Barcelona to leave the key need unsolved this transfer window due to lack of resources

Barcelona fell in their two most crucial games of the season last year against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, seeing them knocked out of the Champions League and the Liga title race. In a small part that was for the Blaugrana who could not control the midfield.

Former manager Xavi Hernandez had identified defensive midfield as a key need for the summer transfer window, and Hansi Flick also said he likes to have a defensive midfielder who plans to link the team. However, he can't get one.

After the Director Sporting Deco tried to sign Amadou Onana from Everton, and after asking about Joshua Kimmich, the Blaugrana decided instead to move for an attack, in this case one of Nico Williams or Dani Olmo. Amid reports that Flick likes one of Barcelona's academy talents in the midfield position, and will consider using Andreas Christensen in midfield as well, Sport say the Blaugrana are moving towards not signing a replacement for Sergio Busquets a second summer in a row.

They may reconsider the issue in January, but ultimately their resources will be put towards Olmo's deal, as Flick also believes that Barcelona are above the midfield. The reality was that only one departure, probably Frenkie de Jong or Ilkay Gundogan, would have allowed a move in the midfield, and also to move for Olmo or Williams.

Mikel Merino had been reported as his alternative in the position, but Barcelona decided to cool down their interest in the Real Sociedad midfielder. It leaves Atletico Madrid and Arsenal to compete for the 27-year-old.