With Joan Laporta as president and Deco as the architect of the transfer market, Barcelona are working intensively to build a competitive squad without compromising economic sustainability. Hansi Flick has been very present in every phase of the process, setting clear priorities to strengthen the wings and the attack.
The focus is currently on finalizing the arrival of Nico Williams, a strategic signing that excites both the fans and the coaching staff. However, amid these negotiations, another name that had Flick's direct approval has been definitively ruled out, despite having been one of his personal bets.
A reinforcement with shared past
This was not a young player or a bet for the future. It was an experienced profile, with influence in the locker room and a very positive recent track record.
Hansi Flick knows him perfectly: they coincided at Bayern Munich during the historic 2019/20 season, the one in which the Bavarian team won the treble. Under the German coach's orders, this footballer became a key piece in the European champion's scheme.
Since then, the respect between them has remained intact. Flick, convinced that his experience and character could be useful in a Barça full of young talent, proposed his name to strengthen the rotation on the wings. Not to be a starter, but as a reliable option when the schedule gets tight.
The sporting management listened, evaluated, and opened preliminary talks. But Barcelona's current context is demanding. The arrival of Nico Williams, salary limitations, and the secondary role offered to the winger have outweighed the coach's desire.
The "yes" has been given elsewhere
Fabrizio Romano has been the one to put an end to the suspense. According to the transfer market journalist, the footballer has decided to renew with his current team after receiving a solid offer to continue for two more seasons. The details are finalized pending the official signature, but the announcement is a matter of days.
This is Ivan Perisic. The Croatian winger, 36 years old, has rejected the option to reunite with Flick at Camp Nou to continue at PSV Eindhoven, where he has had a stellar season: 16 goals and 11 assists in 39 matches.
His performance has not gone unnoticed, and the Dutch club has not hesitated to renew him by offering him a leading role and the trust that Barça was not willing to give him.
Barça looks ahead
Perisic's decision closes a door that, in reality, never fully opened. From the Catalan club, they understand that his arrival would have been a top-level rather than a necessity. Now all efforts are focused on Nico Williams and on new opportunities that may arise to strengthen the squad without breaking the budget balance.
Meanwhile, Flick accepts it with professionalism. Although he wanted to count on an old acquaintance, he also knows that his biggest challenge will be to enhance the talent he already has at home. The youth of Lamine Yamal, the explosiveness of Nico, and the versatility of Raphinha will shape the future of the Catalan attack.
Ivan Perisic will remain in the Netherlands. Barça, for now, also continues on its path.