Hansi Flick has started making important decisions ahead of Barcelona's preseason tour. After weeks of individual and collective analysis, the coach has already communicated his first major official cut. This is a decision that sets the demanding tone of the German's second stint on the Barça bench.
Although there was speculation about possible departures of young players like Fermín López or even Gavi, the reality is different. Both remain within the main working group and have Flick's full trust for the new season. The affected player is a footballer who returned to Camp Nou last summer, but hasn't convinced.
This is a player who won't travel to the Asian tour with the first team, for strictly sporting reasons. There are no injuries, physical problems, or contractual issues: simply, the coaching staff has decided not to include him. This is a clear message from the new Barça: only those who meet the required level will remain.
Flick bets on youth and takes a firm step
The decision has surprised some sectors, but in the locker room it had been sensed for weeks. Flick is looking for a short but competitive squad, and prioritizes young profiles with immediate potential. In fact, the coach is clear that Casadó and Bernal will have more prominence this year.
The sidelined footballer has been important in the past, but his recent performance has been below what was desired. Neither in pace, nor in intensity, nor in tactical adaptation has he reached the levels Flick considers essential. His role has lost strength as matches and new signings have gone by.
The message is firm and direct: in the new Barça, no one has a guaranteed spot because of their name or experience. The club is already working to find him a quick and respectful exit that benefits all parties. The player has also understood the situation and is open to a new destination.
His track record carries weight, but Barça wants to finalize his exit
The sporting management wants to solve this operation before July 31, a key date for the financial close. The goal is to free up salary cap space and make room for signings such as a right back. In this regard, the operation is considered strategic by both Flick and Deco.
The footballer still has a reputation in the domestic market, especially because of his experience with several LaLiga teams. His salary isn't high, which makes it easier for him to move to mid-to-high profile clubs looking for a reliable midfielder. In fact, initial contacts have already been made with several interested teams.
Girona appears to be the most natural option, because of his recent past at Montilivi and his knowledge of the environment. However, in recent hours another Spanish club looking to urgently strengthen its midfield has gained momentum. It's not the only one: an interesting proposal has also come from Sevilla.
He has two offers: one at Mestalla and another at Villamarín
Valencia is one of the teams considering signing him, due to the lack of experience in its squad. But the most insistent is Real Betis, which needs a defensive profile after Cardoso's departure. Manuel Pellegrini sees him as an ideal complement for Guido Rodríguez and has already given the green light.
The footballer's camp confirms that talks have opened with both clubs and that the decision will be quick. Oriol Romeu prioritizes staying in Spain, with a more prominent role and a stable sporting project. His time at Barça is over, but he can still contribute a lot at the top level.
Meanwhile, Flick believes that the midfield is covered with Gündogan, De Jong, Fermín, and Bernal. He also thinks that Casadó can make a significant competitive leap this season if given continuity. With this structure, there's no place for Romeu... nor for sentimentality.
The decision has already been made and will be executed before August. Barça wants to finalize his exit as soon as possible and everything indicates that he'll end up in LaLiga. Betis is pushing, Valencia is listening, but the truth is that Camp Nou is no longer his home.