Barça's season with Hansi Flick is being impressive, but there are still some positions in the squad that aren't convincing. It concerns the full-backs, since, although the German has managed to exploit the great level of Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé, they don't have replacements.
Balde, from the left, has recovered his best version, being a constant threat on the wing with his speed and offensive capability. Koundé, meanwhile, has reestablished himself as a right-back and has done so with great solidity. But beyond them, Hansi Flick hasn't found footballers who can deliver the same performance when he needs to rotate.
Gerard Martín Delivers, but Doesn't Fulfill
In the case of the left-back, at least the club has an interesting resource, which is Gerard Martín. He has had minutes and is now a starter due to Balde's injury and has replied with reliability.
However, neither the coach nor the sports management believe it's enough for a long and demanding season. The level required by Barça in all competitions demands having two players per position who can compete for the starting spot. Therefore, although Gerard will continue to have opportunities, the club is already looking to strengthen that wing with a profile of greater experience or international projection.
The New Alejandro Balde Who Already Played at Barça
In that sense, there is a name that is gaining attention. According to the German journalist Christian Falk, Barça is closely following the evolution of Adam Aznou, an 18-year-old left-back who belongs to Bayern Munich. His profile fits what the club is looking for: youth, projection, technique, and a prior knowledge of Barça's style.
Aznou isn't a stranger to the club. The player passed through La Masia before leaving in 2022 for German soccer. In his time as a cadet, he left a mark for his offensive capability and good game reading, characteristics he has maintained and continued to polish these years in Germany.
This Year He's Playing in La Liga
This season, Adam Aznou is on loan at Real Valladolid, where he has been able to accumulate important minutes in professional soccer. His performance has been more than positive, leaving good matches that have caught attention both in Spain and Germany. Aznou has shown he's ready to take a step forward and compete in a more demanding club.
Barça isn't losing sight of him and, after three years away, doesn't rule out bringing him back if the conditions are favorable. His knowledge of the environment, his progression, and his still manageable cost make him a very attractive option.