Now that Xavi Hernandez is no longer set to continue with FC Barcelona, major changes are in order. The list of targets for the Spaniard will no longer be followed, and will be replaced by a new demand of arrivals. This new and updated list will be that of the incoming Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick.
Expectedly, the targets that Flick would ultimately put forth as a priority will be different to those previously wanted by Xavi Hernandez. Whereas the Spaniard wanted to bring in more technically gifted players across the field, Flick’s requirements seem to be slightly different.
As highlighted by SPORT, the German coach has a new plan in mind for Barça’s transfer targets. Instead of focusing on bringing in an interior like Bernardo Silva, a position where Flick believes Barcelona already has a lot of talent, the former Bayern Munich coach thinks there are other positions worth investing in.
One such position would be that of the two fullbacks. Both the left and right-back positions are apparently bothering Hansi Flick, and he would like to incorporate new signings in those positions if possible. Joao Cancelo’s continuity on the basis of a loan would be a welcome update, but he is not the only possible candidate Barcelona could end up retaining.
Julian Araujo and Hector Fort, for instance, will also be keenly watched by the new Barcelona coach. Flick expects to test them out more during the preseason, and that would allow him to get a better grasp of things as to how capable and reliable his current fullbacks even are.
Apart from that concern, other targets more or less align with those of Xavi Hernandez. The arrival of a top-level pivot, for instance, remains high on the priority list for Hansi Flick and the Barcelona sporting area.
Joshua Kimmich, one of Flick’s former understudies, has been linked to Barcelona since quite some time and the appointment of the new German coach at Barça may entice him to push for a move.
Nico Williams is also another one of the targets Flick seems to appreciate. Barcelona continue to keep close tabs on the progress of the Athletic Club winger, but his release clause of €60 million still remains a sizeable amount. Ultimately, returning to the 1:1 rule will be crucial and decisive for Barcelona in the summer, and even Flick acknowledges it.
