Beijing time (CEST) August 25 — The Athletic published issue 13 of "Transfer Briefing" covering the summer 2026 transfer window, analyzing Barcelona's situation.

If Barcelona cannot sign Álvarez, will they change their plans?

According to Deco, Barcelona expects to sign a new striker before the transfer window closes. When Deco made those statements, Barcelona was already pessimistic about signing Álvarez. They had received no signals from Atlético Madrid indicating a willingness to soften their stance and negotiate, which further diminished their hopes of Álvarez joining the club.

However, this does not mean Barcelona has given up on him, especially after Álvarez was booed by Atlético Madrid's own fans during their match against Villarreal at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday. Barcelona, and Flick in particular, are willing to wait until the transfer window closes to sign Álvarez. If any negotiation opportunity arises, they will not hesitate to seize it. Club insiders believe that if Barcelona cannot sign Álvarez, it is unlikely they will sign any new striker, as there are virtually no other options that would satisfy all decision-makers and improve the team's current strength.

Besides Álvarez, it remains unclear which player Barcelona would prefer to bring in for the center-forward position. Club sources have mentioned Lautaro Martínez as another candidate Barcelona admires, but he is clearly not under serious consideration. Deco had previously focused on players like Osimhen and Marmoush, but neither fully convinced all of the club's decision-makers. Some reports have linked Tielemans as a possible Barcelona transfer target, though there are currently no signs Barcelona has taken any concrete action. Gyökeres has also been linked with Barcelona, but he is not the most favored option among the club's hierarchy.

What positions and players are they looking for?

Barcelona urgently needs to sign a center-forward before the transfer window closes. However, there may still be room for other signings. If Balde ultimately leaves the club, Barcelona could bring in another defender. Though it may sound surprising, they are most likely to sign a left-footed center-back.

Club insiders believe the team currently lacks specialized left-footed center-backs, with only Gerard Martín, who also plays left-back. Following Araújo's departure, signing a new center-back would allow Cancelo and Gerard Martín to play as left-backs, supported by Esparto and Jordi Pesquer.

The club has been tracking RB Leipzig defender Lukeba and considers him a possible transfer target. Flick is reported to highly value the 23-year-old, who can play both center-back and left-back. However, there are still many variables in the transfer negotiations, and Balde's departure is a prerequisite for this deal to advance substantially.

Which players could leave?

Balde is currently the most closely watched player in the transfer market. Club sources reveal that Balde was informed at the start of the transfer window that he would be Cancelo's backup for the new season and would need to fight for his place. This warning did not discourage Balde, and he still firmly believes he should remain with the team.

Sources close to Balde acknowledge he could leave the club, but believe this situation could have been resolved earlier in the summer, and they are now racing against time to find the best solution. Beyond Balde, Barcelona also hopes to sell Casadó and Héctor Fort. Neither player has been given a first-team squad number and has been told to seek new clubs.

Traducido por IA.

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