With Hansi Flick's arrival on Barça's bench last summer, the team has regained its playing identity. It's no wonder, as the blaugrana team boasts one of the best midfield rosters. Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, and Pablo Torre form a dream line of midfielders.
However, this enormous potential also poses a challenge for Hansi Flick, who knows he has to manage it. There are seven players for only three positions in the starting eleven, which complicates the management of playing time. Although having a large squad is positive for facing a long and demanding season, internal competition can create dissatisfaction among those who play less.
Players With Fewer Minutes
Currently, it seems that Hansi Flick has a clear idea of his ideal midfield line-up. Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi are the three players who have the advantage in the rotation. Additionally, Dani Olmo has many chances to enter the eleven or, at least, to accumulate minutes regularly.
In contrast, other footballers like Marc Casadó, Fermín López, and Pablo Torre are having fewer opportunities now. Fermín López, despite having shown great performance when he has played, has not managed to establish himself as a starter. Pablo Torre, after his loan at Girona, still hasn't found a fixed place in Flick's rotation.
Simeone Wants to Take Advantage and Offer 70 Million to Barça
One of the teams that has shown interest in this situation is Atlético de Madrid. According to "El Nacional.cat," the team led by Diego Simeone wants to sign Fermín López and would be willing to pay up to 70 million. Cholo sees in the blaugrana midfielder a perfect profile for his scheme, combining arrival in the area, defensive work, and dynamism in the game.
However, Barça is not willing to sell him. Fermín López recently renewed his contract until 2029. Barça's intention is to retain him and give him more prominence in the future, as they consider him a key piece in the midfield.