Explained: Why Barcelona sporting director Deco has 'frozen' outgoing transfers despite financial problems

Barcelona are yet to do any headline business in the summer transfer window but continue to be linked with moves for Spain stars Nico Williams and Dani Olmo. Big sales may be needed to fund such transfers, but Deco has put a stop to any exit operations until progress is made on incomings, according to Diario Sport. The only players to have departed since the end of the season are youngsters Chadi Riad and Marc Guiu, while Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo have both returned to their parent clubs after loan deals expired.

Williams has emerged as Barcelona's top transfer target but is reportedly having doubts about a move to Catalunya and could try to delay the transfer by 12 months. Meanwhile, Barca are facing competition from Manchester City and Bayern for Olmo. The Catalans are willing to offload several players this summer, with Vitor Roque having attracted attention from Saudi Arabia, Ansu Fati not wanted by new manager Hansi Flick, and even Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan available for sale. Brazilian forward Raphinha has also been linked with a move away from the club amid interest from Al-Nassr.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed the club can make big signings this summer despite the club's difficult financial situation. He told Catalunya Radio earlier in July: "Economically speaking, we could commit to the signing of Nico Williams. Nico's a player I like -- I like him a lot. We are working with [new coach Hansi] Flick on possible signings. Now we have to leave [sporting director] Deco to close the operations we are working on. Shortly we will be able to announce some good news with regard to the financial [issues] and we will be back within LaLiga's Fair Play limits. And that will allow further good news in terms of [signings]."

Barcelona have jetted out to the United States for a pre-season tour and games against Manchester City, Real Madrid and AC Milan. A meeting with former boss Pep Guardiola is up first in Orlando, Florida.