Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will hold individual meetings with four members of his squad to discuss their futures at the club, according to a report from MD. The meetings are part of a broader strategy to reshape the team ahead of a summer transfer window in which Barcelona are aiming to make multiple significant signings, targeting a centre-back and a centre-forward.
Barcelona’s ability to strengthen the squad hinges on generating funds through player sales to comply with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations. While there had been speculation surrounding potential departures of Raphinha, Fermin Lopez, and Marc Casado, all three players have publicly expressed their desire to remain with the club. This has prompted the club to identify other candidates for potential sales.
The four players Flick will be speaking with are full-backs Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde, winger Roony Bardghji, and captain Ronald Araujo. Both Balde and Kounde have seen their starting positions compromised in recent weeks, with Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo preferred in El Clasico last Sunday. Araujo’s game time has also been limited, although his situation is considered different due to a break he took in December.
Flick acknowledged the difficulty of leaving Kounde on the bench for the recent match against Real Madrid, stating it was the first time the defender had been omitted from a big game despite being fit. He also noted that while Balde is ‘doing well’, the coaching staff are focused on his continued development. Both Balde and Kounde have struggled to replicate their previous form this season, leading to questions about their long-term roles within the team.
The conversations will aim to understand each player’s intentions and then allow Flick and the club to determine the best course of action. Araujo, despite his reduced playing time, has indicated a strong desire to stay at Barcelona, while the futures of Balde, Kounde, and Bardghji appear less certain. These decisions will be crucial as Barcelona prepare for a campaign where they hope to challenge for the Champions League title.
