Barcelona's summer has taken a serious turn off the pitch, with the Spanish Football Federation launching a formal disciplinary investigation into the club following a complaint from Atletico Madrid. The capital club allege that Barcelona illegally approached Julian Alvarez outside permitted transfer window parameters, a development that casts significant uncertainty over their pursuit of the Argentina forward and adds regulatory pressure to what has already been a complicated window.

The timing could not be more awkward. Hansi Flick is managing a genuine midfield injury crisis as pre-season gathers pace. Frenkie de Jong was diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament tear in his right knee, an injury the Dutchman admitted he played through during the World Cup. Fermin Lopez, meanwhile, has spoken candidly about enduring the worst summer of his life after missing Spain's World Cup triumph through injury, revealing he needed professional support to cope. With both players unavailable, the club explored a free transfer for former Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka, though sporting director Deco is reportedly reluctant to sanction the move.

In the attack, there is genuine reason for optimism. Karim Adeyemi completed his move from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €29 million and has wasted no time impressing team-mates in training, with Alejandro Balde among those speaking positively about the German's integration. A separate bid for Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi has so far been rejected twice, leaving that pursuit unresolved. With the LaLiga season opener away at Elche on August 23 approaching, Barcelona need clarity on several fronts before competitive football begins.