Joan Laporta keeps looking for imaginative ways to strengthen the squad without compromising the club's finances. Although the culé economy has improved substantially, there are still limitations that affect many moves. That's why the president welcomes certain opportunities that would hardly have any financial impact.
The new Barça under Hansi Flick has already added key pieces to raise the team's competitive level. The arrivals of Rashford, Bardghji, or Joan García show that there is a structured and well-executed plan. Even so, there is still a missing piece to complete a locker room that aims for everything this season.
In this context, Joan Laporta is working on a signing that would generate total consensus both in the offices and on the bench. It's a player who already knows the club, who has matured as a professional, and who would arrive for free. The board believes that the deal can be finalized in the medium term without complications.
Flick approves the idea and sees immediate fit
Hansi Flick doesn't demand major spending, but he does want reliable reinforcements who know LaLiga and its demands well. The coach believes that there is still a missing piece in the defense to provide balance and rotation options. That's why he has given the green light to explore a path that seemed closed some time ago.
The footballer in question has evolved positively since leaving Barça, gaining minutes, experience, and competitive weight. In the club's offices, they believe he can return as a more complete, mature, and ready-to-perform version. Best of all: with no transfer cost if the timing is managed well.
The conditions of the current market force everyone to think about smart alternatives, with one eye on performance and the other on cost. Laporta knows that every euro counts, and this deal would fit perfectly into the new economic model. The player, moreover, would welcome a return to the place where he was developed.
The signing would be in 2026, but there are already contacts
Although there are still months to go before it can be finalized, there have already been discreet moves between the parties. The club has sounded out the player's camp and the willingness is good if he doesn't renew his contract. Everything will depend on what happens at his current team throughout this season.
If there is no renewal, the footballer will be free in June 2026, a date that is already marked on the calendar. Laporta believes that waiting that long would be profitable if the player keeps his current level. Moreover, Barça retains economic rights over him, which would further reduce the impact of the deal.
The sporting management is clear that they can't let this kind of strategic opportunity slip away. It's not a high-profile addition, but a profile that can contribute and understand the context. His return, moreover, would have an emotional component that many fans would welcome.
The player has gained status and maturity away from Camp Nou
Since leaving Barça, the player has shown that he has the ability to keep himself at the top of Spanish soccer. At his new team, he has been undisputed, accumulating matches, good stats, and constant growth. He is no longer the hesitant youth product who left, but a settled and much more complete defender.
At 25 years old, he is at an ideal stage to return and finally establish himself at the club of his life. He has improved in tactical reading, physical strength, and leadership in the locker room. That's why at Can Barça they believe his return would make much more sense now than in the recent past.
The player himself hasn't closed the door and has made statements that invite optimism about a possible return. He hasn't renewed yet with his current club and Barça are closely following his progress. If there are no surprises, in 2026 he could wear the blaugrana jersey again.
Currently at Celta de Vigo, Óscar Mingueza is a footballer developed at La Masia, who has performed at a high level in Galicia and who could return at no cost. The president is already moving to get ahead... and complete a signing for zero euros.