It seemed everything was aligning for Barcelona in their effort to defend their LaLiga title this season. Their longstanding rivals Real Madrid struggled significantly during the early part of the year, leading to the dismissal of coach Xabi Alonso last month, while Atlético Madrid failed to capitalize on Madrid’s misfortunes.
yet, recent events have taken a turn for the worse; Barça faced a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Atlético that nearly eliminated them from the Copa del Rey, and on Monday, they suffered a stunning 2-1 setback to local rivals Girona, enabling Real to establish a two-point lead at the league’s summit.
It’s apparent that Hansi Flick’s squad cannot depend solely on rising star Lamine Yamal. Their well-documented financial challenges mean they must carefully prioritize areas that require immediate bolstering and where they can create roster space.
ESPN Barcelona journalists Sam Marsden and Moisés Llorens address the essential transfer dilemmas that Barça must navigate when the summer window reopens.
– Real Madrid transfer questions: What to do about Vini Jr., Bellingham?
– Make or break? Lose UCL playoff and Simeone’s Atlético reign could end
– Why every team left will and won’t win the Champions League
Barça has been considering Julián Álvarez and Dusan Vlahovic, among others, in their quest for a new striker. Who should they pursue?
Marsden: Barça should aim for either Kylian Mbappé or Harry Kane, but they also need a center back, a fullback, a holding midfielder, and likely another winger as well. Prioritizing spending will be crucial and I would lean toward securing a center back first.
Should they choose a striker, Álvarez is favored by the club’s management. yet, his recent form—a goal drought in 11 games before netting against Barça last week—has raised some questions. besides, Atlético’s asking price is exorbitant; sources have indicated they are looking for over €100 million. It’s also uncertain if he would outscore Ferran Torres, who has actually found the net five times more than Álvarez this season while spending 300 fewer minutes on the pitch.
In that respect, Vlahovic could be a worthwhile gamble given he will be a free agent this summer at Juventus, but he might not generate excitement among fans. Given the unpredictability of the market, I would recommend that Barça hold off for now and focus on other areas until they can afford a substantial investment in a striker.
Llorens: Without a doubt, if they can, Barça should pursue Álvarez. He is a player the club has been interested in for a long time. There are over 15 reports recommending his transfer at various points in his career, and his playing style aligns perfectly with what coach Hansi Flick demands of his forwards. Barça would provide him the opportunity to compete for every available trophy, reminiscent of his time at Manchester City.
Regardless of who arrives, should they extend Robert Lewandowski’s contract?
Llorens: I would not extend his contract. As a player set to turn 38 in August, I believe his time at the club has come to an end. The club might opt to extend his contract at a significantly reduced salary, but in my view, it’s time for a change.
Marsden: To start, let me clarify that Lewandowski, who joined at the age of 33 in 2022, has been an outstanding signing for Barcelona. With 114 goals in 177 games, he’s merely six shy of entering the club’s top 10 all-time leading scorers.
Nevertheless, he has started taking on a more secondary role this season, sharing time with Torres, and commands a hefty salary. whether or not he’s willing to accept a pay cut, is he justified in earning that much if he’s not the starting No.9 every week?
His experience and work ethic have made a significant impact, serving as an example for younger players, but it may be in both the player’s and the club’s best interest to part ways this summer. Barça could reallocate that salary space effectively, and Lewandowski could headline a new project elsewhere as he nears the end of his career.
Should Barça make Marcus Rashford’s loan permanent, or should they seek another winger?
Marsden: With 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 matches, he’s performed well during his loan from Manchester United. But as Flick has recently stated, it’s not merely about the statistics. He has urged Rashford to tap into his full potential more effectively and has previously mentioned the need to enhance his off-the-ball work. This might contribute to why, since Raphinha’s return from injury late in November, the England international has largely been relegated to an impact substitute role.
Hence, deciding whether to secure him permanently is challenging. At €30 million in the current market, it seems like an easy choice, especially since he appears content with a sporadic role while others step up. yet, his salary is also a consideration; unless he accepts a substantial cut, he would become one of the highest earners at Barça.
The final verdict will rely on his performance leading up to the season’s close, the budget available to Barça, alternative options, and the team’s priorities regarding squad improvement. Currently, club sources suggest that a permanent deal is more likely, but I would lean towards investing in other areas.
Llorens: I’d evaluate the other alternatives before deciding on Rashford. His performances have been solid and he has integrated well into the team, the club, and life in Catalonia, but €30 million is significant for Barça to spend without complete confidence.
There are budget-friendly alternatives worth considering. For instance, Jan Virgili is a young winger Barcelona transferred to Mallorca last summer with a buyback option. He could be a suitable option to fill in on the left wing when Raphinha is unavailable. He demonstrated good form when Barça faced Mallorca recently, yet it’s true that his numbers and striking ability don’t compare to Rashford’s at this stage.
1:29
Moreno: Barcelona’s defence a ‘circus’ in Girona defeat
Ale Moreno reacts to Barcelona’s unexpected 2-1 defeat to Girona as Real Madrid claims the top spot in LaLiga.
Is another center back necessary to compensate for Iñigo Martínez’s departure? If so, who should they target?
Llorens: The identity of players leaving Barcelona this summer will be crucial in determining if they opt for another central defender ahead of next season. Gerard Martín’s future at the club is uncertain, Andreas Christensen’s contract is expiring, and we will see how Ronald Araújo’s situation, who recently returned from a brief leave for mental health reasons, develops.
Pau Cubarsí and Eric García have shown potential as a duo in defense in recent weeks, but if there’s room in the squad and funds available, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni stands out as a high-profile option that could fit seamlessly. He would be a wise addition to any ambitious European side seeking Champions League success.
Marsden: Definitely. If funds allow, this is where I would invest. I’m not suggesting that all of Barça’s issues stem from the back four— they’ve occasionally been exposed by the midfield and let down by the team’s pressing—but acquiring a new center back would enhance this squad.
Cubarsí’s performances have been inconsistent partly because a lot of responsibility has been placed on his young shoulders. He is still honing his skills and would significantly benefit from partnering with an experienced player, similar to Martínez’s role last year. While a partnership with García could flourish, I don’t view it as a top-tier pairing yet.
As for whom Barça should sign, it all boils down to financial capacity—or the lack thereof. Bastoni would be my ideal choice as well, but it’s nearly impossible. Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven have emerged as alternative targets, but sporting director Deco might need to explore markets with expiring contracts, such as AFC Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi or even Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté.
Will Barça seek a new fullback in the summer, or is there a chance João Cancelo might stay?
Marsden: While there’s a slim chance Cancelo might stay, it seems unlikely at this stage. We’ll need to assess how the remainder of the season unfolds. Nevertheless, Barça requires additional fullback depth. Jules Koundé’s backup has been García, who primarily plays as a center back, while Alejandro Balde’s sole competition on the left is the inexperienced Martín.
The need for a fullback isn’t a new revelation. Deco has been exploring this market for multiple transfer windows, but with Koundé and Balde both performing adequately, it hasn’t reached an urgent status. The ideal candidate would be a young player capable of playing across both sides of the defense, with long-term potential to establish themselves as a starter. Whether such a player is available remains to be seen.
Llorens: Cancelo’s form since returning in January hasn’t been encouraging, although the influence of his agent, Jorge Mendes, may affect his future. With Koundé and García as right-back options, and rising star Jofre Torrents pushing for more playing time on the left behind Balde, the club’s financial constraints will ultimately dictate whether they pursue another fullback this summer.
0:45
Hansi Flick: No excuses Barcelona deserved to lose vs. Girona
Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick acknowledges his team merited their loss against Girona in LaLiga.
Which upcoming La Masia talents may get promoted to the first team?
Llorens: Several academy players are already ready to join the first-team roster, though it would greatly aid them if the reserve team secures promotion back to Spain’s third tier this season. Among those poised for first-team opportunities, cousins Toni and Guille Fernández, and winger Dani Rodríguez, who is currently sidelined with an injury, have notable prospects of making a reputation at the club.
Marsden: While recent years have seen openings for youngsters, the sentiment within the club is that with a more established squad now in place, it will be tougher for academy products to secure playing time going forward. This was one key factor influencing Dro Fernández’s choice to move to Paris Saint-Germain in January.
That said, Flick continues to incorporate youth players into training sessions. Midfielder Tommy Marqués has recently made his debut under the German coach, while Toni Fernández, Torrents, and Juan Hernández are being integrated into the senior squad as well.
Young talents like Xavi Espart, Landry Farre, Sama Nomoko, and Ebrima Tunkara—still only 15—are others to watch closely, although Espart, Farre, and Nomoko have all faced injury setbacks this season.
Barcelona always needs to generate funds. Are there any established first-team players that could be sold to raise capital?
Marsden: Allowing Lewandowski and Christensen to leave as their contracts run out would create salary space, and the same goes for goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. plus, not extending Cancelo’s loan or signing Rashford could save costs. I would also listen to any offers for Martín or Marc Casadó, two squad players who, in my view, will struggle to establish a permanent role in the first team at Barça.
Beyond that, decisions become trickier. Torres’ contract ends in 2027, so if an extension isn’t forthcoming, it may also be wise to cash in on the former Manchester City player. Then, the discussion shifts to what Barça could do with any funds generated from player sales. If there’s a strategic case for reinforcing the squad by considering offers for Araújo, Koundé, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo, and Fermín López, that should be evaluated thoroughly.
Llorens: It will depend on how the season concludes, but transferring out players like Martín and Casadó could be on the agenda this summer. yet, the situation remains uncertain for now.
