Barcelona head into the final stretch of pre-season carrying real concerns in midfield, and those concerns are now driving transfer decisions. Frenkie de Jong's diagnosis of a medial collateral ligament tear in his right knee, confirmed by the club, has left Hansi Flick short of options in the engine room. De Jong revealed he played through the injury during the World Cup, making the setback all the more significant given he enters the new season already behind schedule on his recovery. Fermin Lopez has added to that picture, admitting he needed professional help to cope with missing Spain's World Cup triumph while at his physical peak, suggesting he too is working his way back to full fitness.

With the midfield stretched, reports have emerged that former Bayern Munich man Leon Goretzka has offered his services as a free agent, with the connection to Flick an obvious draw. Sporting director Deco is reportedly reluctant to sanction the move, but the injury situation may force the club's hand.

In attack, Barcelona completed the signing of Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund for around €29 million, and the German has wasted no time making an impression. Team-mate Alejandro Balde noted the forward's immediate impact in training, while Adeyemi himself has spoken openly about competing with Lamine Yamal for a starting berth. The striker search, though, remains unresolved. Two bids for Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi have been rejected, leaving the club's pursuit of a central forward at a standstill ahead of a friendly against Birmingham City on July 31.