FC Barcelona Advances Steadily in a Demanding Season. With Hansi Flick at the helm, the team has found solidity and remains alive in all competitions. In the Champions League, the blaugranas have successfully passed the group stage and are now awaiting their opponent in the round of 16.
In LaLiga, they remain in the title race, competing head-to-head with Real Madrid. Additionally, in the Copa del Rey, the team has advanced to the semifinals, where they will face Atlético de Madrid.
Despite the good results, Barça still has issues in certain positions on the field. Flick has achieved a balanced team, but there are evident shortcomings, especially on the left side.
The Left Flank, Flick's Major Problem
One of the team's weaknesses is the lack of depth on the left wing. Raphinha has performed well, while Lamine Yamal has become a key player.
However, on the opposite wing, there is no undisputed starter. Ferran Torres hasn't fully convinced, and Ansu Fati isn't in the club's plans.
This is compounded by concerns in the full-back positions. Alejandro Balde is the only natural left-back in the squad, but he doesn't have a reliable backup.
On the right, although Jules Koundé has fulfilled that role, his performance is better as a center-back. With these shortcomings, Deco and Joan Laporta are seeking solutions in the market. Most surprisingly, the chosen one to strengthen the squad is a former Barça player who was once discarded by Xavi.
Laporta Willing to Pay 20 Million to Bring Him Back
Barça has analyzed several options to strengthen their full-backs, but the lack of financial resources has limited the possibilities. The board has ruled out overly expensive signings and has opted to look for players who know the club and can adapt quickly.
In this process, an unexpected option has emerged. A footballer who left Barça some time ago and, after establishing himself outside the club, could now return as an emergency solution.
The player in question has grown significantly in recent years. His development has been remarkable, and he has become a footballer with experience and consistency. Therefore, Laporta is willing to make an investment to bring him back.
According to sources close to the club, the transfer would be around 20 million euros. An amount that, although high, Barça considers reasonable to strengthen a key position.
Flick has given the green light to the operation. The German coach needs more options in defense and a versatile player. The sports management believes that his return would be a success.
The Player Xavi Discarded and Now Barça Wants to Recover
The footballer in question is none other than Óscar Mingueza. Xavi decided to dispense with him in 2022, considering him expendable for the project. The defender left for Celta de Vigo, where he has proven his worth as a right-back, center-back, and even left-back.
His performance has caught Barça's attention, which now sees him as an ideal solution to strengthen their defense. With experience in LaLiga, versatility, and knowledge of the club, his return has become a real option.
If negotiations progress, Barça could finalize his signing in the summer. Mingueza went from being discarded by Xavi to a piece that Laporta and Flick now consider key for the team.