Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has refused to rule out further signings before the start of the season, offering an intriguing update on the club's transfer plans following Sunday's 5-2 pre-season win over FC Basel.

With Barcelona still reportedly chasing Manchester City midfielder Rodri and forward Julian Alvarez, Flick was pressed on whether the Catalans might spend again this summer. The German coach kept the door firmly open.

"It could be that we're missing something, we'll see this week," Flick said. "There's intensity and quality in training. I see the team raising its level and that's the most important thing. We have to work hard to maintain the level of last season."

The 60-year-old also acknowledged the challenge of integrating new arrivals, adding: "It's not an easy management, there are many players who have joined recently."

Do Barcelona actually need Rodri?

While the signing of Rodri from Manchester City appears to be a foregone conclusion depending on which media outlet you follow, Sunday's performance against Basel raised the question of whether the club could spend the money better elsewhere.

Both Eric Garcia and Marc Bernal acquitted themselves well in the Swiss friendly, with Bernal operating as a single pivot in a 4-3-3 shape and Garcia slotting in at right-back. Neither could be compared to Rodri as a defensive midfielder, but both demonstrated they are perfectly adept at playing in the role.

Just because Barcelona can sign Rodri, it doesn't necessarily mean that they should — unless Flick and sporting director Deco explicitly believe the Spaniard will take the side to another level. Garcia and Bernal at least showed that the club have viable internal options, potentially saving the €70m that a Rodri deal would require.

Balde's future under scrutiny

One area where reinforcement may genuinely be needed is at left-back. Alejandro Balde has had more than enough time to cement himself as the go-to option for the first team, but even now, there is still something missing from his game. Against Basel, he misplaced passes, failed to deliver crosses after overlapping, and was caught out of position — potentially contributing to Basel's first-half equaliser.

There is a reason why Gerard Martin has become a favourite for that particular role, and there is a growing argument for cashing in on Balde while the club still can.

Barcelona now turn their attention to Wednesday's Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Al Ahly, before their La Liga title defence begins at Elche on Sunday.