Barça has started this week by sending a clear message from its sporting management: the transfer market is closed. After the additions of Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, and Joan García, signed from Espanyol, the blaugrana club assures that there won't be any more moves. Deco has leaked that the squad is closed for this summer, and that no further arrivals are being considered for the remainder of the window.
This decision is based on both sporting and financial criteria. The club believes that with these two additions, the team's most urgent needs have been met. Flick has approved the operation, satisfied with the performance of the new signings and convinced that he can compete with what he already has in the squad.
There will be no need to sell to register
Additionally, the blaugrana organization insists that there won't be any major departures in order to register Rashford and Joan García. Despite the well-known difficulties, the club trusts it can generate the necessary income through other means, such as commercial agreements. In this regard, it is ruled out that names like Ronald Araujo, Gavi, or Fermín López will have to leave this summer to raise funds.
Rumors continue
However, the calm that Barça tries to project hasn't stopped the rumors. In recent weeks, reports about offers for some of the less-used players, especially in midfield, have intensified.
With a clear overcrowding in midfield, where Flick has Pedri, De Jong, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Fermín, and Marc Casado, it's inevitable that other clubs are paying attention.
The player Simeone wants
Fermín has been one of the most talked-about names. However, in recent hours, the focus seems to have shifted to Marc Casado. According to El Nacional, Simeone has set his sights on the homegrown blaugrana player as a possible reinforcement for Atlético de Madrid.
The Colchonero coach values Casado's intensity, range, and capacity for sacrifice, qualities very much in line with his play style. There are no confirmations from the player's camp, and the club insists that Casado remains part of the project, although they acknowledge that his sporting situation isn't easy.
The competition is fierce, and both he and the club know that he could have a bigger role elsewhere. Even so, for now, Barça is standing firm.