Barcelona Outlines the 2026 Transfer Market

German coach Hans Flick, the head coach of Barcelona, has started collaborating with sporting director Deco and the sports planning committee to outline the project for the next season.

According to what was agreed inside the club, three main priorities were set for the summer transfer market: a left center-back, a versatile winger, and a pure striker to replace Robert Lewandowski, who is entering his final season and will turn 38 next summer.

The newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" reported that signing a left defender is the most urgent option for Barcelona, especially after the departure of Iñigo Martínez at the last moments of last summer's transfer window, which left the team without a defender skilled in this role, causing the team to lose Martínez's capabilities in leading the defense line and executing the offside trap that characterized last season.

The club is exploring the possibility of signing a defender in the January winter transfer market, despite the difficulty due to Financial Fair Play issues and the scarcity of quality options available in winter.

According to the newspaper, Barcelona is monitoring several names, most notably Gonzalo Inacio (Sporting), Morelo (Nottingham), Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund), Benedetti (Palmeiras), and Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace).

The newspaper pointed out that with the Polish star aging and his contract nearing its end, the club agreed that signing a new "number 9" is necessary. Julian Alvarez is highly admired within the management, and Harry Kane is a realistic option due to a release clause of 65 million euros in his contract with Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland remains a distant dream at the present time.

The newspaper concluded that the Catalan club is considering signing a versatile winger. It is noted that the management still has the option to activate the purchase clause for Marcus Rashford for 30 million euros, but the final decision will depend on evaluating his performance at the end of the season. Rafael Leão from Milan also remains a constant name on the list of candidates, provided the club is prepared for the possibility of Raphinha leaving next summer, especially with the ongoing allurements of the Saudi league.