Barcelona Women have been the hegemonic team in European soccer for the past few years, but their search for reinforcements for the upcoming season has faced unforeseen obstacles, claims Relevo. Two of their top transfer targets, Lizbeth Ovalle and Klara Bühl, are now out of the equation. The Mexican forward, despite direct overtures from Barça, is still uncertain about what she wants. Meanwhile, the German star opted to extend her contract with Bayern Munich until 2027, robbing the Catalan club of one of the most sought-after attacking players.
Follow Playing for 90 on X (Twitter).
As the transfer market evolves, Barcelona awaits information regarding next season's budget, and as it stands, the only transfer that is near completion is Laia Aleixandri, who would strengthen the defense line.
A star that slipped away
Lizbeth Ovalle's name never came up on Barcelona's radar without reason. The Mexican forward, one of the most important players for Tigres UANL, is considered among the most gifted players in North American women's soccer. High on the list of wanted players is the Mexican, who has been under close observation from Barcelona's scouting department after a series of outstanding performances.
Barça was keen, but for reasons that have yet to be made public, the talks did not come to fruition. Ovalle remains contracted to Tigres until June 30, 2025, and despite her apparent future lying in Europe, no decision has been arrived at.
Klara Bühl slips away from Barcelona's plans
Besides Ovalle, Barcelona also courted Klara Bühl, Bayern Munich's most valuable player and the best representative of the German squad. The forward even visited Barça's training facility, and it was believed that things were going in the right direction.
Bayern's extension of Bühl's contract until 2027 completely turned things upside down. Today, Barcelona lost what was the seeming tangible opportunity to strengthen the left side.
Bühl's departure is emblematic of a larger problem, Barcelona is failing in the transfer market. Having one of the best teams on European soccer, doubts about next season's budget are directly affecting the ability of the club to sign players.
A stalled market and few solutions in sight
There is no attacking reinforcements who have been confirmed, though the only name on the verge of agreement is Manchester City's Laia Aleixandri. The defender and defensive midfielder has been the club's target for months at Barça, whose negotiations are reported to be going well.
Aleixandri is going to solidify the defence, a area that despite the overall squad strength, will be needed strengthening through a protracted and grueling season to unfold. Talk too has also indicated Irene Paredes is also leaving towards the end of next season, fueling further need for one elite-class defender acquisition.
Barcelona Women possess one of the best squads, but without solid proactive business within the market, they are in doubt as to whether they can stay at the top with any serious signings, especially on sensitive positions and renewal of current contracts.
With Bayern, Tigres, and other European giants splurging their cash, Barça can't be left behind. If their only big-name signing is Laia Aleixandri, will that suffice to keep Barcelona's level at its highest?
Meanwhile, the transfer window is up for grabs, as much speculation remains about Barcelona's squad for next season.