The German tactician is poised to replace Xavi Hernandez next season and could sign a one-year contract, with the option to extend for an additional year.
Flick will bring with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of German football. He is anticipated to use this expertise to strengthen Barcelona in the upcoming summer.
Flick has already begun contemplating his approach for Barcelona’s squad planning for the next season. Reports suggest that during an extended conversation with sporting director Deco, Flick expressed his interest in signing Exequiel Palacios.
Palacios, a crucial player for Bayer Leverkusen this season, has played a significant role in Die Werkself’s Bundesliga title pursuit under Xabi Alonso. His contributions have been impressive, particularly in midfield where his versatility, aggression, and ability to operate in an intense pressing system have been noteworthy.
Flick is considering Palacios as a valuable addition to address Barcelona’s midfield weaknesses, especially after Sergio Busquets’ departure last summer. Current midfielders like Pedri have struggled with injuries, while Frenkie de Jong faces an uncertain future.
Adding a new midfielder could be crucial for Barcelona, and Palacios is a prominent candidate for this role.
However, acquiring Palacios might be challenging for Barcelona. As noted earlier, Palacios is one of Leverkusen’s key midfielders, and his standout season has likely increased his value. Reports suggest he could cost around €40 million, which may be a significant hurdle for the Catalan club.
Barcelona hopes to leverage new economic strategies in the coming weeks to balance their finances and bring in fresh revenue. With Flick advocating for Palacios’ signing, it will be interesting to see how Barcelona navigates this potential acquisition.