Barcelona are set to usher in a new era as Hansi Flick will replace Xavi Hernandez as the new first-team manager imminently.
Xavi oversaw his final game in charge on Sunday night, leading Barça to a 2-1 win over Sevilla. While his axing has been officially confirmed, the matter of reaching an agreement over his severance package and other details remain pending.
Once that is out of the way, Barcelona will make the hiring of Flick official, but the German tactician is already working with sporting director Deco to plan the squad for the next season.
As is already well-established by now, a new pivot is seen as the top target, while Barça will also look for a new left winger, as well as a right-back.
There may be some other positions strengthened as well, depending on the financial situation of the club, but there are already targets identified by the manager to reinforce each area.
Even though it has been suggested that the German is unlikely to ask for huge signings being aware of the club’s financial situation, some big names appear on his ‘humble’ wishlist.
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
As far as the pivot midfield position is concerned, it is public knowledge at this point that Joshua Kimmich is at the top of the list for Flick and Barcelona heading into the summer.
The German international is entering the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich, is a player that Flick knows very well, and would be open to joining the Catalans. However, his wages could be a hurdle in the deal.
Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)
Apart from Kimmich, Flick might also look to rope in another of his former wards from Bayern Munich and Germany in the form of Leroy Sane. The winger is entering the final year of his contract with the Bavarians and a renewal is yet to be agreed upon.
Barcelona have had their eyes on Sane for a while now and Flick’s arrival could give them an advantage if the Catalans decide to go after him.
Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
However, for the left flank, Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is seen as one of the main targets. So much so that, Barcelona are even contemplating Raphinha to raise the €60 million needed to sign the Spaniard.
The 21-year-old speedster would fit the profile that Barça are looking for, and given his age, would be a long-term investment for the club.
Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
As for the right-back position, Joao Cancelo seemed likely to continue at Barcelona, but Flick has some doubts about him. Instead, Bayer Leverkusen ace Jeremie Frimpong is being viewed as an option as per sources close to Flick’s entourage.
The 23-year-old Dutch speedster enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, being directly involved in 26 goals. He has been on the radars of Barça in the past and could again emerge as a target for the summer.
Amadou Onana (Everton)
While Kimmich is the main target for the No. 6 position, Barcelona also like Amadou Onana of Everton as an option. The Belgian has grown in stature in the Premier League and is attracting serious interest and sources suggest Flick sees him as an interesting option.
However, signing him could be a difficult task following Everton achieving safety in the Premier League. Furthermore, Onana’s sky-high valuation could put him beyond the Blaugrana’s reach.
Luis Diaz (Liverpool)
From one Premier League star to another, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is also very much on the agenda of the new Barcelona management heading into the summer, with Deco even seeing him as a ‘dream’ target.
The Colombian international, however, would be hard to acquire as he would command a fee of at least €75 million – something that Barça are not in a position to afford unless there are multiple big departures.
Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig)
Another option to strengthen the left flank, Dani Olmo has been on Barcelona’s radars for some time now and it appears that Flick too sees his signing in favourable light.
A versatile player capable of operating anywhere in attack and even in midfield, the RB Leipzig ace has a €60 million release clause in his contract.
Mio Backhaus (Werder Bremen)
The Eredivisie goalkeeper of the season, Mio Backhaus is on the agenda at Barça, possibly as a long-term successor for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, especially with no guarantees that Inaki Pena will stay at the club.
The 20-year-old Backhaus spent the season on loan at FC Volendam and will be returning to his parent club Werder Bremen now. While a new goalkeeper might not be an immediate priority, the German youngster is being monitored.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
A player that has long been linked with Barça to reinforce the left wing, Kvaratskhelia is seen as an option by Flick as well, as per sources close to his entourage.
However, signing him from Napoli would be a herculean task as he has a contract until 2027 and will command a huge fee.
