Barcelona's summer is being shaped by one central question: who replaces Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker has completed his move to Chicago Fire, leaving a significant gap at the top of the attack. The club's pursuit of Julian Alvarez has become the dominant transfer story, with president Joan Laporta publicly confirming a formal bid and revealing the Argentine wants the move. Atletico Madrid remain firm on their valuation, but the pressure is building, with Lamine Yamal adding his public backing for Alvarez to make the switch. A move for Harry Kane was explored and quickly ruled out after the England captain made clear he intends to stay at Bayern Munich.

The financial backdrop has shifted in Barcelona's favour. La Liga has returned to the 1:1 spending rule, lifting the restrictive measures that had constrained recruitment for years. That change gives the club genuine room to act in the market for the first time in some time.

Elsewhere in the squad, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is closing in on a loan move to Ajax, with Barcelona covering most of his wages to reduce the salary bill. Ansu Fati's time at the club is officially over after Monaco activated their purchase option for 11 million euros. With key players still involved at the World Cup, including Lamine Yamal and Pedri, Barcelona's full squad picture will not settle until the tournament concludes.