Flick defines three priority signings for Barcelona for next season – targets identified

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is working to get the best out of his team in the hope of replicating last season’s success, with the Catalans not performing at their peak so far this term.

At the same time, the German tactician is already planning ahead.

Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, together with the sporting director, Deco, and the members of the sporting committee, Flick has agreed on the key positions that must be reinforced for next season: a centre-back, a winger, and a centre-forward.

Left-footed centre-back – top priority

Barcelona’s absolute priority is the signing of a left-footed centre-back. With the last-minute departure of Inigo Martinez last summer, the team has been left without a natural left-sided centre-back in the squad. This has significantly impacted the team.

For this reason, among the three positions, centre-back is the only one the club would try to accelerate already this coming January. However, the club views this option as complicated, due to multiple factors, and, as such, a summer move seems likely.

Schlotterbeck is a target for Barcelona. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

At present, Barcelona are monitoring Goncalo Inacio (Sporting), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund), Luiz Benedetti (Palmeiras), and Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), who will be out of contract in June.

Centre-forward

With Robert Lewandowski entering the final year of his contract and turning 38 next year, there is consensus that the No. 9 position is also a priority.

Julian Alvarez is highly rated, but Atletico Madrid are unwilling to sell. As a result, the option of Harry Kane, who has a release clause set at €65 million, is gaining weight. Erling Haaland, meanwhile, appears to be an impossible dream.

A versatile winger also on the agenda

Finally, Barcelona also intend to reinforce the squad with another versatile winger. The club has the option to activate a buy clause for Marcus Rashford, set at €30 million, but the final decision will depend on the evaluation of his performance at the end of the season.

Rafael Leao (AC Milan) is another frequently mentioned name. The club must also be prepared for the possibility that Raphinha, now 29 years old, decides to leave in the summer, as interest from Saudi Arabia remains strong.