Have Barcelona’s transfer woes set the stage for another underwhelming campaign?

Despite lofty aspirations to contend with Real Madrid’s blockbuster signing of French superstar Kylian Mbappé, the Blaugrana's attempts to strengthen their squad have fallen short of expectations. 

While they did secure Dani Olmo, a key figure and leading goalscorer in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, Barca's pursuit of Nico Williams and other high-profile targets has been less successful. As talented as they are, the team still has a few glaring vulnerabilities that could doom them to another disappointing season.

The arrival of Olmo from RB Leipzig didn't come without a hefty €60 million price tag, though his addition will provide a needed boost to Barcelona’s injury-prone midfield. The 26-year-old’s versatility and creativity will alleviate pressure on players like Pedri and Gavi to step out of their comfort zones, especially with Frenkie de Jong set to be sidelined for months due to a severe ankle injury. 

However, Olmo's addition fails to address the broader issues within the squad—issues that became painfully apparent last season when Barcelona fell short in every major competition.

One of Barca’s most pressing concerns is their lack of depth on the wings. Aside from 17-year-old  prodigy Lamine Yamal, who is sure to take another leap in his progression this season, there aren’t many reliable options who can consistently produce opportunities from wide areas. 

The failure to sign Nico Williams, who has opted to stay with Athletic Bilbao after months of deliberation about his future, leaves Barcelona with a vacancy that could prove costly as the season unfolds. Yamal, though an otherworldly talent, is still a teenager whose best years are well ahead of him. Placing the brunt of attacking responsibility on his shoulders is a gamble that could backfire.

The absence of a true defensive midfielder is another significant weak point for the Catalan club. Barcelona's midfield is brimming with attacking talent, but it lacks the balance needed to compete at the highest level. Players like Ilkay Gündoğan, Pedri, Fermin, and Gavi are all capable of making an impact in the final third, but none of them are natural ball-winners. 

The club’s hunt for Spanish international Mikel Merino reportedly had legs earlier in the summer, before their pursuit was thwarted by financial constraints, a recurring theme that continues to hinder Barcelona's ability to compete with Europe’s elite.

With two weeks remaining until the transfer deadline on August 30th, Barcelona is running out of time to make significant upgrades to its current squad. The club has prioritized the sale of expendable players to improve their financial situation, but it remains uncertain whether their last-ditch efforts to salvage their economy will prove successful. 

Culers are understandably concerned about their club’s outlook for the upcoming campaign. Last season, Barcelona dropped out of the La Liga title race well before the final weeks, and their performances in Europe were equally underwhelming. 

While the club's young stars will undoubtedly improve over time, there is an underlying imbalance in Barcelona’s squad that could be instantly exacerbated by an injury or suspension to a key player. Even the veteran presence of Robert Lewandowski and Gundogan won't be enough to conceal the cracks, especially as the grueling season begins to take its toll.

Head Coach Hansi Flick has his work cut out for him, and it is on the new manager to devise the optimal tactical plan to get the best out of his squad. The ability is there, and if Flick can leverage his talent while maintaining the physical fitness of his players, Barcelona will have a strong foundation for their return to the summit of Spanish football.