Barcelona face the final days of the transfer window with more uncertainty than desired in their planning. Hansi Flick has provided a clear assessment of his squad and has identified expendable players. In this scenario, Gavi's brilliance has ended up displacing an academy player who seemed to have a guaranteed spot.
The emergence of the Seville native at the start of this season has been decisive in changing some plans. His ability to adapt to different positions in midfield has made him indispensable for the German coach. With such an energetic display, it's difficult to justify the continued presence of another midfielder who was hoping for minutes.
The debate isn't simple, because this is a player who has always enjoyed great consideration at La Masia. However, Flick believes the team needs efficiency and balance above sentimentality. In his current plan, there's not the same clear space for all the academy players.
Adding to this is the emergence of Marc Bernal, who has impressed the coaching staff every time he's been given a chance. The young midfielder has shown personality and composure in a demanding context, generating trust in the locker room. For Flick, his consolidation further reduces the urgency to keep the now-questioned footballer.
Interested teams
The market, as usually happens in these cases, hasn't taken long to react to the situation. From England, clubs like Wolves and West Ham have inquired about the player's availability in recent weeks. It wouldn't be surprising if one of them submits a formal offer before the window closes.
In Spain, there are also offers, although with less financial power than the English clubs. Real Betis, for example, have explored the possibility of bringing him in as a strategic reinforcement. However, the most notable development is that Atlético de Madrid have also set their sights on him.
The red-and-white team are looking to strengthen their midfield with a player who brings intensity and range. Simeone sees him as a footballer capable of providing defensive balance and tireless work in midfield. It wouldn't be the first time Atlético have bet on a young talent developed in the Barça academy.
Barça, aware of this opportunity, are seriously considering letting the player go if the fee is around €30 million. A sale in that range would allow them to balance the books and provide relief to a struggling economy. In addition, it wouldn't excessively affect the sporting project, given the current squad depth in that position.
The footballer's point of view
Despite the growing market interest, the player has never hidden his desire to succeed at Camp Nou. He feels identified with the club's values and has expressed his commitment on numerous occasions. For him, leaving would mean giving up on a dream he has pursued since childhood.
However, he also understands that his sporting situation is complicated. With Gavi, De Jong, and Bernal ahead of him in the rotation, his minutes seem increasingly limited. If the sporting management opens the door for him, he'll listen respectfully and consider the alternatives presented.
The footballer would only accept a departure if the club considers it the best option for everyone. He knows the decision doesn't depend solely on his will, but also on economic circumstances. In that context, he remains expectant while his future is decided in the offices.
Imminent decision
Barça will have to solve the matter before the transfer window closes in the coming days. The pressure is twofold: on one hand, the financial need; on the other, the sporting interest in keeping stability. In the middle, an academy player who faces uncertainty about his role in the project.
The final word will belong to Joan Laporta and Deco, although Hansi Flick has already made his position on the matter clear. For the coach, his departure is manageable thanks to the extraordinary level shown by Gavi at the start of this season. With Atlético ready to make a move for him, everything indicates there will be news very soon.
Finally, after weeks of speculation and rumors, the name of the footballer who will leave the club has been confirmed. It's not Fermín, as many thought, but Marc Casadó, who is set to become the newest Atlético player. An unexpected departure that once again shows how Gavi's level shapes decisions at Barça.
