí, and Ronald Araújo. That is why the departure of the Dane would seem necessary in order to bring in a right back who can compete with Jules Koundé, who is set to renew his contract until 2030 despite interest from big clubs such as Manchester City. If Deco and Joan Laporta do not want to spend money, Héctor Fort would remain the chosen one, but the departure of the youth player cannot be ruled out if a good offer comes in.