There's enormous excitement at Barcelona over the possible arrival of one of the most unbalancing wingers in European soccer. Hansi Flick is already aware that not everything will be easy with this reinforcement. The German coach, who arrived with a clear idea of rebuilding, knows that this signing will create noise both inside and outside the locker room.
This is a multi-million operation that will require significant financial efforts, and the blaugrana board, led by Deco, has already stated that they'll do everything possible to finalize the signing. However, the financial sacrifices that will be made may not sit well with some of the locker room's heavyweights. Especially in a context where salary adjustments and complications with Financial Fair Play are still ongoing.
Additionally, from the FC Barcelona coaching staff, another type of challenge is also being pointed out: sporting integration. Although the footballer has plenty of talent, it'll be necessary to find a place for him in a starting eleven that already features more established young players and other great prospects demanding prominence. It won't be easy to distribute minutes and keep harmony.
Fear at Barça
To make matters worse, another point that generates some unease is his close friendship with Lamine Yamal. In principle, a good relationship between young players is always positive. But at FC Barcelona, they fear that this connection, outside of sports, could create a kind of "bubble" within the team, something Flick wants to avoid at all costs.
The German coach wants each player to integrate into the group, not to form closed cliques. He already made it clear in his first meetings: the locker room must function as a unit. That's why, if the signing is completed, the coach will personally work on his adaptation from day one.
Hansi Flick knows it
At Can Barça, they don't want to repeat past mistakes, players who arrived as big bets and ended up as cases of internal disconnection. Hansi Flick wants everyone to row in the same direction. He knows that, with this name on the table, he'll have to perform a balancing act to achieve it.
The operation is still moving forward, the player is willing to make the leap and wear the blaugrana jersey, he has already communicated his intention, and Barça is willing to assume the cost. But this isn't just any arrival. It has implications financially, tactically, and emotionally.
The club hopes that the context won't influence his performance, above all, that it won't affect the group's balance. Flick wants a competitive Barça, but also a cohesive one. This signing could be a blessing... or a double-edged sword.