FC Barcelona has already made an unexpected decision that directly affects the first team's planning. Hansi Flick, who is still shaping his squad during the Asian tour, has approved a swift move. The club has announced that a young academy talent will join the professional group starting this Tuesday.
The decision has caused surprise in several sectors of the club, since it was not expected that he would be promoted so soon. However, his performance in training and the coaching staff's insistence have sped up the timeline. Flick believes that this player has an ideal profile to adapt to his soccer model.
In recent hours, the sporting management has finalized the details to register him provisionally with a first-team contract. This will allow him to be available to play in preseason friendlies without any limitations. It is a clear sign that the club's commitment to him is firm and determined.
Flick makes brave decisions and gives opportunities
The German coach made it clear from day one that meritocracy will be his main rule in the locker room. He wants internal competition, hunger for prominence, and footballers willing to give their all every week. This young player has been one of those who have impressed the most in the first days of training camp.
Despite having other more established names in the squad, Flick believes that he can offer different things in attack. His directness, boldness on the ball, and ability to appear between the lines have made him an attractive option. In addition, he has room for improvement and a mentality that fits with the new project.
Several key figures in the locker room have privately praised the academy player's performance during the sessions in Kobe. His integration has been natural and his attitude exemplary from the very first minute. All of this has influenced Flick to reward him with a golden opportunity.
Barça wants to prevent him from leaving
The player's emergence has not gone unnoticed in Spanish soccer, where several clubs have come knocking. Teams like Real Oviedo, Betis, or Sevilla have recently approached his camp. They believe that he is one of the most prepared young players from the blaugrana academy.
Some have even inquired about a possible loan, thinking about giving him minutes in La Liga or the Conference League. However, at Barça they believe that the best thing for his development is to keep him close to Flick. The staff believe that he can get quality minutes without needing to leave.
Deco has reinforced this idea in recent internal meetings. He believes that loaning him out now would be premature and could hinder his progression. The intention is to integrate him gradually, giving him playing time in friendly matches and training sessions with the senior players.
The debut will be tomorrow in Korea
Although it has not yet been officially announced, Flick has already decided that this new talent will get minutes against PSG. The match will be played in South Korea and is part of the most demanding stretch of the Asian tour. It will be his first major test wearing Barça's badge on his chest.
The player has received the news with excitement, but also with great composure. He knows that it is a unique opportunity to show that he has the required level. Everything suggests that it will not be just a simple reward, but the beginning of a more stable stage with the first team.
His name is Toni Fernández, one of Juvenil A's brightest prospects who has grown the most in the past year. Despite interest from Oviedo, Betis, and Sevilla, Barça has decided to keep him. Tomorrow, if there are no setbacks, Toni will officially debut with Barça under Hansi Flick.