Barcelona’s Strategic Shift: Club revives interest in key position after recent developments

Barcelona’s sporting director Deco has rekindled the club’s interest in signing a new pivot this summer, according to journalist Thomas Andreu via SPORT. 

It must be noted that despite the transfer market approaching its final days, Barcelona are not considering the summer window closed just yet. 

The club is anticipating a few critical exits by the end of August, which will be crucial for making new acquisitions. Deco believes that these changes will provide the necessary flexibility to secure one or two new players before the transfer window shuts.

Barcelona are hopeful

Deco is confident in the club’s ability to navigate the current situation. Manager Hansi Flick shares this trust, hoping that the essential player departures will occur soon. 

This would not only free up funds but also help Barcelona comply with financial fair play regulations. With these changes, the club aims to process the remaining federation licenses and potentially sign new players.

Oriol Romeu has left Barcelona to join Girona. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Given Barcelona’s tight budget, prioritising is crucial for any last-minute signings. Deco and Flick are focusing on acquiring a new pivot. 

The recent departure of Oriol Romue, the inexperience of younger players, and the uncertain status of Ilkay Gundogan have highlighted the need for a more reliable presence in this position.

Barcelona have learned real quick

During recent matches, such as the one against Valencia, the team’s defensive issues were evident. While Marc Casado and Marc Bernal performed well, Eric Garcia had to step in during the final moments, and Andreas Christensen bolstered the defence. 

This highlights a precarious situation, especially with Frenkie de Jong still recovering from ankle ligament problems and the season packed with matches.

Deco is currently evaluating the risks associated with signing a midfielder at a reasonable cost. The market offers numerous options for this position, but finding a player who combines good physical fitness with notable technical skills is challenging. 

Many available options are either prohibitively expensive or present significant risks for the future.