The injury to Andreas Christensen, which will keep him out for between one and two months, has raised the alarm at Barcelona and Hansi Flick, aware of the critical situation his defence is in, has picked up the phone and urgently asked to reinforce the back line.
His objective is clear: to secure the arrival of a full-back who will allow Joel Kounde to return to central defence, a position that the coach considers to be of great importance for the success of the season.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper El Nacional: Given this situation, Flick made an urgent call to Deco and Joan Laporta, explaining that he needs reinforcements immediately.
The German coach was explicit in his message: it is essential to sign a full-back who will not only replace Christensen, but also allow Kounde to return to his natural position as central defender. Flick knows that the key to remaining competitive in La Liga and the Champions League is a solid and well-organised defence.
The newspaper added: There are not many options on the table, but they are clear and Marc Popel, from Almeria, is one of the most viable alternatives. The young full-back impressed last season and his ability to adapt quickly to a more demanding club is viewed positively by the coaching staff.
However, the option that excites the club the most is Joao Cancelo. The Portuguese has already shown in his previous time at Barcelona that he has the talent and versatility necessary to adapt perfectly to the team’s system. However, his high cost and competition from other clubs make his arrival difficult.
Deco and Laporta, aware of Flick’s urgency, have intensified their efforts to complete a deal as soon as possible. However, the club’s financial constraints and the need to free up wages to be able to sign new players add an extra level of complexity to the process.
