Barcelona grapples with captaincy questions and stalled Julián Álvarez deal

FC Barcelona is confronting two intertwined issues as the new season approaches. Coach Xavi Hernández (referred to as Hansi Flick in the source) has not yet appointed a permanent captain, sparking debate over whether a home‑grown player should wear the armband. Veteran goalkeeper Marc‑André ter Stegen has been sent on loan to Ajax, while Ronald Araújo and Frenkie de Jong are sidelined with injuries, leaving leadership responsibilities unclear.

At the same time, the club’s pursuit of Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez has stalled. President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco have made several offers, but Atlético has rejected them, demanding a fee the Barça hierarchy deems excessive. Youth star Lamine Yamal has publicly urged the board to abandon the pursuit, arguing the cost outweighs the benefit and that other options exist. Consequently, the transfer remains unresolved and the captaincy debate continues.