Barça's Sports Planning Continues. Joan Laporta and Deco are working in advance to shape the squad for the next season. Among all the open files, there is one that remains in the background but can be activated at any moment.
It is a very specific profile. A footballer with international experience, a past in LaLiga, and a clear defensive vocation. A midfielder who has raised his hand and publicly declared his desire: he wants to play for Barça.
Offers Himself to Barça and Awaits a Response
This footballer finishes his contract on June 30. He has rejected several renewal offers and also proposals from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. His intention is clear: to return to Spain... but only if it's to wear the blaugrana.
Barça knows it. His entourage has contacted the sports management and made his position clear. He doesn't ask for a high salary or a long contract, just the opportunity to be part of the project.
Currently, he is playing his last months in the Premier League. He has been a starter in important matches and keeps a high competitive level. At 31 years old, he is still in top form.
The Main Problem to Finalize His Signing Is Internal Competition. In his position, Hansi Flick has several profiles. Frenkie de Jong is the main starter, Pedri can adapt to that role, and the youth academy is pushing hard with Marc Casadó or Pau Prim.
Moreover, the club prioritizes closing other offensive signings before reinforcing that position. However, from the locker room, they don't see his arrival negatively. He is a different profile, more physical, which could complement the rest of the midfield well.
He is willing to wait. He won't make any decision until he knows if Barça opens the door.
The Key Lies in a Possible Departure
Everything Depends on One Factor: Frenkie de Jong's Renewal. If the Dutchman decides to continue and accepts the new salary conditions, Barça won't incorporate another pivot. But if, on the contrary, the door opens for his transfer, the candidate is already ready.
The sports management is clear. The player in question would arrive free, without a transfer cost. But his signing will only be activated if there is room in the squad and salary mass is freed up.
For now, De Jong hasn't made a definitive decision. There is a predisposition to renew, but also interests from clubs like Bayern, Chelsea, or Manchester United. Any last-minute movement could unlock the operation.
A Signing with a Past in LaLiga and Competitive DNA
The player who dreams of joining Barça knows the Spanish championship perfectly. He was one of Atlético de Madrid's key pieces in previous seasons, where he stood out for his intensity, balance, and physical display.
His playing style fits Flick's soccer, especially as an alternative in physically demanding matches. He has leadership, knows the pressure of playing in big teams, and wouldn't need adaptation.
Moreover, his experience in the Champions League and his defensive reliability could make him an ideal partner for Pedri. The coaching staff has already evaluated his profile, although there is no final decision.
The Chosen One Is...
The footballer who only wants to play for Barça is Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian midfielder's contract with Arsenal ends this summer, and he is waiting for a response from the Catalan club.
He has done everything on his part. He has rejected more lucrative offers, asked for an opportunity, and is clear that his priority is to wear the blaugrana. Everything depends on Frenkie de Jong.
If the Dutchman stays, Thomas Partey will have to look for another destination. But if there is a departure, Barça already has the replacement ready. One who, due to experience and profile, could be the new perfect partner for Pedri.