Barcelona's 2026 Summer Transfers Earn Two A's and a D—Here's How They Scored

The transfer window shut on Tuesday evening, with Barcelona's activity concluded until the winter break.

After once again dominating La Liga last season while falling short in European competition, the plan was to bolster the squad over the summer and bring in the kind of transformative talent capable of elevating Hansi Flick's side to greater heights.

The bulk of Barcelona's transfer activity, led by sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta, focused on overhauling the attack following Robert Lewandowski's departure to MLS and the exits of both Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres.

Barcelona Transfers 2026–27

By Sept. 2, Barcelona had invested roughly €185 million ($215 million) in new recruits, with six players earning spots in the first-team setup. The most talked-about story of the window, however, was the deal they didn't complete. Julián Alvarez's drawn-out summer saga concluded with him remaining at Atlético Madrid.

Laporta and the Barça leadership's hesitation to explore alternative targets earlier in the window drew criticism, particularly given Atleti's unyielding position. Yet the absence of a natural No. 9 has barely hampered the defending champions at the start of the new campaign—12 goals across three matches so far.

As for the players they did bring in: how do the new arrivals measure up? Here's a rating of every one of Barcelona's summer signings.

Dominik Livakovic

Despite his transfer being confirmed on Aug. 27, the Croatian goalkeeper wasn't officially registered in Barcelona's 25-man first-team squad until deadline day, after the club made the required financial adjustments to accommodate him. Before that, there was a genuine possibility he would have to be sent out on loan for the season.

Instead, the 31-year-old will serve as backup to Joan García, following Marc-André ter Stegen's departure to Ajax.

Livaković, though unlikely to see much playing time, is a seasoned goalkeeper who has earned a reputation as a penalty-saving specialist with Croatia. Given the fee and the role, it appears to be a sensible fit.

Grade: B

Joao Cancelo

Cancelo is back—this time on a permanent basis—at Barcelona for 2026–27.

The 32-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Camp Nou, returned to Catalonia after his contract in Saudi Arabia was mutually terminated during the summer.

The former Manchester City full-back impressed under Flick earlier in the year and provides crucial cover on both flanks of the defence.

He brings considerably more experience and defensive reliability than the likes of Alejandro Balde and emerging youngster Xavi Espart, while also offering a positive influence in training.

Grade: B+

Rodri

The standout signing of the summer. Rodri had been widely tipped to join Real Madrid, but rebuffed their interest, stating he preferred Barcelona for their "way of understanding football and their values."

Yet the transfer represents far more than simply getting one over on Madrid. In Rodri, Barça are acquiring arguably the finest controlling midfielder in world football.

Heading into the World Cup, some questioned whether the 30-year-old—recovering from ACL surgery—was past his peak. However, his Golden Ball-winning performances as Spain's captain this summer have thrust him firmly back into the Ballon d'Or conversation.

Even when Frenkie de Jong returns from injury, Rodri represents an upgrade on any central midfield option currently at Barça's disposal. The sole concern is his ability to stay fit across a full season in which the club is expected to compete on all fronts.

Grade: A

Karim Adeyemi

There was a time when Adeyemi was considered the next great talent to emerge from German football. That moment appears to have passed—unusually, Dortmund failed to turn a profit on a player they purchased for €30 million ($34.75 million) four years ago. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old could still prove to be an astute acquisition for Barcelona.

He is expected to provide cover for Lamine Yamal and function primarily as an impact substitute who adds width and can inject energy with his blistering pace—recorded at 36.65 km/h in the Bundesliga.

The former Dortmund winger is a player Flick knows well from his time managing the Germany national team—having handed him his senior debut in 2021—and there will be hope that the coach can unlock greater consistency from the wide forward.

Grade: C+

Anthony Gordon

It was a bold decision from Barcelona to pass on their option to retain Marcus Rashford—who contributed 29 goal involvements across all competitions last season—and instead pursue his considerably pricier England teammate Gordon. However, the early evidence suggests the gamble has paid off.

The former Newcastle winger is younger, more adaptable and a more tireless presence than Rashford, and his tenacious energy and driving runs have quickly won over the Camp Nou faithful.

Gordon—who claims to have dreamed of representing Barça since the age of three—was serenaded with chants of his name during the 5–2 victory over Rayo Vallecano, a match in which he produced a superb backheel assist.

Following the match, Mundo Deportivo hailed him as the "Camp Nou's new idol," while adoring fans have nicknamed him "Fat Tony"—a nod to the Spanish translation of his surname.

Grade: A

Gabriel Jesus

It's difficult to characterise this move as anything other than a panic purchase.

Barça spent the entire summer convinced they could eventually prise Julián Alvarez away from Atlético Madrid, and only appeared to consider a contingency plan for their striker shortage at the very last moment when choices were limited.

Jesus is by no means a poor striker, but he has been a peripheral figure at Arsenal over the past three seasons—scoring fewer goals in each of those campaigns for the Gunners than "Own Goals."

He may find some form in Spain, but is unlikely to ever become the reliable centre forward the club sought and requires.

Grade: D