Hansi Flick's arrival at FC Barcelona has meant a radical change for the team. In just a few months, the German coach has managed to transform a drifting ship into a competitive team with a clear identity.
Since his arrival, he has bet on a combination of young talents from La Masia and experienced players, making the team work like a perfect gear. Decisions like revitalizing Frenkie de Jong, betting on the Cubarsí-Martínez central pair, and recovering a reliable goalkeeper have been key to his success.
However, happiness at Camp Nou could be threatened by the emergence of an old acquaintance of Flick in the transfer market. A player that the German coach considers key to strengthening the squad, but who could now end up in the Premier League.
Hansi Flick and Barça, About to Lose Their Priority Target
For months, Barça's sports management, led by Laporta, has been working on the incorporation of a top-level central defender to strengthen the defense for the next season. Flick's choice has been clear from the start: a physical player, with experience and hierarchy, whom he knows well from his time in the Bundesliga.
Barça seemed to have closed the deal weeks ago, as the footballer refused to renew with his current club and had practically decided his future at Camp Nou. However, in recent hours a serious competitor has emerged, threatening to snatch the signing from Barça.
Liverpool, going through a rebuilding period and potentially losing Virgil Van Dijk in the summer, has gone all out for this player's signing. Additionally, another Premier team, Tottenham, has also shown interest in him.
Despite Barça having a verbal agreement, the arrival of these clubs, with greater financial capacity, could change the player's destiny. The English are willing to offer a much more lucrative contract, which jeopardizes Flick and Barça's plan.
The Central Defender Flick Doesn't Want to Lose
Finally, the name of the player keeping Barça on edge is none other than Jonathan Tah. Defender of Bayer Leverkusen and one of the key pieces of the team led by Xabi Alonso.
Tah, a German international, ends his contract this season, and his signing represents an unbeatable market opportunity. Flick, who knows him perfectly, considers him the ideal piece to reinforce the blaugrana defense.
However, the signing is complicated by an additional problem: Barça must offload one of its central defenders before finalizing his arrival. With five defenders in the squad, Deco needs to lighten the salary load before completing the German's incorporation.
The summer market is approaching, and with it, the uncertainty about Jonathan Tah's future. Will Barça manage to close his signing, or will Liverpool get ahead in the race? The coming weeks will be key to knowing the outcome of this battle between European clubs.