FC Barcelona Continues Working on Squad Planning for Next Season. One of the team's major problems is in the full-back positions, a position where Flick has had to find emergency solutions on several occasions.
Although Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé are undisputed starters, the German coach has insisted that the team needs more depth. The lack of options has forced Barça to improvise with players out of position or turn to the youth academy.
For months, Barça had a clear target to strengthen this position. A player who perfectly fit the club's philosophy and whom Flick saw as a key piece to improve the squad. However, a last-minute news has changed all the plans.
Barça Loses Its Main Target
The full-back who was on Barça's radar was Nuno Mendes, one of the great stars of Paris Saint-Germain. His physical strength, speed, and offensive capability made him the ideal candidate to strengthen the left flank.
But Fabrizio Romano has confirmed what Laporta and Deco feared: the Portuguese has renewed with PSG. Mendes has signed a contract until 2029, with a salary increase that makes him one of the highest-paid players at the Parisian club.
For Barça, this news represents a very hard blow. Mendes was the ideal signing, but now his arrival is impossible.
Nuno Mendes's renewal leaves Barça in a complicated situation. The club was hoping to negotiate his signing next summer, but the extension of his contract completely closes that door.
This setback forces the management to look for new alternatives in the market. However, the club's economic situation greatly limits the options.
While PSG has been able to secure its star with a million-dollar contract, Barça continues to suffer from financial fair play restrictions. This means that the room for maneuver in the market will be very limited.
Laporta and Deco know they can't make mistakes and will have to find more affordable solutions.
Barça Already Has Other Names on the Agenda
Despite the blow of losing Nuno Mendes, Barça can't be left without options. The sports management is already working on alternatives to strengthen the left-back position.
The club is considering two paths. Signing a young player with potential who can grow within the team or seeking a loan with a purchase option to not compromise the budget.
Some of the names that have started to be mentioned in Barça's offices are:
- Ian Maatsen: A young and talented full-back, but his price could be a problem.
- Juan Miranda (Betis): Trained at La Masia, he would be an affordable option and knows the club well.
- Miguel Gutiérrez (Girona): One of the most promising full-backs in LaLiga, although his signing would be complicated.
Laporta and Flick Maintain the Same Strategy
Despite this setback, Laporta remains convinced that Barça must strengthen the full-back positions. The squad needs more depth and Flick doesn't want to repeat this season's problems.
The club has already defined its priorities for the summer market:
- A left-back to compete with Balde.
- A winger to provide more attacking options.
- A physical midfielder to balance the team.
The coming months will be key to defining what the next step of the sports management will be.
Barça needs to close smart signings and avoid problems with financial fair play. Laporta and Deco are working against the clock to find the best solution.