One of the characteristics of Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona this season was the Barça DNA. La Masía has been important in the achievement of the three titles won by the Azulgrana team. Much of this is down to years of work in the youth academy and the financial necessity that has led the club to promote what it had at home, unable to make major investments. The team’s good work set a clear goal of keeping the core together while also strengthening several key areas to fight for the team’s main objective, which is none other than the Champions League.
Deco is clear that the main objective is to maintain a squad that needs few changes. “I don’t think that anyone in this team, given its dynamic and joy, is willing to leave. We have already renewed most of the players, 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.”
The reinforcement for the full-back was at home
One of the objectives that was on the table during the season was the full-backs. FC Barcelona wanted to find replacements in the summer for Alejandro Balde on the left and Jules Koundé on the right. Both are undisputed starters, accumulating a number of minutes that led to injuries for both of them. For this reason, reinforcements were sought, but the injuries to both players changed everything.
In their absence, Hansi Flick looked for options within the squad and got great results. At right-back, in the absence of Jules Koundé, the natural replacement would be Héctor Fort. However, the youth player raises doubts in big games, and the German coach pulled an ace out of his sleeve called Eric García. The coach made sure he stayed last summer and, after performing at a high level as a center back, defensive midfielder, and right back, he has become indispensable to Flick.
In the case of Balde, his absence gave Hansi Flick the opportunity to give a start to academy player Gerard Martín, who showed 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.
Gerard Martín has a suitor: the demands of Barça
As a youth player, he had to step up and he did so with flying colors, performing at the highest level. His good performances have attracted attention in a powerful league such as the Premier League. Wolverhampton are interested in signing the full-back, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. Bournemouth also have him on their radar. In addition, there has been some interest in the Bundesliga and an official offer is pending. The player has a contract with Barça until 2028.
The initial idea of the Catalan club is not to sell Gerard Martín, but they have always made it clear that they would listen to offers for him. According to Sport, if an offer of more than €12 million arrives, the door would be open. For now, there is no firm offer, but it cannot be ruled out that the deal could go ahead over the summer.
Grimaldo on the table
Given the possibility that the player could leave, the Catalan club has a plan B with a name: Alejandro Grimaldo, according to Mundo Deportivo. His asking price, according to the aforementioned source, 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.