The biggest transfer FC Barcelona made this summer was bringing in Dani Olmo. Struggling with financial fair play issues, the club mainly sold or released unnecessary players, leaving some gaps in the squad. Coach Hansi Flick is well aware of these deficiencies and is already planning potential transfers for the winter window.
Barcelona's Priority: Identifying the Position That Needs Strengthening
"Mundo Deportivo" reports that throughout the summer, Barcelona considered signing a central midfielder and a right-back. For now, coach Hansi Flick believes that the right-back position needs the most reinforcement. Currently, Jules Kounde, who was originally a central defender, has adapted to this new role.
Kounde is the undisputed first choice on the right flank, but that doesn't mean Barcelona doesn't need another player there. His supposed backup, Hector Fort, has yet to play a single minute this season. With the Champions League and two matches per week starting soon, Kounde won't be able to play all the time, and Fort isn't at his level.
As a result, Barcelona has identified two players who could fill this gap. The first is Oscar Mingueza, who played in Catalonia until 2022 and is now with Celta Vigo. According to sources, Barcelona has a buyback option for nine million euros, which they could use as a budget-friendly solution.
The second option is much more expensive but proven at the highest level. Joshua Kimmich is a player Barcelona has been targeting for several months, and Flick is now pushing for his transfer. Kimmich could strengthen the midfield but has also played as a right-back. The Bayern Munich star could potentially solve two problems at once, being a versatile option for both positions.
Of course, the transfer window is now closed, so any moves would have to wait until the winter. This summer, Barcelona also pursued re-signing Joao Cancelo, but the Portuguese player chose Saudi Arabia instead.
