Adeyemi Deal Nears Finish Line, Flick Chases Álvarez & LaLiga Opener in Doubt - July 11, 2026
Barcelona close in on Karim Adeyemi with hefty sell-on clause. Flick personally contacts Álvarez while the club seeks €210m loan. LaLiga opener likely postponed due to World Cup.
Adeyemi Signing Enters Final Stretch
Barcelona are putting the finishing touches on what will be their second signing of the summer. Karim Adeyemi's move from Borussia Dortmund has advanced significantly after the club improved their initial offer for the German winger. The deal, however, comes with strings attached—Dortmund have insisted on including a substantial sell-on clause, protecting their interests should Adeyemi become the star many predict he will be.
The 24-year-old's versatility and pace make him an attractive option for Hansi Flick's system. But the financial gymnastics required to land him reveal the ongoing tightrope walk the club continues to navigate.
Flick Takes Matters Into His Own Hands
Speaking of Flick, the German manager isn't sitting idle waiting for the board to deliver his targets. He's taken the unusual step of personally messaging Julián Álvarez via WhatsApp, urging the Argentine to be patient and promising Barcelona will do everything possible to secure his signature this summer.
It's a bold move that shows Flick's determination to shape this squad in his image. Álvarez, meanwhile, has reportedly been flattered by the personal approach, even as Atlético Madrid legends plead with him to stay put. The parallels to Anthony Gordon—another name floating around as a potential Raphinha-style soldier for the flanks—show Flick wants workers, not just flair.
Yet none of this comes cheap. Barcelona have requested a loan of €210 million to fund their summer business. The financial creativity that's become synonymous with this board shows no signs of stopping.
LaLiga Opener Hanging By a Thread
Jules Koundé's progression to the World Cup semifinals with France has thrown Barcelona's season opener into doubt. The match against Athletic Club looks increasingly likely to be postponed, with the club potentially starting their campaign a week later in Elche instead.
Four matches have already been delayed due to the tournament, and Barcelona could make it five. It's a strange quirk of hosting a summer World Cup—though at least it means we get to watch Lamine Yamal continue his campaign before the domestic grind begins.
Lamine's Warning to France
And what a campaign it's been for the teenage sensation. After a quieter showing against Portugal where he focused more on defensive duties—leading the team in tackles and recoveries behind only Rodri—Lamine has sent a clear message ahead of Spain's semifinal clash with France: "They should be afraid."
Confident? Absolutely. But he's earned the right to talk. His work rate against Portugal showed a maturity beyond his years, even if the attacking fireworks didn't materialize. France will need more than just doubling up on him, as Courtois suggested for Belgium before they were eliminated.
Mikel Merino's unlikely heroics sent Spain through, but everyone knows the real show is waiting. Lamine's ready to deliver it.
Youth Prospect Updates
Marc Casado has revealed positive conversations with Flick about his Barcelona future, while the Eli Kroupi Junior saga continues with his agent confirming no final decision has been made amid interest from Tottenham. Meanwhile, Mikel Oyarzabal firmly shut down any Barcelona speculation, insisting Real Sociedad is exactly where he wants to be. Can't win them all.
