Hansi Flick has closed his first season at the helm of FC Barcelona with an unbeatable record. With the national treble—League, Cup, and Super Cup—in the bag, the German coach has convinced the board, locker room, and fans. His continuity is a fact, and the extension of his contract until 2027 will be announced shortly.
The coach doesn't want to rest on his laurels. With the season officially over, he has requested a series of key reinforcements from Deco for the next campaign. There is one name that has once again become central to the sports planning: a top-level center-back who seemed lost but has not yet closed his future.
Joan Laporta in a press conference | @jlaportaoficial
Bayern seemed to have it done
In Germany, they took his signing for Bayern Munich for granted, and there was even talk of a closed deal. However, the player has not signed any contract and keeps the door open to Barça. The reason is clear: he prioritizes playing in LaLiga and wants to try a new stage outside his country.
The player's entourage acknowledges that, despite the progress with Bayern, nothing is definitive yet. From Camp Nou, they keep in constant contact, although they can't formalize an offer while the fair play issues are unsolved. Flick, aware of this limitation, has asked the club to speed up the negotiations.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
The footballer, still without giving an ultimatum, has asked for clarity on the deadlines. He wants to solve his future as soon as possible, although he is willing to wait a little longer for Barça. He knows he needs contractual guarantees, but he also values the firm interest of the Barça coach, with whom he has worked before.
Meanwhile, from Germany, they claim that Bayern already has everything ready to announce his signing. However, Flick's insistence and the player's willingness keep the possibility of an unexpected twist alive. A kind of "strategic 'theft'" that would alter the balance between two European giants.
Deco | FC Barcelona
A signing conditioned by another departure
But the arrival of the defender also depends on another key factor: Ronald Araújo's situation. The Uruguayan center-back is under contract until 2031, but with a release clause of 60 million euros. Several clubs are closely following his case, and his continuity is not guaranteed.
Flick doesn't consider him untouchable, and Deco doesn't see him as essential for the future either. If a significant offer finally arrives, Barça could let him go to relieve the wage bill and finance new signings. In that scenario, the defender desired by the German coach would become his natural replacement.
Pau Cubarsí | @FCBarcelona
The player Flick wants at all costs is Jonathan Tah. The German international is completely to the coach's liking for his experience, physique, and ability to lead from the back. He knows his style, his tactical demands, and his way of managing the locker room.
Tah has also expressed his desire to play in Spain. He sees the possibility of leading a rebuilding defense favorably, surrounded by young talents like Pau Cubarsí or Eric García. His arrival would strengthen an area that has suffered injuries and irregularity throughout the season.
Barça, forced to act quickly
The situation is clear: Barça has a historic opportunity to acquire a proven center-back still in his prime. But they also know that they don't have much room to maneuver. The priority remains balancing the financial fair play and offloading players with high salaries.
Flick has been clear with Deco: either the operation is reactivated immediately, or a unique opportunity will be lost. Jonathan Tah will not wait indefinitely, and Bayern continues to push to close his signing as soon as possible.
Jonathan Tah is Hansi Flick's first major target to strengthen his Barça for the next season. A player with leadership, physique, and experience, who is willing to choose Camp Nou over Allianz Arena. But everything depends on the Barça club quickly resolving their economic problems.
The pressure is mounting, time is running out, and the German coach doesn't want to miss an opportunity he considers crucial. If Barça acts in time, they will be able to secure a strategic signing. If not, Bayern will come out on top again.
