Barcelona Adjusts Transfer Plans Amid Defender Performances at 2026 World Cup
Barcelona has had to slow down its summer 2026 transfer activity due to several of its main targets participating in the World Cup in North America. The principal players affecting this are striker Julian Alvarez and defender Joao Cancelo, both currently competing in the tournament and unavailable for transfer negotiations.
Alvarez recently confirmed his desire to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, and Barcelona is preparing an offer, though it is expected to be submitted only after some weeks of waiting. Similar patience is shown in discussions over Cancelo, whose transfer the club is seeking to finalize with Saudi side Al Hilal. Talks have paused amid Al Hilal's unsettled sporting circumstances, and no immediate progress on this deal is anticipated.
Cancelo's impressive performances at the World Cup have further convinced Barcelona of the need to sign him. The Portuguese full-back is proving to be one of the most decisive players in his position, reinforcing his status. To facilitate the deal, Barcelona is willing to include La Masia graduate Marc Casado, who is seeking consistent first-team football and is expected to leave this summer.
Simultaneously, Barcelona continues to explore other attacking reinforcements as alternatives to Alvarez. Experienced Spanish forward Mikel Oyarzabal, also playing at the 2026 World Cup, remains focused on the tournament and does not give much weight to transfer rumors. His extensive La Liga experience and camaraderie with Barcelona players on the Spanish national team make him a suitable candidate, although no concrete steps toward his transfer are currently planned.
This situation forces Barcelona's sporting management to exercise patience and wait for these key players to finish their World Cup duties. Only afterward is the club expected to resume its ambitious squad strengthening for the 2026/27 season, targeting signings primarily to bolster the defensive line and attack.
