Hans-Dieter Flick has drawn up a list of players who aren't part of his plans for next season. The list includes veteran profiles who've lost prominence and young players who haven't reached the required level. The coach has asked the sporting management to solve these situations before the transfer window closes.
The goal is to free up roster spots and salary space for a squad that's already considered complete in every area. The arrival of reinforcements like Roony Bardghji, Marcus Rashford, or Joan García, along with young players from La Masia, has filled the quota. Now Deco and Laporta's job is to finalize departures that've been on the table for weeks.
The list of those singled out includes names well known to the fans who've already been left out of the team's dynamics. Cases like Oriol Romeu or Iñaki Peña are clear examples of players with no place. However, the most striking decision involves a homegrown player who until recently was considered a future gem.
From promising prospect to unexpected discard
This young defender made his first-team debut under Xavi Hernández, leaving a very positive impression. His powerful physique and ability to join the attack caught attention in his early appearances. He seemed destined to earn a stable spot in the Barça locker room in the medium term.
With Flick's arrival, his name remained on the list of possible options for the right-back position. The German coach allowed him to travel with the team on the Asian tour and even play a few minutes. However, that initial trust soon turned into a secondary and almost invisible role.
The main obstacle to establishing himself in the starting eleven was the fierce competition from an undisputed starter. Jules Koundé took up almost all the available minutes in his position. When the Frenchman was injured, Flick preferred to improvise with other footballers rather than bet on the homegrown player.
Doubts on and off the field
The coaching staff believe that he's still too green to compete regularly at the elite level. His qualities aren't in question, but the tactical demands and defensive concentration still require a leap in maturity. Flick himself has acknowledged this privately, although he avoids pointing it out publicly.
Adding to this factor is his behavior off the field, which hasn't convinced management. His active nightlife and being late on the first day of training haven't helped improve his image. These episodes have contributed to his credit running out faster than expected.
Laporta and Deco have discussed the best way to manage his immediate future. Initially, the idea was to find him a loan so he could accumulate minutes and experience. However, a transfer isn't ruled out if an interesting offer arrives and a buy-back option is secured.
Interest from France and countdown
In recent days, a French club has entered the scene with a clear proposal to sign him. Paris FC has contacted Barça to learn the terms of a permanent transfer. The offer includes Barça keeping a percentage of a future sale.
There are just twenty days left before the transfer window closes and the deal must be solved before then. The player, aware that he's not in Flick's plans, is open to listening to proposals. Both his camp and the sporting management agree that the best thing is to find a new destination as soon as possible.
The chapter seems close to ending, but there are still details to be ironed out to finalize his departure. If confirmed, Barça will lose one of its most promising homegrown players in recent years. That player, who'll soon wear another jersey, is none other than Héctor Fort.
