The defining story of Barcelona's summer centres on their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, a deal that has quickly become the most complex and compelling transfer saga of the window. Rodri has given his personal approval to a move to the Blaugrana, reportedly rejecting a rival offer from Real Madrid in the process, but the two clubs remain far apart on a fee. Barcelona's opening bid has been dismissed as insufficient, with City holding firm and the gap in valuation still significant. A figure of around €60 million has been cited as the asking price, and until that dispute is resolved, the deal stays unfinished.

While that saga dominates, Barcelona are also managing uncertainty elsewhere in midfield. Marc Casado, 22, is the subject of interest from Al-Hilal, who have already seen one bid rejected. The club is holding out for €40 million, and Casado has agreed personal terms with the Saudi side, yet no agreement between the clubs exists. The timing matters: if Casado departs and Rodri arrives, the squad balance shifts considerably. If neither move completes, Hansi Flick heads into the new season with questions still hanging over his midfield.

Off the pitch, pre-season has been disrupted. The scheduled friendly against IR Tangier was cancelled due to security concerns, and Barcelona drew 2-2 with Birmingham City in their most recent outing. A fixture against Nottingham Forest follows on August 8. The new LaLiga season has not yet begun, with Barcelona sitting third in the early standings table alongside Atletico Madrid and others on zero points.