Laporta Stands Firm on Julián Álvarez, Adeyemi Deal Done & Preseason Begins - July 13, 2026
Barcelona begins preseason as Laporta sends a clear message to Atlético over Julián Álvarez negotiations. Adeyemi officially joins for €30m while Espart impresses.
Laporta Won't Dance to Anyone's Tune
Joan Laporta didn't mince words in Dallas. Speaking to the press ahead of the World Cup semifinal between Spain and France, the president made it crystal clear that Barcelona sets its own tempo in the Julián Álvarez saga. "We're not going to dance to anyone's music," he stated, directing his message squarely at Atlético Madrid's Gil Marín. "We set the pace here, and this isn't an infinite offer."
The Argentine forward remains the club's priority target, but Laporta's public positioning suggests growing frustration with Atlético's negotiating tactics. The message is unmistakable: take it or leave it, but don't expect Barcelona to play games. Whether this hardball approach yields results or backfires entirely depends on how desperate Atlético are for cash and how patient we're willing to be.
Adeyemi Arrives, Youth Signings Continue
While the Julián Álvarez situation drags on, Barcelona moved decisively elsewhere. The club confirmed Karim Adeyemi's signing from Borussia Dortmund for €30 million. Personal terms were already agreed, and at 24, the German winger represents exactly the kind of profile Flick wants: pace, directness, and versatility across the front line.
The youth academy recruitment hasn't slowed either. Jesse Bisiwu becomes the latest youngster to join La Masia, continuing Barcelona's strategy of hoovering up promising talent across Europe. Meanwhile, Roony Bardghji finds himself in demand with over 10 offers on the table. Decisions need making there soon.
Preseason Kicks Off with Renewed Hope
Flick's third season officially began this morning as players reported for medical tests and preseason preparations. The excitement around the training ground feels genuine after consecutive titles, and there's a quiet confidence about what this team can achieve.
One name catching attention is Guillem Espart, who arrives at preseason riding high after winning the U-19 Euros. Reports suggest he's looked excellent as a defensive midfielder alongside Pitarch and Quim Junyent for Spain. Could he force his way into Flick's thinking this season? The manager has shown he's not afraid to trust young talent when they earn it.
Changes Behind the Scenes
Not everything stays the same. Barcelona is shaking up its physiotherapy department with Borja Portillo departing despite his trusted work with Olmo and Bernal. His replacement, Sergio Toro, comes recommended by Raúl Martínez. These backroom changes often fly under the radar but matter enormously when injury crises hit.
Flick's influence extends beyond the pitch too. Gordon, Adeyemi, and even fitness coach Kugel are reportedly his specific requests. He's stamping his authority on every aspect of the squad, which bodes well for continuity and vision.
Laporta and Pedri's Spain Role
The president also couldn't resist commenting on Pedri's situation with Spain. Luis de la Fuente's decision to bench the midfielder during the World Cup drew a subtle but pointed response from Laporta. The Spain boss himself admitted that "Pedri can't play for us the way he plays for Barcelona," which is either honest tactical assessment or damning indictment of his coaching setup. Either way, seeing our magician underutilized stings.
Cubarsí, on the other hand, is living the dream. The young defender told AS he's visualized himself lifting the World Cup. At his age, that kind of confidence is exactly what you want to see.
