FC Barcelona are starting to accelerate in the transfer market, with Hansi Flick and the sporting management beginning to move decisively to strengthen two key areas of the team. The German coach has given Deco his list of needs, and two priorities stand out: a winger with speed and the ability to unbalance, and a left-back with full guarantees.
The operation, according to sources close to the club, would be around €45 million, an amount Barça will try to adjust with creative formulas to comply with Financial Fair Play. But the chosen names are not random. Both are players with experience, immediate performance, and a profile perfectly suited to the style Flick wants to impose from the bench.
One of those chosen is Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian striker has been one of Serie A's biggest sensations during the last seasons. His role at Atalanta has been decisive, especially after his spectacular performance in the UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a historic hat-trick. His explosiveness, his ability to break lines, and his goal-scoring instinct make him a profile highly valued by Flick.
Flick gets his way
Lookman has also already been followed in the past by Barça scouts, and his evolution in Italy has caught the attention of several of Europe's top clubs. FC Barcelona have already started contacts with his camp to learn about his willingness, and the player is open to making the jump to a club the size of Barça. He would be an immediate bet to compete with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings.
The name that has gained momentum in the last few hours is Alejandro Grimaldo, the left-back, trained at La Masia, has had two important seasons with Bayer Leverkusen. Although he arrived for free two summers ago after shining at Benfica, his performance in Germany has been outstanding. Grimaldo has once again placed himself among the best full-backs in Europe, and his desire is to return home.
Grimaldo and Lookman sign up
The Valencian footballer's camp has been clear: Grimaldo would be delighted to return to Camp Nou. At 28 years old, he feels he's at his best professional moment. He believes it's the ideal time to return to the club that trained him, and his arrival would depend directly on the departure of Gerard Martín. The Catalan has an offer from Wolverhampton and could head to the Premier League in the coming days.
Deco has already started negotiations with both camps and has Flick's green light to move forward. The German coach wants proven profiles and, above all, footballers committed to the badge. Both Lookman and Grimaldo meet that requirement, and the club trust they can close both deals if the necessary roster spots are freed up.
Barça are preparing an ambitious but measured market, the objectives are clear and the priorities defined. Flick wants to build a competitive team from day one, and these two signings would be key to shaping his new project.