Barcelona are still actively scanning the market for new signings this summer, even though their ability to register players remains clouded by financial uncertainty. Head coach Hansi Flick has identified the left side of the attack as a key area needing reinforcement, but the club’s pursuit of options hasn’t exactly gone smoothly.
After missing out on Nico Williams, who chose to renew with Athletic Bilbao due to concerns over Barça’s registration struggles, the Catalans are now seeing a potential move for Liverpool’s Luis Díaz grow increasingly complicated for similar reasons.
Softfootball reports that Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford is currently viewed as the most viable alternative. However, not everyone at Camp Nou is convinced. Director of Football Deco, in particular, is said to have reservations about Rashford’s fit and form. As a result, the club is exploring other possible reinforcements.
According to Sport, Deco recently held talks with the agents of Xavi Simons, the Dutch international who once developed at Barça’s famed La Masia academy. The 45-minute meeting reportedly served as an introductory inquiry into Simons’ situation at RB Leipzig.
Simons, who is expected to leave the Bundesliga club this summer, was represented by his brother Fausto Simons and super-agent Ali Barat.
Deco also attended a dinner on Wednesday night alongside agent Jorge Mendes and club president Joan Laporta.
Though speculation grew that transfer discussions were on the table, especially since Mendes represents players like Denzel Dumfries and Rafael Leão, multiple outlets claim the gathering was primarily celebratory marking Lamine Yamal’s recent contract renewal rather than a business negotiation.
So far this summer, Barcelona have only managed to bring in Joan García and teenage winger Roony Bardghji. The potential arrival of Xavi Simons could certainly add spark and versatility to the squad, but not everyone is convinced midfield should be the top priority.
Softfootball understands that many fans continue to push for reinforcements on the left wing and in the No. 9 position, with concerns mounting over depth in attack.
As the transfer window heats up, it’s clear Barcelona are working behind the scenes—but without resolution on their financial and registration issues, all moves remain hanging in the balance.
