Barcelona consider postponing key signing for January – report

For most of 2024, coming into the summer transfer window, the signing of a new pivot midfielder was seen as an absolute priority for FC Barcelona.

The club sporting director, Deco, worked with the idea that a big investment would be made on signing a holding midfielder to replace Sergio Busquets and then bring in a left-sided winger.

But the entire situation has flipped since Hansi Flick took over the reins as the German seemingly is pushing for more attack-minded signings.

Indeed, Barcelona are fully focused on recruiting Spanish duo Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, with most budget for the summer set to be dedicated to their acquisition.

Pivot midfielder in January?

As such, even though Barcelona showed interest in players like Amadou Onana, Joshua Kimmich, and Mikel Merino for the pivot midfield position, it is no longer a priority.

In fact, SPORT reports that Flick and Barcelona are even considering the possibility of postponing the signing of a defensive midfielder to a later date such as the January transfer window.

Flick not sure about signing a new No. 6. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)

When asked about the signing of a new pivot during his presentation earlier this month, Flick appeared more than content with the options he has in midfield.

The German’s idea is to play two well-positioned central midfielders as part of a double pivot and as such, is not entirely sure about signing an out-and-out holding midfielder. Hence, the thought of hitting pause on such a transfer until the winter is now being considered.

La Masia talent catches Flick’s eye

Furthermore, the report states that Hansi Flick has found a player from La Masia who has impressed him and his staff playing as a midfielder so far in pre-season.

While the name of the player has not been mentioned, it is claimed that he is already considered ready for a first-team role by the staff and as such will have a prominent role in the friendlies in the USA over the next week.

Even though it is not mentioned in the report, the player being pointed out could be Marc Bernal, who is understood to have caught Flick’s eye in pre-season and also played well in the friendly against Olot.

In any case, the signing of a pivot midfielder is unlikely to materialise at this point with Barcelona planning to revisit the situation again in January.