Barça Is Already Looking to the Future. Despite having conquered LaLiga, the elimination in the Champions League made it clear that the team needs reinforcements in key areas. Hansi Flick has pointed to the defense as the top priority.
The German coach considers it essential to strengthen both full-back positions. Without high-level replacements for Koundé and Balde, Barça suffered too much in big matches. Deco has taken note, and conversations to finalize additions are already underway.
The Goal: Raise the Level and Restore Balance
Flick Wants a More Balanced Squad. He believes that there is plenty of talent in attack, but in defense, there are no reliable alternatives. Especially when Koundé or Balde are unavailable.
Without them, the team loses solidity, ball distribution, and offensive presence on the flanks. What happened in the tie against Inter was a clear example of that deficiency. Therefore, the coaching staff has identified two specific names.
The Coach Has Asked Deco to Consider the Return of Two Footballers Trained at La Masia. Two players who have grown outside the club and could now return as top-level reinforcements.
They are Óscar Mingueza and Alejandro Grimaldo. Both have excelled in their respective teams, and the coaching staff believes they would fit perfectly into the new blaugrana project. Additionally, they know the club, the environment, and the style.
Solid Alternative for the Right Back
Mingueza's Case Is Special. Barça retained 50% of a future sale when he left in 2022, which would allow them to sign him for half of his clause: 10 million euros. A viable operation, with low risk and a lot of sense.
This Season at Celta, the Defender Has Taken a Step Forward, Played 32 Matches, Scored 3 Goals, and Provided 6 Assists. He can play as a full-back, center-back, and even as a wing-back. Flick sees him as a very valid option for rotation.
Direct Competition for Balde
On the Left Back, the Desired Player Is Alejandro Grimaldo, the Former Benfica Player Has Established Himself at Bayer Leverkusen Under Xabi Alonso. He has played 46 matches, scored 4 goals, and provided 13 assists. Numbers that speak for themselves.
His addition would represent a step up in level. Balde has been very alone during the season, and the lack of competition has taken its toll. With Grimaldo, Barça would have two complementary profiles and could manage minutes much better.
The Problem Is the Price, Grimaldo Has a Contract with Leverkusen, and His Signing Won't Be Less Than 40 Million. Even so, Deco will try to find a formula that allows his return. The player would look favorably on returning to Camp Nou.
Flick is clear: he needs alternatives in the full-back positions if he wants to compete for everything. He wants them to be players who know the club and are ready to perform. Mingueza and Grimaldo meet all the requirements.
A Renewed Defense with a Homegrown Stamp
Barça Is No Longer Looking for Promises, but Immediate Solutions. That's why looking toward La Masia makes sense. With accumulated experience and tactical maturity, the two desired players could be key to strengthening a team that wants to reign in Europe again.
Laporta and Deco are already underway. The defense will be the first front in the market. Flick, for now, is clear: he wants to return home with reinforcements who already know what it means to wear the blaugrana jersey.