When FC Barcelona confirmed his signing, there was some talking about a special talent with a promising future. From the media environment, it was sold as a bold bet on youth.
Within the club, the vision was very different. Xavi Hernández did not share that initial euphoria. From day one, he considered that he did not have the necessary level to compete.
Xavi preferred to curb expectations from the start
Some compared him to profiles that marked an era at Barça. The coach, however, asked for calm. He considered that he needed to grow in many aspects before having real prominence.
He not only lacked the physicality for the first team. His mentality and competitive rhythm also left many doubts. That's why Xavi chose not to rush his development.
The criticism of the coach was not long in coming. Many did not understand why he did not count on such a promising player. He was accused of stifling young talent without solid arguments.
But time has proven otherwise. Xavi knew the context very well and was one of the few to anticipate the outcome. Now his stance makes sense.
Flick was even more blunt from the beginning
With the arrival of Hansi Flick, the door opened to a new analysis of the locker room. Some players forgotten by Xavi saw an opportunity. He did not.
The German coach was clear from day one. He did not include him in the preseason or the first drafts. He did not even consider trying him.
Flick quickly detected that he did not fit into his system. Neither by profile nor by intensity. He decided that the best thing was to find him a way out to gain minutes away from Camp Nou.
Thus came his loan to a First Division team. The goal was to gain experience, compete regularly, and return more developed. None of that happened.
The loan was disappointing on all levels
He started with scattered minutes and some starts. But within a few weeks, he completely disappeared from the plans. He ended up off the lists in important matches.
From the coaching staff of the loaned team, they did not understand his lack of impact. There was also no adaptation or commitment. Not even in training did he manage to stand out.
In the club, there is no room for more waiting. His return to the squad is not being considered. The idea is to close his departure as soon as possible before his value continues to fall.
Several formulas are being studied: agreed termination, loan with purchase option, or direct sale. Everything is being considered while waiting for a reasonable offer.
Joan Laporta and Deco will not put up obstacles. They agree with the coach that he doesn't add to the project. Barça is designing a much more competitive and realistic squad.
This profile no longer fits. The club needs to free up space and avoid repeating recent planning mistakes. The first step is to close this file.
Xavi was right before anyone else
With the elimination from Europe and the League practically assured, Barça accelerates key decisions. Flick wants a reduced and effective team. Without players who are not ready to compete.
The remaining matches will be to evaluate young people with real potential and to make clear who is not in the plans. This case is one of them.
The former Barça coach was criticized for his lack of trust in this player. But today his stance is validated by the facts. He protected him because he knew what was going to happen.
Not all young people are ready to lead from day one. Xavi knew it. And Flick has reached the same conclusion.
The name is Pablo Torre, a bet that caused excitement but never lived up to expectations. Neither with Xavi nor with Flick did he manage to convince anyone.
Barça has already decided. Pablo Torre will leave this summer. His story at the club closes as a promise that could not be.