Barcelona transfer puzzle leaves Hansi Flick with seven-day squad dilemma

Barcelona are heading into the final week of the summer transfer window with several major decisions still unresolved, leaving head coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco facing a potentially dramatic reshaping of the squad.

The pair are continuing to work on Barcelona’s recruitment and departures, but, according to Spanish newspaper Marca, new questions are emerging as quickly as existing issues are addressed. The transfer window closes in one week, with the club still seeking clarity over both incoming deals and players who could leave.

Finding a new striker remains Barcelona’s highest priority following the departure of Robert Lewandowski to Major League Soccer.

A move for Argentina international Julian Alvarez appears highly unlikely because Atletico Madrid remain determined to keep the forward. However, Barcelona have not formally ended their pursuit and are preparing to activate an alternative plan if their final attempt to sign him fails.

Several forwards have been linked with the Catalan club in recent weeks, including Lautaro Martinez, Ayoze Perez, Georges Mikautadze, Nicolo Tresoldi and Luis Suarez. Despite the speculation, Barcelona have kept their plans confidential and have not revealed the identity of their preferred alternative should the Alvarez deal collapse.

The club’s concerns extend beyond the attack. Barcelona have begun to reconsider whether they need to recruit another defender, particularly with the possibility that several players could depart before the window closes.

Marc Casado is among those whose future is uncertain after falling out of favour with Flick. His agent, Jorge Mendes, is assessing the offers that have arrived for the midfielder, with Casado understood to prefer a move to another European club despite attractive proposals from Saudi Arabia.

There has also been a significant development involving Alejandro Balde. 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 prepared to listen to offers for the player.

Balde has three proposals, with Manchester United reported to be the leading interested club. The Spain international is also aware that Joao Cancelo would be Barcelona’s first choice 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. We will see what happens.”

Jules Kounde could also leave if a suitable offer arrives. Should either Kounde or Balde depart, Barcelona would look to sign a new defender, either a centre-back or a left-back. Gerard Martin’s ability to operate in more than one position could give Flick some additional flexibility while the club considers its options.

The future of Hector Fort is also unresolved. Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad are both interested in signing the defender, adding to the number of outstanding decisions facing Barcelona in the closing stages of the window.

Flick therefore enters a critical week with changes possible across several areas of his squad. Barcelona still need to settle their striker plans, determine whether defensive reinforcements are required and resolve the futures of a number of players before the transfer window shuts.