Barcelona will not enter the market for key position, Flick happy with current options

Alejandro Balde, quite deservedly, has established himself as Jordi Alba’s replacement at Barcelona and has been the team’s first-choice left-back for a considerable amount of time.

He began last season as the team’s starting left-back for another season running but was unfortunately injured midway through the campaign, leaving then-manager Xavi with no option but to deploy Joao Cancelo at left-back.

It was, thus, always going to be interesting to see if the Blaugrana prioritised the signing of a new left-back this summer as part of their already tight budget.

As it stands, that does not appear to be the case because a certain Gerard Martin has heavily impressed the management.

The guaranteed backup 

Hansi Flick is ready to rely on Gerard Martin. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

As revealed in a recent report from SPORT, Flick has ruled out the signing of a new left-back as he is satisfied by the profile Martin offers.

With the newly-discovered gem and Balde to cover the position, he sees sufficient depth in the squad. Martin, thus, will serve as Balde’s deputy this campaign.

It is almost astounding how the 22-year-old has quickly climbed his way up to the elite without any high-profile moves or foundation at the club academy.

Playing for Cornella even less than a year and a half ago, the youngster left the club to play for Barça Atletic in July 2023. 

He was a mainstay under Rafa Marquez, earning the manager’s trust and significantly improving his distribution and comfort on the ball in the process. Called up for pre-season with Flick, he did not hesitate to take his chances. 

Martin made his debut in La Liga last weekend in Barcelona’s win against Valencia and could well be pipped for more this season.