Fabrizio Romano confirms Barcelona third signing of the summer
With the summer transfer window now in full swing, FC Barcelona is mapping out its strategic plans to strengthen the squad under new manager Hansi Flick. After a transitional season marked by inconsistency and rebuilding, the club is focused on reinforcing key positions to challenge for every available title in the 2025/26 campaign.
Joan García Bolsters the Goalkeeping Department
Barcelona has already secured its first major signing of the window: 23-year-old Joan García from city rivals Espanyol. The young goalkeeper arrives to provide fresh competition and quality depth behind Marc-André ter Stegen. While Ter Stegen’s long-term fitness remains uncertain due to recurring injury setbacks, García’s presence offers security and future planning in one of the most crucial areas of the pitch.
Urgent Need to Reinforce Full-Back Positions
One of the most pressing issues is the reinforcement of both full-back positions—a problem area for the club over the past few seasons. On the right flank, Flick is looking for an energetic, attacking-minded full-back capable of overlapping runs, delivering crosses, and maintaining positional discipline.
On the left, the priority is to find a more balanced player: strong in defensive duties but capable of contributing during offensive transitions. Barcelona’s recruitment team, led by Deco, is focused on identifying options in the French and German markets, targeting youthful players with international experience and potential for growth.
The vision is clear—Barcelona wants modern, multi-functional full-backs who suit Flick’s positional play model and can adapt quickly to the high-pressure expectations at Camp Nou.
A New Left Winger to Partner Lamine Yamal
Barcelona is also targeting a powerful, left-footed winger who can complement teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The coaching staff views this signing as a crucial part of their tactical setup—seeking a player who brings speed, creativity, and goal-scoring instincts from the left flank.
According to insiders, this isn’t just about signing a promising talent; the club wants a ready-made player with proven experience in top competitions. The ideal profile must have the mental strength and consistency to make an immediate impact, especially with the high demands of La Liga and Champions League football.
Departures and Financial Adjustments Underway
In line with financial fair play rules, Barcelona has already begun trimming its wage bill and restructuring its squad. Players like Ansu Fati and Pablo Torre have been listed for potential exits—either through loan deals or permanent transfers.
Coach Hansi Flick has made it clear: quality over quantity. The club is looking to keep a lean but competitive squad, avoiding unnecessary signings and focusing instead on impactful additions.
Deco and his team are also exploring loan-with-buyback arrangements and creative transfer structures to maintain long-term control over emerging talents while freeing up funds to meet transfer obligations.
Laporta Backs Sporting Department Amid Pressure
Club President Joan Laporta has expressed full confidence in the sporting department’s plan, despite mounting pressure from fans and media for major signings. The aim is to have most of the squad ready before pre-season kicks off, avoiding the last-minute chaos of recent transfer windows.
Nico Williams: The Summer’s Marquee Signing
The standout headline of Barça’s summer so far is the near-completed signing of Nico Williams from Athletic Club. Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that personal terms between the player and Barcelona have been fully agreed upon.
The deal will see the 21-year-old winger sign a long-term contract until 2031, with an annual net salary of €7–8 million. Barcelona is currently negotiating with Athletic to finalize the €58 million release clause, with optimism that the deal will be sealed in the coming days.
Williams has been adamant about his desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt, reportedly turning down multiple offers from top European clubs to join Barcelona. If all goes smoothly, the winger is expected to be officially unveiled at Camp Nou in the next few weeks.
A Squad Built for Immediate Impact
With Nico Williams set to arrive and key positions like goalkeeper and full-back in the spotlight, Barcelona’s transfer strategy reflects a shift towards efficiency, tactical balance, and long-term planning. Under Hansi Flick’s direction and Deco’s negotiation skills, the club aims to field a competitive, modern squad capable of reclaiming both domestic and European glory.
As the transfer window progresses, all eyes remain on the Camp Nou offices, where Barcelona continues to work silently but decisively to shape a new era.