An Athletic Club soccer player celebrating with the FC Barcelona crest in the background.

Confirmed, he leaves Guardiola and City to join Barça: Better than Nico Williams

The City player definitely wants to play for Barça and is highly appreciated by the coaching staff.

FC Barcelona continues working on the planning of its team, with an eye on strengthening its attack. The season has been demanding and Hansi Flick is looking for alternatives to maintain competitiveness in all competitions. In recent hours, a name has started to strongly resonate in the blaugrana orbit.

Hansi Flick, coach of FC Barcelona | @FCBarcelona

A Barça in reconstruction

Since Flick's arrival, Barça has been committed to regaining its identity. The team has found its offensive reference in players like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. However, the load of minutes and the need for rotations make the club consider new options to strengthen the team.

With a calendar full of commitments and the demands of LaLiga and the Champions League, having quality alternatives is key. In this context, the possibility of incorporating a disruptive winger has gained prominence in the club's offices.

FC Barcelona soccer player in action during a match.
Lamine Yamal | @FCBarcelona

An opportunity for Barça

According to recent reports, Jérémy Doku has expressed his desire to play for FC Barcelona.  The Belgian winger from Manchester City would be interested in a loan until the end of the season, seeking more playing time.

Doku is a player with great potential, standing out for his speed, dribbling ability, and ease in breaking defensive lines. However, in Pep Guardiola's scheme, he hasn't managed to establish himself as an undisputed starter. The competition at City is fierce and the player sees an opportunity at Barça to relaunch his career.

Coach Pep Guardiola, standing on stage at the FIFA The Best gala, receiving an award
Guardiola | @ManCityES

If Doku's signing is finalized, it would pose a direct challenge for Raphinha. The Brazilian has been in great form, becoming one of Barça's key pieces in recent matches. His impact on the attack has been notable, adding goals and assists that have helped the team in crucial games.

However, the arrival of a player with similar characteristics could alter his status within the team. The competition for the starting position would increase, forcing Raphinha to further elevate his performance.

A soccer player in a FC Barcelona uniform walks in a dark environment.
Raphinha | @FCBarcelona

Barça's dilemma

Barça will have to analyze whether it really needs to strengthen the right wing in this winter market. Although Doku is a talented player, the club must assess whether his incorporation is a priority. Additionally, the economic situation remains a determining factor in any operation.

From the offices of Camp Nou, Joan Laporta and Deco are studying the feasibility of the loan. A loan until the end of the season could be an interesting temporary solution, allowing the evaluation of the player's performance without a long-term financial commitment.

The coming weeks will be key to defining Doku's future and his possible arrival at Barça. The idea of strengthening the attack with a player of his characteristics is attractive, but the final decision will depend on multiple factors. The current performance of the team, the sports strategy, and the club's economic situation.

If his signing is finally completed, the Belgian will have the opportunity to demonstrate his quality and fight for a place in the starting eleven. Meanwhile, Raphinha will continue to show why he's an essential piece in Flick's scheme.