Barcelona’s final-week priorities sharpen as Laporta joins Deco for transfer review

Joan Laporta arrived early at Barcelona’s training ground on Tuesday to greet Hansi Flick and the players before training, then held talks with the club’s sporting department as the summer transfer window entered its final week.

The Barcelona president’s visit coincided with the arrival of sporting director Deco, with the two men meeting at a crucial point for the club. Barcelona have until 1 September to resolve several outstanding transfer matters, including their search for a specialist central striker.

The forward position is currently the sporting department’s main priority. The club believe the squad needs reinforcements in that area following the departure of Robert Lewandowski, and are assessing a number of potential targets. However, with the deadline approaching, Barcelona must accelerate discussions with players and their clubs to establish which deals can realistically be completed.

Laporta and Deco have taken a particular interest in the striker issue. They have remained in contact over the desired signing and the club’s other transfer activity, while holding a series of meetings in recent weeks to monitor developments in the market.

Barcelona’s attacking performances at the start of the season have been impressive, but that has not changed the sporting department’s view that the team would benefit from a recognised number nine. The club would rather add a specialist in the position than rely entirely on players who can fill the role when required.

Raphinha, Anthony Gordon and Hamza Abdelkarim are all capable of playing as a striker, but Barcelona believe each player is better served by continuing in the position where they produce their strongest performances.

Gordon’s versatility was one of the reasons Barcelona became interested in him. The England international can operate either on the wing or as a striker, giving Flick an additional option when adapting his team to different matches.

The club’s final week of transfer activity is not limited to the search for a forward. Alejandro Balde’s future also remains unresolved after Manchester United showed interest in the Spain defender.

Manchester United are currently prepared to consider a loan deal for Balde, while Barcelona would prefer to complete a permanent transfer. If the left-back leaves, Barcelona could then look to strengthen their defence by signing a left-footed centre-back, creating another issue for the club’s hierarchy to address before the market closes.

Laporta and Deco’s latest discussions followed Barcelona’s strong start to the season, particularly their emphatic 5-0 victory over Elche. That result increased the president’s satisfaction with the team’s opening performances, but it did not alter the club’s belief that the striker position should be reinforced.

With only seven days of the transfer window remaining, Barcelona are now working against time to settle the future of Balde, identify a viable central striker and complete any further business. Laporta and Deco will continue assessing the available options as they seek to determine which deals can be concluded before the 1 September deadline.