FC Barcelona continues working on planning its squad for next summer. With Hansi Flick at the helm, the sports management is clear that it needs to strengthen several positions. Especially in the midfield, where injuries have affected the team's stability at certain points in the season.
The blaugrana club has managed to respond with solutions from the youth academy like Casadó and Marc Bernal, who have had important minutes this season. However, Deco and Joan Laporta are looking for a reinforcement that brings experience and projection, balancing a midfield that, despite its talent, has experienced ups and downs.
Simeone Needs Solutions
Atlético de Madrid is also on the same line. Diego Simeone has insisted on the need to strengthen his team with a midfielder who fits into his system.
He is looking to add young talent capable of performing defensive and offensive functions. Everything pointed to the Rojiblancos being close to closing a deal with one of the most promising pivots in Europe. But Barça has taken the lead at the last moment.
A Strategic Move by Laporta
Barça has accelerated in recent weeks to get ahead of Atlético de Madrid. Securing a key reinforcement in an area of the field where Flick believes the team needs an alternative.
From the Catalan club, the arrival of a new midfielder has been a priority. Although they do not rule out continuing to attempt the signing of Joshua Kimmich, Barça is aware that the German could renew with Bayern or decide to leave as a free agent.
Therefore, the management has closed a deal with a player who was one step away from the Metropolitano. His decision to reject Atlético de Madrid and choose FC Barcelona has been influenced by a key factor: Pedri.
Pedri, Key in the Signing
The Canarian midfielder is not only a reference on the field, but he has also played a decisive role in the arrival of this new reinforcement. In conversations with the player, Pedri conveyed the importance of Flick's project and the role he could play at Barça. This ultimately tipped the balance in favor of the Catalan club.
Barça has managed to convince him that his progression will be greater at Camp Nou and that, in a more offensive system, he will have the opportunity to unleash his full potential.
Simeone Misses Out on His Target
After weeks of negotiations and rumors, the player in question is Oscar Gloukh. A 20-year-old Israeli midfielder who has stood out at Red Bull Salzburg.
Gloukh, considered one of the defensive pivots with the most projection in Europe, had two clear options: sign for Atlético de Madrid or join Flick's project at Barça. Finally, after Laporta's approach and Pedri's influence, he has chosen to wear the blaugrana colors.
The signing will be closed at around 20 million euros. A manageable figure for Barça, which sees him as a future alternative in case Kimmich's arrival doesn't materialize.
For Simeone, this operation represents an unexpected blow, as he counted on Gloukh as a key piece in his planning. However, Barça has moved ahead at the last moment and managed to seal his incorporation before the summer market.
With this addition, Flick's team continues to gain pieces to consolidate its project. Meanwhile, Atlético de Madrid will have to look for an alternative after missing out on one of its priority targets.