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The focus at Barcelona remains on sealing the La Liga title in El Clasico against Real Madrid. Yet behind the scenes, the club’s planning for next season is already moving.
Sporting director Deco has been working on several transfer scenarios, but Barcelona know they cannot fully attack the market until a few key internal situations are resolved first.
The club is entering a crucial summer window where every financial move matters, meaning decisions on current squad members could shape the entire transfer strategy.
Manager Hansi Flick now faces three important calls that could define Barcelona’s squad planning for the 2026/27 campaign.
Before new arrivals are prioritised, the club must decide what happens with three major names already linked to the project.
Lewandowski’s future remains a key issue
The biggest decision may involve veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who will turn 38 later this year, and while his goal record at Barcelona has been impressive, the club must now decide whether he still fits into the long-term sporting plan.
Lewandowski’s contract expires in June. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Since joining Barcelona from Bayern Munich, Lewandowski has delivered consistently and has continued to be one of the squad’s most influential players in the final third.
However, Barcelona are also aware that the squad needs refreshing in attack. The club want more energy, mobility and long-term stability in the number nine position, especially with younger profiles, such as Julian Alvarez and Joao Pedro, being monitored across Europe.
That is where Flick’s role becomes decisive. The German must determine whether Lewandowski should continue as an undisputed starter, become part of a rotation system, or make way entirely for a new attacking era.
Internally, Barcelona do not want uncertainty dragging deep into the summer. If Flick still sees Lewandowski as an important figure, the sporting department can structure a suitable renewal offer around a reduced role and salary package.
If not, the club would need to start preparing for life after one of the most successful forwards of his generation.
Notably, the situation also affects players like Ferran Torres, whose role in the squad could change depending on Barcelona’s striker plans.
Rashford’s loan spell has created a dilemma
Rashford has been consistently inconsistent. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Another important file on Barcelona’s table involves Marcus Rashford.
The English forward arrived with doubts surrounding his consistency, but his spell in Spain has produced moments that convinced many within the club.
While he has not always dominated games, his numbers show clear contribution levels across the season, particularly in important La Liga matches, having scored 13 goals and 14 assists this season.
Barcelona already know the financial conditions required to keep Rashford permanently from Manchester United.
The proposed operation is significant financially, set at €30 million, especially considering the player’s salary demands and the club’s ongoing need to carefully manage spending.
That is why Flick’s verdict becomes critical once again.
The German manager has worked closely with Rashford throughout the season and has seen both the positives and the limitations in his game.
Barcelona value his versatility, pace and ability to play across multiple attacking positions, but there are still internal discussions over whether he has shown enough consistency to justify a major investment.
The possibility of another loan arrangement has not disappeared either. Such an option would give Barcelona more flexibility financially while still allowing them to keep a player capable of making an impact in big moments.
For now, though, the club is waiting for Flick’s final recommendation before moving forward.
What to do with Cancelo?
Cancelo wants to stay at Barcelona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The third major case involves Joao Cancelo.
The Portuguese full-back has managed to establish himself as an important figure since arriving on loan in January.
His versatility has been one of the biggest positives for Barcelona, with Flick using him on both sides of defence throughout the campaign.
Cancelo’s experience and technical quality have helped stabilise the back line during difficult periods of the season.
In fact, he has managed to push ahead of Alejandro Balde in certain matches, showing the trust Flick has placed in him. But keeping Cancelo will not be straightforward.
His parent club, Al-Hilal are expected to demand a transfer fee, and Barcelona must decide whether investing in a 31-year-old defender makes sense given their financial limitations and long-term planning.
Once again, everything depends on Flick’s assessment. If the manager views Cancelo as a guaranteed starter for next season, Barcelona could push harder to negotiate a permanent deal.
If not, the club may instead prioritise younger alternatives in the market.
