Barcelona is planning an exciting swap deal in the final days of the transfer window that could shake up the Premier League.
Barcelona is reportedly planning a surprising swap deal just before the transfer window closes, and it could impact several Premier League teams.
The La Liga champions have been busy, signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri from Manchester City. They’ve also added speedy striker Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund, and Joao Cancelo has come back to Barca as a free agent after leaving Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Some players have left too. Homegrown star Ansu Fati has joined Monaco permanently, and World Cup winner Ferran Torres moved to Paris Saint-Germain for about €45 million. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen went on loan to Ajax for the 2026/27 season after struggling with injuries and form.
One player many thought would stay is left-back Alejandro Balde, who has attracted interest from Manchester United. His agent, Jorge Mendes, spoke with Barca last week about several players, including Balde. But Fabrizio Romano says it would take a big amount of money to sell the 22-year-old, who prefers to stay in Spain.
Now, the Spanish outlet SPORT has shockingly reported that Barca’s sporting director Deco is planning a last-minute transfer surprise: swapping Balde for Inter Milan’s left-back Federico Dimarco.
Dimarco, 28, grew up in Inter’s academy and was important in their Serie A title win last season, scoring seven goals and providing 18 assists as a left wing-back. Italy missing the World Cup gave him a full pre-season, and he started Inter’s recent 4-1 win over Monza.
Inter don’t want to lose such a key player, but talks between the clubs have heated up in the last few days.
If this swap happens, it could affect Manchester United and even Aston Villa. United have already asked about Villa’s left-back Ian Maatsen, but Villa want to keep him and may offer him a new contract. Still, United might return with a better offer, possibly including a player swap.
United’s search for a left-back has already hit a snag with Newcastle refusing to sell Lewis Hall, and their talks with Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly didn’t work out either.
Inter have already brought in Djed Spence from Spurs and Curtis Jones from Liverpool, with Spence able to fill in if Dimarco leaves.