Barcelona's transfer window is defining the club's pre-season narrative, and not always for comfortable reasons. The most pressing development is the RFEF disciplinary investigation launched after Atletico Madrid filed a formal complaint, alleging Barcelona illegally approached Julian Alvarez outside permitted transfer window parameters. The saga has grown thorny, and with Bournemouth rejecting two bids for striker alternative Eli Junior Kroupi, the club's search for a centre-forward remains unresolved heading into the new LaLiga season.

The squad picture has been further complicated by a midfield injury crisis. Frenkie de Jong was diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament tear, an injury he played through during the World Cup, while Fermin Lopez has spoken openly about needing professional help to cope with missing Spain's World Cup triumph through injury. With both players sidelined, Hansi Flick is short of options, and reports linking the club to free agent Leon Goretzka reflect that concern, even if sporting director Deco appears reluctant to sanction the move.

On the positive side, Flick has added Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €29 million, confirmed on a five-year deal. The German winger has settled quickly into pre-season, with team-mates already impressed. Flick also acknowledged he will miss Marcus Rashford after the club chose not to trigger his £26 million purchase option, preferring instead to commit £70 million to Anthony Gordon. Barcelona open their LaLiga campaign away at Elche on August 23.