Flick Pushes Barcelona Toward a Bold 2026 Rebuild
So, here’s what’s happening at Barcelona right now. Hansi Flick has already begun shaping the club’s long-term direction, even while dealing with a season that hasn’t exactly gone according to plan. The team has struggled to hit its peak, and recent results—especially that heavy 3-0 loss to Chelsea—have made it impossible to ignore some deep structural gaps. Because of this, Flick, along with sporting director Deco and the rest of the sporting committee, has defined three priority signings for next season. And the message inside the club is clear: reinforcement is not optional anymore.
The top priority, without any question, is a left-footed centre-back. Ever since Inigo Martinez left at the last minute last summer, the squad has been without a natural left-sided option. That absence has quietly—but consistently—hurt the team’s build-up play, defensive shape, and even the offside line. Flick sees this as one of the biggest tactical handicaps of the season, especially because players like Pau Cubarsí have been forced into uncomfortable roles. The club would love to fix this issue as early as January, but it’s being acknowledged that a winter move will be extremely difficult. Even so, several names are already being monitored. Gonçalo Inácio, Murillo, Nico Schlotterbeck, Luiz Benedetti and Marc Guehi are all on the radar, with Guehi becoming a free agent next June.
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Then comes the centre-forward position. With Robert Lewandowski entering the final year of his contract and turning 38 next season, a successor must be lined up. Julian Álvarez is extremely admired within the club, but the situation is complicated because Atlético Madrid do not want to negotiate. That’s why the option of Harry Kane—who has a €65 million release clause—is gaining credibility internally. Erling Haaland is viewed realistically as unreachable, so attention is shifting to options who fit the project and the budget.
Finally, there’s the winger position. Barcelona want someone versatile who can operate on both flanks and offer real depth. Marcus Rashford is still a possibility thanks to a €30 million buy clause, but the final decision will depend on how he performs this season. Rafael Leão’s name appears frequently too, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Raphinha, who may consider a move in the summer due to continued interest from Saudi clubs.
Inside Barcelona, there’s a sense that relying too heavily on young talent has stretched the squad thin. Players like Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Koundé have shown flashes, but the balance isn’t right. Flick, Deco and president Joan Laporta know that next summer will be decisive. Without major investment, the risk of falling further behind Europe’s elite becomes real. But with the right signings, Flick believes Barcelona can rebuild more quickly than people expect—and rejoin the conversation at the top of European football.
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