Both Deco and coach Hansi Flick are fully focused on preparations for the upcoming season, as this weekend’s match against Athletic Bilbao will mark the end of an exceptional year in which results exceeded all initial expectations. The team secured a domestic treble — the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and La Liga — and reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in ten years.
Barcelona aims to build on this momentum, which has reignited enthusiasm among fans. The club’s management plans to offload players who have not met expectations in order to make room for new signings. Four potential reinforcements are being considered during the summer transfer window, beginning with the goalkeeper position, given Wojciech Szczesny’s failure to respond to a contract extension offer and Iñaki Peña’s likely departure.
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According to the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, concerns remain about Marc-André ter Stegen’s advancing age as he continues to recover from a serious injury. This has led the club’s management to explore options for signing a new goalkeeper. Espanyol’s Juan García appears to be the leading candidate, though he is not the only one. The club is also monitoring Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund) and Mike Maignan (AC Milan).
In defense, a new center-back is deemed essential. Flick has identified Ronald Araújo as a possible departure, and the club hopes to generate significant revenue from his sale. Andreas Christensen’s contract is set to expire in a year, and he could also leave. With Jonathan Tah nearing a move to Bayern Munich, Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is emerging as a suitable option due to his youth, versatility, and affordable price.
At right-back, despite the emergence of Eric García, the club is still looking for a specialist in the position, with Vanderson and Andrei Rațiu among the most likely candidates.
In attack, the board — led by Joan Laporta and Deco — views signing a new striker as a top priority, especially given the expected decline in performance from veteran Robert Lewandowski. Julián Álvarez is the main target, due to his standout performances with Atlético Madrid.
Despite the focus on Álvarez, other options remain open, with names like Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyökeres still under consideration.
