Real Madrid have been making waves in the transfer market already this summer. Los Blancos announced the arrival of former Barca star Marc Cucurella at the start of the week and are also expected to sign Bernardo Silva.
Both players were believed to have attracted interest from Barcelona, although neither player was seen as a priority this summer, with the Catalans focused on signing a new No.9 to replace Robert Lewandowski.
However, the transfers have provoked a response at Barca. “It seems Deco is
their sporting director,” was the view from club sources, according to The Athletic.
The report adds that while Flick liked Bernardo he is more than happy with his midfield options and felt the Portugal star’s arrival “could take playing time away from young players who need to gain more experience.”
Meanwhile, Barca had been “monitoring” Cucurella but did not want to pay his €60 million fee and also feel they have depth in that position. Balde and Gerard Martin are options, while the club are hoping to keep Joao Cancelo.
There’s been talk of a summer exit for Balde but he will only depart if he brings an offer and asks to leave, a scenario that is not expected to arise this summer.
