Barcelona has ruled out signing two high-profile free agents this summer, opting instead to prioritize targeted reinforcements while navigating financial constraints. The Catalan club declined approaches for Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva and Serbian striker Dušan Vlahović, despite their contracts expiring in the coming months.
Midfield balance drives Barça’s decision on Bernardo Silva
According to insider reports, Barcelona’s sporting hierarchy concluded that Silva—a four-time Premier League champion with Manchester City—was not a tactical necessity. The 30-year-old, who has netted 76 goals and provided 55 assists in 459 appearances for City since 2017, would have been available on a free transfer after his contract lapses in June. However, the club’s technical staff believes the team’s midfield structure already meets the demands of Xavi Hernández’s system, making Silva’s profile redundant.
Vlahović remains an unlikely backup plan for Lewandowski’s successor
The departure of Robert Lewandowski—who leaves after scoring 119 goals in 191 official matches—has intensified Barcelona’s search for a new center-forward. Vlahović, whose contract with Juventus expires this summer, was floated as a potential replacement. The 25-year-old Serbo-Montenegrin has developed into a prolific scorer in Serie A, but sources indicate his acquisition is no longer a priority. Instead, the club is pursuing more expensive, longer-term solutions, with Vlahović relegated to a contingency option should negotiations with other targets stall.
Financial hurdles delay ambitious summer plans
Barça’s summer transfer strategy is further complicated by fiscal restrictions imposed by LaLiga. While Lewandowski’s exit frees up €26 million in gross salary, this saving does not align with the league’s 1:1 cost-recovery rule for incoming players. To comply, the club must first recover €32 million owed by the New Era Visionary Group for VIP seating rights. Additional liquidity is expected from the sale of forward Ansu Fati before June 30, projected to fetch between €10 million and €11 million. Only after these transactions can the board proceed with high-profile signings without risking further financial strain.
Next moves: sales first, then targeted signings
The club’s immediate focus involves finalizing player sales and resolving outstanding financial obligations. Insiders note that relations with LaLiga remain constructive, raising hopes that Barcelona can register new recruits ahead of the new season. Until then, the board is treading cautiously, ensuring every move aligns with both sporting ambitions and fiscal sustainability.