FC Barcelona is having a great season with Flick in charge, but the offices are already working on the planning for the 2025/26 season. Deco and Laporta are clear that they must strengthen the team to compete at the highest level, but financial Fair Play remains an obstacle that complicates any operation.
While Barça seeks economic solutions, other teams with greater financial capacity have entered the fight for players who were on the culé agenda. One of those names is one of the great gems of European soccer, whose return to Camp Nou seemed like a possible dream. However, Manchester United has made an irresistible offer that leaves Barça with no options.
United Puts 80 Million on the Table
From the Premier, Manchester United has taken a step forward and offered 80 million euros. This figure has been enough to leave Barça out of the fight, as the blaugrana club can't compete with such an offer without making great sacrifices.
Barça had the player as a priority, but their delicate economic situation makes it unfeasible to match the English proposal without selling key players.
Flick wants to keep Jules Koundé and Frenkie de Jong, two essential footballers in his scheme. Any sale of these pieces would mean a setback in the team's competitiveness. Therefore, Barça already considers the signing lost.
The Talent That Slips Away from Camp Nou
Xavi Simons is a footballer raised in La Masia, who one day decided to leave Paris Saint-Germain in search of better economic and sporting conditions. After his explosion at PSV Eindhoven, PSG brought him back, but without a guaranteed place in the team, they loaned him to RB Leipzig, where he has continued to grow.
In the Bundesliga, Simons has proven to be a game-changing player, with vision and scoring ability. His numbers this season support him: 8 goals and 5 assists in 25 matches. His versatility allows him to play as an attacking midfielder, winger, or offensive interior, making him a desired piece for any elite team.
Barça Can't Compete with the Premier League
Barça's big problem remains the same as in recent years: the lack of liquidity. While teams like Manchester United can spend 80 million without breaking a sweat, Barça needs to balance their accounts before any signing.
If the blaugrana club wanted to face this operation, they would have to sell one of their star players. Frenkie de Jong has been pointed out on several occasions as a possible economic sacrifice, but his importance in Flick's scheme makes his departure not a viable option.
Moreover, United is desperate to strengthen their team after a disappointing season and is willing to outbid any offer. This leaves Barça in an impossible position in the bid for Simons.
Drifting Away from Barça and Heading to Old Trafford
Xavi Simons's future seemed tied to PSG, but the lack of opportunities in the French team has led him to consider other options. Now, with Manchester United willing to pay 80 million, everything indicates that his next destination will be Old Trafford.
For Barça, this is a lost opportunity to recover a player with blaugrana DNA. Laporta and Deco will have to look for alternatives to strengthen the squad without compromising the club's financial stability.
Meanwhile, Manchester United continues with their ambitious reconstruction project and is close to closing a signing that Camp Nou already considers lost.