According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona maintains that Real Madrid did not poach Bernardo Silva, Cucurella, Dumfries, and Konate from them, as none of these players were on their transfer wishlist.
Barcelona's transfer strategy centers on signing a world-class striker to replace Lewandowski, with Julián Álvarez being Deco and Flick's top choice. This remains their priority, though recruitment efforts have stalled due to Álvarez's Copa América commitments with Argentina.
After winning back-to-back league titles and securing key players (Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Pedri, de Jong, Gavi, Fermín, Cubarsí, Koundé, Eric García, Joan García), Barcelona has fielded numerous transfer recommendations. While these players are quality options, they don't align with Barcelona's strategic priorities.
Since Real Madrid moved for some of these players, certain media outlets have pushed a narrative to criticize Barcelona: "Florentino outmaneuvered you with Bernardo Silva, Cucurella, and Dumfries." However, Barcelona's position is straightforward.
Bernardo Silva approached Barcelona through various channels, having long dreamed of playing for the club as a free agent. Barcelona was candid: he would need to accept reduced wages, acknowledge he wasn't a priority target, and accept a backup role. At 32, his physical stamina raised concerns for covering the right wing behind Yamal. In midfield, Flick favored de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi over him, with Olmo and Fermín occupying attacking roles. Bernardo simply wasn't a priority. Barcelona briefly considered him as a bonus signing, but he grew impatient and pursued Atlético Madrid before ultimately joining José Mourinho's Real Madrid.
Cucurella's situation mirrored this. Eager to leave Chelsea, he offered himself to Barcelona. The club evaluated him and was direct: they liked him, but he wasn't the priority—Cancelo was, and Balde would need to depart first. The process would take time with no guarantee of success. Cucurella lost patience, turned to Atlético Madrid, then quickly completed a move to Real Madrid in just over a day. Within Barcelona, Cucurella was viewed as a solid player, nothing more. His departure to Real Madrid wasn't considered significant since he wasn't on their radar.
Dumfries also offered himself, but Barcelona declined. They already had Koundé at right-back with superior defensive capabilities, plus depth options including Eric García, Álex Valle, and Ronald Araujo. With adequate cover on the right flank, Barcelona saw no reason to spend money on a position they believed was settled—especially with Dumfries's €20 million release clause. They'll revisit this only if Koundé signals his intention to leave or receives an offer he's willing to accept.
Real Madrid acquired another player without Barcelona making a move. Konate also approached Barcelona, but the club rejected him; his profile simply didn't align with their needs. Barcelona's reasoning was clear: if they were genuinely interested in free agents like Bernardo or Konate, both would be unlikely to slip away.
Barcelona's internal message is unified: due to poor results, the president's electoral challenges, and costly recruitment mistakes, Real Madrid is the team most needing reinforcements. If Real Madrid signs players Barcelona assessed but deprioritized, that's not "poaching"—it's different priorities.
Ultimately, success goes to the club with the resources to act. Had Real Madrid genuinely secured Álvarez, the narrative would shift entirely. But Florentino's bid ultimately failed, which Real Madrid itself acknowledged publicly.
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