It is common to see players struggle at FC Barcelona and seek opportunities elsewhere as their careers progress. However, it is quite uncommon to see things happen the other way around. While it is not necessarily an unprecedented occurrence, it is something that Barcelona has experience with.
Interestingly, their most recent experience of this sort has come into play this summer itself. The player in question is none other than 22-year-old young forward Pau Victor, an aspiring talent whose qualities were on full display during the preseason and even managed to impress Hansi Flick.
Yet, while he may have impressed his new coach at FC Barcelona, he did have his own fair few frustrations with his former side Girona. Despite making a name for himself within the youth levels, he was unable to convince first team coach Michel enough to earn a proper opportunity.
In a recent interview, as highlighted by SPORT, the player was quite open about these frustrations at his former club and even said he felt that was not valued by Girona as Barça informed him about their plans to sign him:
“I was contacted by Barcelona, and they told me they were starting negotiations with Girona. I also expressed my desire to come here, but it wasn’t just up to me; negotiations had to take place. Girona didn’t convey the same confidence as before, and I didn’t feel fully valued.”
However, even when he joined La Blaugrana on loan, the player was given a hint of the faith that the Catalan giants had in his abilities and Girona seemingly did not during his loan spell at Sabadell:
“The turning point was when I spoke with Rafa Márquez before signing. He gave me complete confidence, saying he had followed me all year and that I was the striker he needed. I didn’t think twice.”
However, now that he has accomplished his dream of joining Barcelona, the player is clear that it is the best feeling possible for him:
“There’s nothing bigger.”
He also made sure to commend the work and attitude of Hansi Flick, his new coach at FC Barcelona and someone who is quite approached according to the young forward:
“He’s very approachable. He seeks contact and wants to convey that he’s close by. I’ve spoken with him twice, and it went really well. He makes players feel very comfortable. As a coach, he demands a lot, wants high intensity, and likes players to maintain their pace. That’s what we’re seeing in the games.”
For now, Victor’s new contract at Barça will see him remain at the club until 2029. Signed this summer permanently, the player has moved past his frustrations at Girona and will look to soon face his former side in the upcoming La Liga clash between Michel’s team and Hansi Flick’s new-look Barcelona.
