As Barcelona look forward to the summer switch window, planning is already centred round realism somewhat than luxurious.
Financial limits stay tight, and meaning free agents will as soon as once more be a key pillar of squad constructing.
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For a coach like Hansi Flick, who values depth, construction and tactical readability, the proper profile issues way over the switch price.
Barcelona want gamers who can ship instantly, perceive positional self-discipline and lift the aggressive stage inside the squad.
With that in thoughts, listed below are three free agents Barcelona should genuinely consider if the market permits it.
Dusan Vlahovic: A real quantity 9 for Flick’s system
Barcelona’s lack of a dominant striker has been one in all the largest sporting gaps the crew will face as soon as Robert Lewandowski departs. And Vlahovic would immediately handle that challenge.
Vlahovic may very well be Lewandowski’s substitute. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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He is bodily, aggressive and direct, providing one thing very completely different from the profiles Barça at the moment depend on.
Vlahovic thrives inside the penalty space. He assaults crosses, occupies centre-backs and finishes probabilities with minimal touches.
Under Flick, who prefers vertical soccer and fast attacking sequences, the Serbian ahead would give Barcelona a transparent point of interest.
His motion would open house for huge gamers and attacking midfielders, one thing Barça have typically struggled to create.
Equally necessary is his work charge. Vlahovic presses defenders, competes in duels and doesn’t shrink back from bodily battles.
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Flick calls for depth with out the ball, and Vlahovic suits that requirement naturally.
As a free agent, he would represent a rare opportunity to unravel Barcelona’s striker drawback with out a large upfront price.
Marcos Senesi: Balance and management for Barcelona’s defence
Marcos Senesi would fulfil a significant requirement at Barcelona. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Defensive steadiness stays a priority for Barcelona, particularly on the left facet of central defence, which is why Senesi is a profile that is smart.
Left-footed, calm and tactically clever, he brings stability somewhat than chaos.
Senesi’s largest power is his studying of the sport. He anticipates hazard early, wins aerial duels and is comfy stepping out with the ball.
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For a Barcelona facet that builds from the again, that capability is important. His passing is probably not flashy, however it’s secure and environment friendly, which helps preserve construction below strain.
It is understood that Barcelona are lacking a left-footed defender and so they have been making an attempt to unravel this challenge since Inigo Martinez’s departure final summer. However, no profile has stood out but.
As such, below Flick, who prioritises compact defending and clear roles, Senesi would provide reliability.
He might not seize headlines, however he would cut back errors and produce consistency – one thing Barcelona’s again line has lacked in decisive moments.
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On a free switch, he can be a low-risk addition with speedy worth.
Leon Goretzka: Experience, energy and familiarity with Flick
Barcelona’s midfield is gifted however unbalanced. While there’s high quality, the bodily and tactical calls for of Flick’s system expose weaknesses and this season, Marc Casado has not fairly reached the stage anticipated of him.
Goretzka has a historical past with Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Casado’s power is evident, however his affect in large matches and positional self-discipline have dipped, leaving Flick in need of a commanding presence in central areas, particularly when the likes of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are unavailable.
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This is the place Goretzka comes in. Powerful, skilled and tactically conscious, he gives one thing Barcelona at the moment lack – a midfielder who can dominate bodily whereas nonetheless contributing offensively.
His historical past with Flick is essential. Under Flick, Goretzka performed a few of the greatest soccer of his profession, thriving in a high-intensity, pressing-based system.
Goretzka’s capability to reach late in the field, win duels and canopy giant areas would immediately increase Barcelona’s midfield stage.
He understands Flick’s calls for, urgent triggers and positional tasks, that means his adaptation can be minimal.
As a free agent, he would additionally present management and expertise in large European nights, one thing Barcelona desperately want.