Barcelona may already have the go-ahead to complete one of their major summer signings, but there will be a significant hold-up that will rely on Hansi Flick making a bold decision.
It's going to be an interesting summer for Barca, who are coming off the back of another La Liga title. The strength of their squad is such that it is not entirely obvious where Flick needs to strengthen outside of the striker position, given Robert Lewandowskis's departure, while a new winger has already been sourced.
It's a luxurious position to be in, but for Flick, it might mean making some ruthless decisions to improve his squad.
Cucurella deal is there to be struck
One of the main transfer rumours heading into this summer revolves around Marc Cucurella and his proposed return to Camp Nou. The Spain international never managed to break through at Barca, but he still holds the club close to his heart, and he has previously admitted that he would struggle to turn down an opportunity to return.
Cucurella is one of the world's best left-backs, and so Barca may well be interested in a deal, but they do have a talented left-back of their own in Alejandro Balde, who has potential to develop significantly.
Therein lies the issue for Flick, who likely has to choose between the two options. Does he stick with Balde and let him develop, or does he go with the tried and tested now in Cucurella, have a better left-back for the time being but not one who is going to be around in five years' time.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Cucurella is waiting on a move to Barca and is fullly willing to complete the switch, which would likely cost the Blaugrana between €40million and €50million to lure him from Chelsea.
But Barca know they need to offload a left-back first, and indeed decide whether they should. Balde could be expended, but it is an intriguing decision for Flick. It's not one he is likely to rush into, either, with Cururella at the World Cup and unlikely to make any final decisions himself until he has concluded his campaign with Spain.
That will give Flick time to assess his options, and Cucurella may well convince him if he produces a World Cup similar to what he managed at Euro 2024, when he was head and shoulders the best left-back at the competition.
Now it's over to Flick to see how ruthless he wants to be as he looks to keep this Barca side ahead of what will likely be José Mourinho's Real Madrid next season.
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