The most pressing concern at Barcelona this summer is the fitness of Frenkie de Jong, who returned from the World Cup with a serious knee injury that could keep him out for up to six months. The club is furious with Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman and the Dutch medical staff, feeling they were misled about the midfielder's condition during the tournament. Losing De Jong for such an extended period is a significant setback as Hansi Flick prepares his squad for the new season.

Despite that blow, Barcelona have been active in the transfer market. Karim Adeyemi has arrived from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €29 million after completing his medical, and Anthony Gordon joined from Newcastle as one of the summer's biggest deals. The club also considered Mason Greenwood before he moved to Fenerbahce, and are now preparing to contact the representatives of Aymeric Laporte, whose World Cup performances with Spain attracted attention. PSG's withdrawal from the race for Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi has also left Barcelona well placed to pursue the 18-year-old midfielder.

On the pitch, Barcelona ended LaLiga as champions with 94 points, finishing eight clear of Real Madrid. Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres were central figures as Spain won the World Cup, with president Joan Laporta openly celebrating the club's influence on the tournament. Robert Lewandowski, meanwhile, has departed for Chicago Fire, bringing his era at the club to a close. Barcelona's next outing is a friendly against CE Europa on July 24.