Although one of the greatest virtues of FC Barcelona lies in its attacking line, Hansi Flick wants to raise the level even higher and is sounding out the market in search of the best options to find a successor for Lewandowski and competition on the wings for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Everything indicates that Deco, sporting director of FC Barcelona, will have a very busy summer. His financial situation is not the best, so if he wants to be able to make signings, he will have to make departures. The casting for the winger is more open than ever in Barcelona.
Last summer Barcelona came close to signing Nico Williams, and although Dani Olmo arrived and the team is performing well in attack, the search for a left winger was not considered closed at the club and, in fact, looking ahead to the summer, the task list includes finalizing the arrival of a player from the left wing. In the opinion of Deco, Barça’s sporting director, the position needs to be strengthened to make the squad more competitive.
“We have players who can play in several positions: Olmo, Raphinha, Fermín… but it’s true that maybe we need a left winger. It’s not an absolute priority either because Raphinha is performing perfectly and Fermín can play there even though it’s not his position. If you look at the squad, maybe we could have one more player there,” said the sporting director in an interview with Diario Sport. In this winter market, an attempt was already made to bring in Rashford, although his arrival was linked to the departure of one player, mainly Ansu Fati.
The one who does have the door closed is the young Lamine Yamal, who has an overflowing talent and is a fundamental piece in Hansi Flick’s scheme. “There are key players and Lamine is one of them. There is no discussion about his future, there is no price, there is no issue, they don’t make us offers for him because they know we wouldn’t even talk about it.”
Lewandowski spoke of his connection with Lamine Yamal. ”He came to train with us. I asked him how old he was. I found out he was fifteen. I replied that it was impossible. It was the first time I had seen a boy who made such an impression on me, and I admit that it is difficult for anyone to impress me. Honestly, I have not seen anyone like him. It is not even about talent itself, but about the fact that he plays as if he were five or seven years older than he is,” he said.
Lewandowski confessed that he likes to spend time with young players and correct and polish their mistakes. “Lamine Diaby sees certain things quickly. It’s hard to explain, but there’s an internal connection between players that you can’t see, but it’s there. And I’m starting to feel something similar with Yamal Ait Nouri. And not just with him, but also with Pedri. With every game I understand Raphinha better too,” he admitted.
Leroy Sané, without a contract renewal
Bayern consider Leroy Sané a lost cause with regard to the summer transfer market. Other players such as Alphonso Davies and Manuel Neuer have already extended their expiring contracts, while Joshua Kimmich has not yet signed. There have been no concrete negotiations with Sané in this regard as neither club nor player are clear on their positions. According to Sport1, Sané has gained supporters but there are also voices advising against him.
FC Barcelona in the fight
The former Manchester City player was recently linked with Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United. But GRADA 3 sources confirm that FC Barcelona are closely monitoring his progress. With his contract expiring in June 2025, Sané has become an attractive option for Barça, who are looking to strengthen their attack without spending a fortune. The relationship between Sané and Hansi Flick, now coach of Barcelona, could be a decisive factor.