The injury to Andreas Christensen, which will sideline him for one to two months, has caused concern at Barcelona. Hansi Flick, recognizing the critical state of his defense, has urgently requested reinforcements to bolster the back line. His goal is straightforward: to bring in a full-back who will enable Joel Kounde to move back to central defense, a position Flick deems crucial for the team’s success this season.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Flick has made an urgent call to Deco and Joan Laporta, stressing the need for immediate reinforcements. The German coach emphasized that signing a full-back is vital, not only to replace Christensen but also to allow Kounde to return to his preferred central defender role. Flick understands that maintaining a strong and organized defense is essential for staying competitive in both La Liga and the Champions League.
The report further mentioned that while there are few options available, one promising candidate is Marc Popel from Almeria. The young full-back impressed last season and is seen as a viable option due to his ability to adapt quickly to a more demanding club environment. Nevertheless, the most appealing choice for the club is Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese player has previously demonstrated his talent and versatility with Barcelona, but his high price and interest from other clubs pose significant challenges to his acquisition.
Deco and Laporta, recognizing Flick’s urgency, are working hard to finalize a deal swiftly. However, the club faces financial constraints and the need to adjust wages to accommodate new signings, adding complexity to the process.
