Barcelona transfer focus around Balde and Grimaldo
Manchester United approach Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde as they pivot from Lewis Hall, with the defender emerging as a summer target.
Lamine Yamal wins La Liga Player of the Season 2025/26 after 16 goals and 12 assists in 28 games, inspiring Barcelona to back-to-back titles under Hansi Flick.
Dani Olmo quashes exit links, says ‘Barça fans can rest assured’. He targets Champions League progress, laments fine margins vs Inter and Atlético, and welcomes arrivals like Anthony Gordon and top names.
Barcelona will assess Guille Fernandez in pre-season under Hansi Flick, then consider a loan only if guaranteed minutes are secured. Contract runs to 2027, with an extension being worked on.
Barça start pre-season on 13 July while the World Cup is ongoing, with semi-finals 14-15 and final 18-19 July. Players going deep will return in August.
Barça were offered Victor Osimhen but will not pursue him, prioritising Julián Álvarez to replace Robert Lewandowski as Deco targets a new centre-forward this summer.
Barça’s move for Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella hinges on Alejandro Balde’s decision to stay. Club will scout Cucurella at the World Cup, with Atlético also tracking the La Masia graduate.
Barcelona admire Josko Gvardiol, but Man City expect him to stay and sign a new deal unless an ‘astronomical’ offer arrives. Barça will prioritise a new striker, with centre-back plans secondary.
Barcelona monitor Real Sociedad keeper Alex Remiro, who is weighing an exit despite a 2027 deal. Napoli show interest, no talks yet. Barça have only held informal contacts as they assess goalkeeper plans.
Barcelona tie down 16-year-old forward Noah Garcia until 2029. The Sabadell-born striker scored five in 16 on loan at Sabadell U16s and impressed at the MIC tournament despite injuries.
Jules Koundé is criticised in France after a tough outing at right-back in a 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast, days after admitting an underwhelming 2025/26 season with Barcelona.
Marcus Rashford wants a permanent Barcelona move despite Arsenal interest, but Barca may hesitate to trigger the £26m option after signing Anthony Gordon for £69m.
Marc Casado had an agreement with Monaco, but agent Jorge Mendes paused it to explore including him in a deal with Al Hilal for Joao Cancelo. Barcelona want Cancelo permanently, all options remain open.
Right-back Xavi Espart faces a pivotal summer: Spain U19 Euros then Barcelona pre-season to convince Hansi Flick. Kounde’s uncertain future could open a first-team pathway at right-back.
Barça monitor ex-La Masia left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, who could leave Leverkusen for around €10m with a year left. Move depends on Balde’s future and retaining João Cancelo amid Atlético interest.
After selling Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, Newcastle open talks to sign defender Natan, aiming to beat Barça to the Brazilian at a newly set price.
Raphinha has flourished under Hansi Flick, tallying 55 goals and 29 assists across two title-winning seasons for Barcelona, and now targets a bigger impact with Brazil at the World Cup.
Barça delay Ansu Fati’s permanent move to Monaco to insert a buy-back or sell-on clause and await better offers, aiming to keep control of the academy graduate’s future after his 12-goal loan.
