When it comes to signings for FC Barcelona's first team, Hansi Flick has a significant opinion within the club's offices. The German coach's requests have always been well received and considered by Barça's sports management. This is because both Flick and his technical team know better than anyone in the organization the strengths and weaknesses of the team at their disposal.
In this regard, Barça's higher-ups have always tried to please Flick in the transfer market whenever possible. Obviously, Barça is not in the best financial situation, but this is not a limitation for Deco to fulfill the coach's requests. However, a signing that the sporting director had practically closed at Flick's request is in jeopardy after the Barça locker room vetoed it.
Complicated Operation
It's no surprise to anyone that after the winter transfer market, Barça took advantage to close market opportunities for the summer. In this regard, FC Barcelona had the signing of Jonathan Tah, a Bayer Leverkusen center-back who could join as a free agent to Hansi Flick's ranks, very advanced. However, despite Deco working on his signing after the German's insistence, the operation may become complicated due to the defensive line's situation.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Tah is convinced that Barça is the ideal destination for his career. The 29-year-old center-back has rejected offers from the Premier League waiting for a call from the Catalan club. However, the disconnect with the locker room could mean that his signing comes to nothing.
The Locker Room Vetoes Him
Hansi Flick's Barça currently has five center-backs in the squad, and if none leave in the next market, Tah will not have a place on the team. In fact, each of them has a specific role in the defense: Pau Cubarsí, Íñigo Martínez, Ronald Araújo, Eric García, and Andreas Christensen have very different profiles. For this, both Cubarsí and Íñigo are untouchable, so Araújo, Eric García, or Christensen are the ones who can block Tah's arrival.
Of these three center-backs, two do not want to leave Barça: both Eric García and Ronald Araújo (recently renewed) have rejected offers from major teams. Additionally, Christensen is recovering from his physical problems and wants to earn his place with Flick on the bench. Thus, Barça must decide whether to make room for Tah or let the opportunity to sign him for free pass by.