Barcelona manager Hansi Flick willing to discard two defensive signings this summer

Barcelona are yet to move much in the transfer market, and it seems unlikely there will be a major shake-up, but new coach Hansi Flick is starting to come to conclusions about his new squad.

The youngsters have impressed Flick, including midfielders Marc Casado and Marc Bernal, but also their defensive options. Left-back Gerard Martin has been solid and comfortable on the flank, while Alex Valle, playing out of position on the right, came up with a brilliant assist in El Clasico, and was heavily involved in the first game too.

Sergi Domínguez has delivered two impressive performances against two of the world's top forwards, Erling Haaland and Vinícius Jr. Although he will remain a Barça Atlètic player, his confidence has skyrocketed, giving him plenty of reasons to be optimistic about his role with the…

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With Joao Cancelo’s future still to be resolved, Jules Kounde, Hector Fort and Alejandro Balde also available, it leaves Flick with a number of options – the sporting department also like Martin too, say MD. It leaves Senegal centre-back Mikayil Faye and Mexico right-back Julian Araujo on the outside looking in. The former has been linked with a move this summer, but it seems neither will be an option, with Flick not counting on either for the coming season. Faye has plenty of competition in central defence, but can also operate as a left-back.

There has been relatively little talk of Araujo’s future, with most assuming he would be a role player after a decent loan spell at Las Palmas last season. However if Valle, Fort, Kounde and potentially Cancelo are all ahead of him in the pecking order, it seems likely he will exit either on loan or on a permanent deal.