Wholesale problems: Flick turns Barcelona upside down

Multiple unresolved issues

Barcelona have entered the final stretch of the summer transfer window in a state of uncertainty. Hansi Flick, the German head coach, finds himself wrestling with a series of complicated dossiers that remain unresolved, from new signings to players earmarked for the exit.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, sporting director Deco is still working alongside Flick to reshape the squad. Instead of closing dossiers, though, they face fresh questions with each passing day. And the curtain falls on the mercato in just one week.

A new striker remains the top priority, especially after Robert Lewandowski's departure for the American league.

The deal for Argentine Julian Alvarez looks almost impossible given Atletico Madrid's determination to keep him. Even so, the Catalan club have not officially closed the dossier, and they are ready to activate the alternative plan if the final attempt fails.

Several names have been linked with Barcelona over recent weeks, the newspaper reports, among them Lautaro Martinez, Ayoze Perez, Georges Mikautadze, Nicolo Tresoldi and Luis Suarez. The management have kept their moves under wraps, refusing to reveal the true target should the Alvarez deal collapse.

Their problems do not stop at the attacking line. The question of reinforcing the defence has returned to the fore, with the management reconsidering a new defender should some players depart in the coming days.

The list of departures, meanwhile, has become a fresh headache for Flick. Marc Casado is on the verge of leaving after falling out of the German coach's plans, while his agent Jorge Mendes weighs up the offers on the table. The player prefers a move to a European club despite tempting bids from the Saudi league.

Marca also revealed a new twist over the future of Alejandro Balde. Flick left him out of the squad for the clash with Elche, a move the newspaper reads as a clear message: the player is now available for sale.

Three offers sit on Balde's table, most notably from Manchester United. He knows Joao Cancelo will be the first choice at left-back.

Flick said of him: "I spoke with Balde and told him that he is not 100% mentally present, and he has to settle his position, and we will see what happens."

Jules Kounde could also leave if a suitable offer arrives, the report added. Should either man depart, Barcelona will move to sign a new defender, whether at centre-back or left-back, particularly with Gerard Martin able to fill more than one position.

Hector Fort's future hangs in the balance too. Both Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad are keen on signing him, leaving Flick to face a decisive week that could completely redraw Barcelona's shape before the transfer window closes.