Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has indicated that the club has a clear vision for their transfer priorities for the upcoming season. While discussions regarding the futures of players like Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski are pending the season’s conclusion, Flick has confirmed progress on incoming transfer targets.
Following their La Liga title win, Barcelona still have three remaining fixtures, beginning with an away match against Alaves on Wednesday night. Flick stated, “The objective is now to reach 100 points, and to do that, we will have to win the three games and play well.”
Barcelona’s Transfer Priorities for Next Season
Reports suggest that Barcelona’s primary transfer targets this summer are a centre-forward and a centre-back, with alleged interest in players like Alessandro Bastoni and Julian Alvarez. When questioned about the clarity of their transfer priorities, Flick responded, “Of course, and not just me. Deco and I, we spoke a lot about what we can do, and next season, but we have not finished that.” He further emphasized the club’s philosophy: “The important thing is the combination of La Masia with top world-class players, that’s what we have here.”
Flick on the Futures of Balde, Kounde, Lewandowski, and Rashford
Any significant investment in a centre-forward would likely impact the futures of Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski, whose contracts are not yet confirmed for renewal. Lewandowski has expressed uncertainty about his future, while Rashford has stated his desire to remain at the club. Flick commented, “We have to wait until the end of the season and we will see. Marcus gave us a lot, he’s really good numbers. Robert, what can I say? Every club title I have won with him, so I’m really grateful. But we have to analyse it and we will see.”
There have also been reports indicating that Barcelona would consider offers for Jules Kounde, who was absent from the recent El Clasico match. Flick acknowledged the difficulty of such decisions, stating, “It’s early to talk about what will happen this season. It’s really tough. Because Jules has given a lot for this club and this team, and this decision was really tough, and I know it was hard for him to accept. But he did it, and we are one team.”
Similarly, left-back Alejandro Balde has seen his playing time reduced with the arrival of Joao Cancelo. Flick revealed, “Of course I spoke with him, because he came from the injury and it was different. Joao has given a lot for us in these games. With Balde, when I look at last season, he has improved a lot. But we have to help him with that, and that’s what we are doing. He is a good player, but he has to take the next step, and he will get him.”
Flick Praises Gavi’s Leadership
Amidst discussions about the need for more leadership within Barcelona’s young squad, Flick highlighted Gavi as a key figure. “We have different kind of leaders. When Gavi arrived, after his injury, you can see he is the heart of this team. In every training when he was there, you could see the level of the quality of training increased, in every player. So he is maybe a leader like this, Pedri is a leader with the ball, Eric is a leader. Then we have the captains too. Ronald, Frenkie, Rapha, they are leaders too.”
Flick further elaborated on the importance of on-field communication: “It’s all about communication for me on the pitch, it’s about the player next to me. I have to feel the responsibility of the position, what happens in front of me, left or right, and when we communicate well, it makes it easier for everyone. Because sometimes it’s about one or two metres here or there, and it’s a goal. And this is crucial for me when you want to reach the highest level. And I think we are on the way, and we also have to improve this next season.”
With Barcelona set to host Real Betis on Sunday, following their match against Alaves, the focus is already shifting towards the club’s transfer activities after Flick’s confirmed continuation at the helm.
