Iñigo Martínez's imminent departure to Saudi Arabia forces FC Barcelona to act quickly. Deco considers it a priority to fill the gap in defense and avoid risks in a season packed with decisive matches. The immediate goal is clear: to bring in a top-level left-footed center-back to complement Pau Cubarsí.
In Camp Nou offices, the sporting management is working against the clock to finalize an unusual deal. Borussia Dortmund appears as a strategic partner and both clubs are already negotiating a swap deal that surprises all of Europe. The idea is to strengthen the first team and, at the same time, allow a young Barça talent to leave.
The agreement includes an additional payment of nearly €20 million by Barça. The youth academy player involved will head to the Bundesliga with the promise of playing time and a growth plan. In the opposite direction, an experienced defender will arrive who must become Cubarsí's immediate partner.
The profile Flick wants
Hansi Flick insists on the need for a defender who meets the demands of his playing style. His approach requires center-backs capable of anticipating, defending high, and participating in clean ball distribution. The chosen name meets all those requirements and convinces the German coach, who knows him well from the Bundesliga.
The partnership he will form with Cubarsí is seen as one of the most balanced in Europe. The young La Masia product brings calm, vision, and excellent tactical reading to every defensive action. The German, on the other hand, adds physicality, strength in the box, and great ability to break lines from the back.
The coach also values his left-footed passing, which is essential for opening up the field from the back. This detail facilitates automatic movements in circulation and ensures fluidity in Barça's offensive build-up. That's why Flick is pushing Deco to close the deal as soon as possible.
A necessary sacrifice
The main casualty of this negotiation is Guille Fernández, a La Masia gem with the versatility to play as a defensive midfielder or an interior. His potential has attracted interest from half of Europe, and in Dortmund they value him as a midfielder capable of reaching the elite in a few years.
At Camp Nou, they are aware that his departure will not be easy for the fans to accept. However, the club makes sure to include a buy-back clause that keeps the door open for his return. Deco argues that this sacrifice responds to an immediate need and strengthens the competitive structure of the first team.
The footballer himself sees an intermediate step before establishing himself at Barça in a positive light. In Germany, he will receive trust, prominence, and a demanding league to grow without the pressure of Barcelona. This way, all parties benefit from a strategic move that combines present and future.
Strategic and beneficial operation
The Barça fans are following the process with mixed feelings: sadness at saying goodbye to a prospect, relief at strengthening the defense. From an economic perspective, Barça manages to reduce the effective cost of the signing thanks to the swap deal. The wage bill is kept under control and an immediate reinforcement is secured in a key position.
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund gains a talent with international potential who fits its growth model. With playing time and trust, Guille can break out in the Bundesliga and increase his value for a future record transfer. The German club is preparing his development with the aim of making him a continental reference.
The official announcement is expected tomorrow regarding the agreement between Barça and Dortmund after weeks of intense negotiations. German center-back Nico Schlotterbeck will become Cubarsí's new teammate and will be an undisputed starter in the blaugrana defense. At the same time, Guille Fernández will head to Germany to begin a new stage of growth.