Barcelona's summer transfer business is generating more friction than momentum, with the club's pursuit of attacking reinforcements running into serious resistance. Bournemouth have now rejected two formal bids for Eli Junior Kroupi, the French striker identified as a primary alternative to Julian Alvarez, despite the player himself being reported as thrilled by the prospect of joining. Alvarez remains the top priority, but Atletico Madrid's reluctance to sell means Barcelona are caught waiting on multiple fronts as pre-season progresses.

The squad situation is further complicated by a significant injury blow. Frenkie de Jong has been diagnosed with a tear in the medial collateral ligament of his right knee, a problem that originated during the World Cup, where he played through the pain. The Dutch midfielder's absence leaves a notable gap in Hansi Flick's options at the base of midfield.

On the positive side, the club has moved quickly to add attacking depth elsewhere. Karim Adeyemi arrived from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €29 million on a five-year deal, becoming the second high-profile signing of the summer after Anthony Gordon. Adeyemi's arrival partly addresses the void left by Robert Lewandowski's departure to MLS and the end of Marcus Rashford's loan.

Off the pitch, president Joan Laporta is recovering after a hospital admission for a heart procedure related to an arrhythmia, forcing him to miss the club's pre-season trip to England. Barcelona face Birmingham City on July 31 as pre-season continues.