The arrival of Hansi Flick has filled Barcelona fans with excitement after a lackluster season, which ended with Montjuic packed to the rafters and three titles under their belt. The team’s good work set a clear goal of maintaining the squad that led Barcelona to glory, while strengthening several key areas to fight for the team’s main objective, which is none other than the Champions League.
The titles have come thanks to the efforts of a squad that has played very good football and delivered an outstanding performance. A performance that, in the words of sporting director Deco, “exceeded expectations a little, because we competed against a strong Real Madrid, and we are not in the Champions League final because of one small detail. Competing for everything, we won the Super Cup, the Copa del Rey… That was our idea, this is the way forward,” he said.
In that sense, Deco is clear that the main objective is to maintain a squad that needs few changes. “I don’t think that this team, given its dynamic and joy, has anyone willing to leave. We have already renewed most of the squad, now we have to take care of those who are here. Last year I said that we couldn’t lose anyone. I think it’s the same now. If we can improve, it’s always possible, but the key is to keep what we have consolidated for the coming years.”
Change of mind with the full-back
For months, Barcelona’s priority was to strengthen both full-back positions. With Balde and Koundé as undisputed starters, the Azulgrana were looking to increase competition in order to reduce the number of minutes played and improve the level of the squad, as their replacements are young academy players with little experience in big games.
However, everything seems to indicate that those two positions are now closed. The signings are in place. This change of plan came about due to injuries to both players. In Balde’s case, his absence gave Hansi Flick the opportunity to give academy player Gerard Martín a chance to start, and he proved that he is ready to fill the position in important games such as the semi-finals against Inter Milan, where he even provided two assists in the second leg.
On the right side, Cup hero Jules Koundé was also injured. Although his natural replacement is Héctor Fort, Flick did not want to put his trust in the young player and opted to use Eric García, who has shown unmatched performance and versatility, as a full-back. The gamble paid off, so it has been decided to postpone the signing of a full-back, where Fort is also expected to grow.
Gerard Martín has a suitor and Barça has a plan B
The good work of youth player Gerard Martín in replacing Balde has caught the attention of the Premier League.
Wolverhampton are interested in signing the full-back, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. Although the decision seems final, FC Barcelona are not ruling anything out and have an ace up their sleeve for the left-back position. Depending on financial availability, Barcelona could decide to strengthen this position, which currently features Alejandro Balde and Gerard Martín. If they do decide to do so, the main candidate is Alejandro Grimaldo, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Coincidentally, the Bayer Leverkusen full-back is also Real Madrid’s plan B. According to the aforementioned source, his asking price is below the market value indicated by Transfermarkt at $40 million. The aforementioned media outlet suggests that the real price could be between $15 million and $18 million, making it a very tempting and affordable deal.