Barcelona’s Pre-Season Climax: Olmo Uncertainty and Vlahovic Pursuit Take Center Stage
As the countdown to the 2025–26 La Liga campaign nears its end, reigning champions Barcelona are putting the final touches on preparations before kicking off against Mallorca.
Manager Hansi Flick is sharpening tactics on the training ground, but much of the buzz around the club lies in the boardroom, where critical transfer decisions could influence both their short-term title defense and long-term project.
At the heart of the debate is Dani Olmo’s future. Tottenham Hotspur are pushing hard to sign the Spanish international, who was instrumental last season with 12 goals and seven assists across 39 matches.
Spurs, needing creativity to offset James Maddison’s long-term injury, are reportedly ready to test Barcelona’s resolve with a €70 million proposal.
Given Barça’s ongoing financial struggles, such a sum may prove difficult to resist.
The timing also coincides with Gavi’s near return from injury and the steady rise of youngster Fermin López, both of whom could step into larger roles if Olmo departs.
On the arrivals front, Barcelona are intensifying efforts to lure Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Seen as the natural replacement for Robert Lewandowski—who turns 37 next week and is entering the final year of his contract—Vlahovic represents a marquee target for the future.
The Serbian forward also has just one year left on his Juventus deal, but while that makes a transfer more plausible, his high wage demands may complicate the negotiations.
The summer window has already been eventful. Key additions include young goalkeeper Joan García from Espanyol, promising winger Roony Bardghji from Copenhagen, and the eye-catching loan capture of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
Outgoings such as Alex Valle, Pau Victor, and Pablo Torre have helped balance the books while keeping the squad streamlined.
Off the field, some turbulence briefly surfaced when Marc-André ter Stegen lost and later regained the captaincy due to a medical consent issue, though the matter appears settled.
On the pitch, confidence remains strong after a commanding 5–0 win over Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy, offering a glimpse of the team’s attacking potential.
As the transfer deadline approaches, two pivotal questions hang over Barcelona: Will the club cash in on Olmo to ease financial pressure? And can they secure Vlahovic as Lewandowski’s long-term heir? The answers could determine not only how Barcelona defend their crown this season, but also how they position themselves for the future.
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