Barcelona are in the middle of a significant squad overhaul this pre-season, with the Ferran Torres sale to Paris Saint-Germain confirmed and a blockbuster pursuit of Rodri dominating the club's transfer activity. The €50 million deal that sends Torres to the Parc des Princes, as reported across multiple sources, closes a four-and-a-half-year chapter at the Camp Nou and, notably, was structured to avoid triggering up to €18 million in clauses owed to his former club Manchester City. It is a piece of financial ingenuity that reflects how carefully Barcelona are managing their resources this window.

The more pressing question is whether those resources stretch to landing Rodri. President Joan Laporta set a 48-hour deadline to finalise a deal worth close to €80 million, but Manchester City have already rejected two bids and remain firm on their valuation. Rodri has made his desire to leave clear, even requesting permission to skip training, yet City show no sign of softening. The outcome of that negotiation will define the shape of Flick's midfield for the season ahead.

Offensively, the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Torres have left Flick short of a recognised striker, and he is experimenting with Lamine Yamal in a central role during pre-season. A 1-0 friendly defeat to Udinese underlined the need for a solution up front. Barcelona also face a defensive dilemma, having approached Tottenham's Pedro Porro while Arsenal circle Jules Kounde. The club's LaLiga opener is postponed due to a post-World Cup rest agreement, giving Flick extra time to get his squad right before the competitive season begins.