As Hansi Flick moves closer to joining Barcelona as the head coach, one of his first moves will be to dictate the club’s transfer policies.
Flick will particularly look to reinforce the midfield department, especially amid uncertainty over the future of Frenkie de Jong while Oriol Romeu looks all set to rejoin Girona in the coming summer.
To that end, one of Barcelona’s top targets this summer is Joshua Kimmich – a player who shares a good relationship with Flick. Many even expect Barça to gain a significant upper hand in the Kimmich pursuit thanks to the arrival of Flick.
Barcelona rule out Kimmich move
However, according to Jose Alvarez of El Chiringuito, it appears Barcelona have ruled out the prospect of signing Joshua Kimmich this summer.
This comes on the back of Bayern Munich being on the verge of appointment Vincent Kompany as their next coach.
While it’s unlikely that the arrival of Kompany could have influenced Kimmich’s decision or stance over his future, Barcelona’s failure in the pursuit could be linked to economic differences.
Bayern, after all, were holding out for a fee of €60 million for the services of Kimmich, which is quite the fortune given the club’s current economic situation.
Barcelona, therefore, were never really involved in the race to sign Kimmich and are likely to shift their attention to more cost-effective alternatives.
The club’s pursuit of Guido Rodriguez has gained strength in recent weeks, with Hansi Flick recently signalling a green light to the operation.
Barcelona would ideally like to bring in more reinforcements in the midfield department this summer, but it will depend on whether or not the club can get rid of unwanted stars and bring in fresh revenue.
A recent report has indicated that not too many Barcelona stars are keen on leaving Camp Nou, which could be a cause for concern for the Blaugrana.
Barcelona Atlètic head coach Rafa Márquez has spoken publicly for the first time regarding the dismissal of first-team boss Xavi.
Tactician Xavi was of course informed of his sacking late last week.
Just weeks on from his continuation for next season being confirmed by the Barcelona brass, the 44-year-old was sent on his way, in nothing short of ruthless fashion.
Set to arrive in his place, meanwhile, is Hansi Flick, a long-time favourite of Blaugrana president Joan Laporta.
Another to have been tipped as a potential installation in the dugout in Catalunya’s capital with a view to next season, though, was Rafa Márquez.
The Mexican is known to be held in high regard by the powers that be at the Camp Nou, owing to his ongoing work with Barca Atlètic.
The lack of managerial options on the market, in turn, saw Márquez’s name pushed as a leading one in the media.
When drawn on whether or not the prospect of replacing Xavi was ever directly put to him during an exchange with the media (as cited by Mundo Deportivo) this week, however, the former defender assured:
“There were no (contacts to manage Barcelona). We have been working in the reserve team.”
Pressed further on whether he has spoken to his one-time Barcelona teammate since learning of his firing, Márquez continued:
“I will take time to talk to him and, as a friend, support him and be with him.”
Xavi Hernandez has reportedly told Barcelona to pay full compensation to his staff after he was told to leave in a shock decisio
The Spanish coach, who had been under contract with the Catalan club until June 30, 2025, is set to sever ties this Tuesday.
According to AS, Xavi is determined to leave amicably by choosing to forgo his remaining salary, which amounts to a hefty €12 million (£10m/$13m), in exchange for a guarantee that his staff will be fully compensated.
The coaching team that Xavi assembled at Barcelona consists of eight key individuals, each playing a vital role in the club’s operations. Seven members of this team, including assistants Oscar Hernandez and Sergio Alegre, physical trainer Ivan Torres, physiotherapist Carlos Nogueira, and scouts David Prats, Sergio Garcia and Toni Lobo have been with Xavi since his tenure at Al Sadd. The eighth member, communications manager Edu Polo, joined the team last summer and like the other members has a contract with the club until 2025.
Xavi has been clear that his agreement to relinquish his salary hinges on the full settlement of his staff’s contracts – which would likely cost the club approximately €3 million. He believes the amount should be acceptable to the club as it would not burn a hole in their pocket.
Xavi’s insistence to the board underscores his commitment to ensuring his staff’s financial security after the shock u-turn of Laporta and Co from their previous position just a month back. With Xavi’s departure imminent, Barcelona is poised to enter a new era under the guidance of German coach Hansi Flick. The club is expected to confirm Flick’s appointment for the next two seasons once Xavi’s exit is finalised.
Having secured the long-term contract renewal of Pau Cubarsi not very long ago, FC Barcelona are all set to tie down another young defender to a new deal.
Indeed, journalist Helena Condis reports that Barcelona teenage starlet Hector Fort will sign a new long-term contract until the summer of 2029 later today at the club offices.
Much like Lamine Yamal, Cubarsi, and Fermin Lopez, Fort too has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign this season, although he has not featured as regularly as his fellow La Masia products.
A right-back by trade, the 17-year-old defender has impressed in his natural position as well as a makeshift role at left-back.
A first-team berth is pretty much guaranteed for Fort for next season even though there will be new management at the helm of affairs.
And the teenager is now set to celebrate his breakthrough season by signing a long-term contract.
Fort will be turning 18 years old in August later this year and it could be possible that the new deal would come into force after that as regulations do not allow him to pen a contract longer than three years when still a minor.
Alternatively, Barça could be handing him a three-year contract with an option for an additional two seasons, which they might improve once he turns 18.
Much like Cubarsi, Fort is also likely to see a significant rise in his release clause amount as well as wages reflecting his new status within the team.
Along with Fort, Barcelona are also working to tie down several other young players to new deals with the likes of Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Marc Guiu all expected to pen improved contracts in the weeks to come.
Dismissed Barcelona head coach Xavi had drawn up a four-man list of players to be shipped out in the summer, prior to his exit being confirmed.
That’s according to ESPN, who have on Monday provided an insight into developments behind the scenes in Catalunya’s capital.
Xavi, of course, was late last week sent on his way by the Barcelona brass.
Just weeks on from seeing his continuation for the 2024/25 campaign confirmed, the Spaniard was informed that his services would no longer be required beyond the summer.
As much no doubt marked a hammer blow for Xavi, who, if the latest word stemming from the media is anything to go by, had already begun putting in place plans for his squad for next season.
In fact, as per the aforementioned ESPN, the 44-year-old had decided upon four players whom he felt were surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou moving forward.
One should come as little surprise, in the form of the seldom-seen Vitor Roque, albeit with fellow frontman Robert Lewandowski’s inclusion on the shortlist an altogether more noteworthy one.
Finally, Xavi was ready to bid farewell to loan pair João Félix and João Cancelo, of the opinion that neither did enough to prove themselves worthy of staying put beyond the season’s close.
An insight into the plans of Paris Saint-Germain star Xavi Simons to engineer a move for himself to La Liga giants Barcelona this summer has today been forthcoming.
The info comes courtesy of Mundo Deportivo, and reiterates that the Dutchman has only one thing on his mind – reuniting with the Blaugrana.
The info comes courtesy of Mundo Deportivo, and reiterates that the Dutchman has only one thing on his mind – reuniting with the Blaugrana.
Now 21, and fresh off a stellar campaign on loan with RB Leipzig, though, the opportunity to reunite with his former employers has surfaced ahead of next season.
And, as per the aforementioned MD, this is one which the player does not intend to allow to pass him by…
Simons, it is assured, has given his full ‘priority’ to a move back to Barcelona.
Despite rival interest on the part of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle, the gifted attacker has informed the brass at PSG that he wants only one club – the Blaugrana.
Simons is therefore prepared to wait for Deco and co. to get the financial situation at the Camp Nou back in order, to link up with incoming boss Hansi Flick’s squad.
The youngster has gone as far as to ‘fight’ for as much, with Simons’ only request being that Barca do their utmost to push a deal over the line before the upcoming European Championships.
It appears that Barcelona and Bayern Munich could be at loggerheads over multiple players heading into the summer transfer window.
The Blaugrana are already trying to sign Joshua Kimmich from the Bavarian giants, while the Bundesliga club are looking at Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong as possible options.
Furthermore, both clubs also appear to have shared interest in a number of targets.
Indeed, as has already been reported, Bayern Munich are set to rival Barça for Dani Olmo, while PSG sensation Xavi Simons is also a mutual target for both clubs.
Now, another name appears to have entered the list of players wanted by both Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Nico Williams a target for Bayern
Indeed, as per journalist Jonathan Ramos, Bayern Munich have entered the race for Barcelona target and Athletic Club winger Nico Williams heading into the summer.
In fact, the Bavarian giants plan on following the 21-year-old winger closely during the UEFA Euro 2024, which will be played in Germany, where the forward is expected to play a key role for Spain.
Williams, who renewed his contract with Athletic Club towards the end of 2023, has a release clause that is close to the €60 million mark.
Barcelona are not in a position to meet it and are thus considering selling a player, possibly Raphinha, to raise the required funds.
However, Bayern Munich have no such restrictions and find the €60 million clause acceptable for the winger.
But, Nico himself might not see a move to Germany in favourable light at this point in his career because of the distance, language, and competition.
It must be noted that Xavi had been one of the biggest advocates behind Barcelona’s interest in Nico. With him no longer in charge, whether new manager Hansi Flick would be willing to pursue the Spaniard with the same rigour remains to be seen.
Fermín López scored the winning goal in Barcelona’s La Liga season finale against Sevilla, and his celebration was notable as the young midfielder found his departing manager on the sidelines and gave him a big hug, offering Xavi Hernández his own personal goodbye.
Fermín exploded onto the scene this season, going from a relatively unknown quantity in preseason to finishing the campaign as an undisputed starter, scoring several key goals and earning a spot in Spain’s squad for Euro 2024.
The 21-year-old was asked after the game why he celebrated his final goal of the season with his now former manager, and Fermín revelaed it was a gesture of gratitude for Xavi giving him a chance to fulfill his Barça dream this season.
Regardless of what you think of Xavi as a coach, his impact on Barça’s talented youngsters is undeniable. The coach gave dozens of academy graduates a real chance to play for the first team, and the likes of Fermín, Pau Cubarsí, Héctor Fort and Lamine Yamal look set for long careers at Camp Nou thanks in large part to the opportunity given to them by Xavi.
It remains to be seen if soon-to-be new manager Hansi Flick will be as willing to use the youngsters as Xavi was, but they’ve already proven they are good enough to play in a Barça shirt for any coach.
By now, it has been well established that Barcelona are ready to replace Xavi Hernandez by bringing in Hansi Flick.
The German tactician was supposed to be unveiled early this week, but it appears there has been some unprecedented delay.
As things stand, Barcelona fans eager for the official announcement of Hansi Flick as their new coach may have to wait a bit longer.
Why is it taking so long?
According to RAC1, two key hurdles are delaying Barcelona’s planned announcement of Hansi Flick as the new coach.
Firstly, Barcelona is still finalizing the financial terms of Xavi Hernandez’s departure. The club wants to negotiate a buyout agreement with Xavi to avoid paying his full remaining year of contract.
However, finalizing a buyout before officially appointing a new coach weakens their bargaining position.
Flick may have to wait a bit longer (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Secondly, La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations pose another challenge. La Liga requires clear documentation regarding buyout agreements when processing a coaching change.
If Barcelona declares Xavi’s departure as a dismissal before securing a buyout agreement, La Liga might force them to pay the full contract value, a financially undesirable outcome.
La Liga does allow for a change of coaches, but with limitations. Having exceeded the spending limit, Barcelona must offset any additional costs through future financial adjustments or repayments. This was the case with Xavi’s recent contract renewal.
Barcelona are looking to mete out these problems as soon as possible, with the report pointing to a crucial meeting that will be held between Xavi’s agent, Fernando Solanas and sporting director Deco.
The meeting will aim to reach a mutually agreeable buyout amount for Xavi, clearing the path for Hansi Flick’s official appointment.
It must be noted that Xavi has reportedly agreed not to demand any salary for the remaining period of his contract, but he might push Barcelona to pay the pending salary of his support staff.
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.
