Barcelona fell apart in their two most crucial games of the season last year against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, seeing them knocked out of the Champions League and the Liga title race. In no small part that was down to the Blaugrana being unable to control the midfield.
Former manager Xavi Hernandez had identified defensive midfield as a key need for the summer transfer window, and Hansi Flick has also commented that he likes to have a defensive midfielder that thinks about linking the team together. However he may not get one.
After Sporting Director Deco tried to sign Amadou Onana from Everton, and then enquired about Joshua Kimmich, the Blaugrana decided instead to move for an attacking player, in this case one of Nico Williams or Dani Olmo. Amid reports that Flick likes one of Barcelona’s academy talents in the midfield position, and will consider using Andreas Christensen in midfield too, Sport say that the Blaugrana are moving towards not signing a Sergio Busquets replacement for a second summer in a row.
In the three weeks he has been in charge of the FC Barcelona dressing room, Hansi Flick has won over everyone at the club. His methods are being well received, and the assessment of this first phase of his time at Barcelona is very positive. @JoanPoquiEraso
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 30, 2024
They may reconsider the issue in January, but ultimately their resources will be put towards the Olmo deal, as Flick also believes Barcelona are over-stocked in the middle of the pitch. The reality was that only a departure, likely Frenkie de Jong or Ilkay Gundogan, would have allowed for a move in midfield, as well as moving for Olmo or Williams.
Mikel Merino had been signalled as their alternative in the position, but Barcelona have decided to cool off their interest in the Real Sociedad midfielder. It leaves Atletico Madrid and Arsenal to compete for the 27-year-old.
It seems remarkable that Barcelona will go into a second summer with only Oriol Romeu coming in to address the absence of Busquets. Undoubtedly, the Blaugrana have plenty of talent and money tied up in the middle of the pitch, but the lack of correct profiles was eventually their undoing. Flick will either have to coach around it, or rely on another academy talent to carry the load.
