FC Barcelona: Hansi Flick reveals his truths on the Rashford, Araujo and Ansu Fati files

This Friday, journalists covering FC Barcelona news were impatiently awaiting coach Hans Dieter Flick's press conference. Indeed, they were eager to ask questions on the topic of the moment: the transfer window. A subject that makes the headlines in the Catalan media almost every day of the year. Expected at 1 p.m., the German technician was grilled by the press. From the second question, he was asked about the Ronald Araujo case. Indeed, Mundo Deportivo announced a few days ago that the Uruguayan asked to leave the Blaugranas during the month of January. In the process, the Italian press revealed that he was very close to joining Juventus.

Araujo, what is it?

But on Wednesday, MD indicated that the Barcelona sporting director, Deco, had managed to change the mind of the 25-year-old player, who could also extend his contract while his agents were in Barcelona to meet the managers according to various publications. Which also risks conditioning the Jonathan Tah file according to Sportwho adds that the rock of Bayer Leverkusen carefully follows the Araujo soap opera. And the latest news does not necessarily reassure him, just like Flick's statements. “Has something changed? He has a one and a half year contract. So I hope for the club and the whole team that he will extend. In training, we see that he is one of the best defenders. I am 100% sure of this. Given his potential, he can play even better.”

Flick also put his cards on the table regarding the winter transfer window and the possible arrival of Marcus Rashford (27 years old). As a reminder, the latter has made Barça his priority in the event of departure from Manchester United. What if Sport And Mundo Deportivo have mentioned an interest from Culés, this file is not moving forward, especially since the Red Devils are not willing to cover part of the player's salary in the event of a loan. This complicates the affairs of Barça, which is in the red financially. For his part, the Englishman, who gave the Catalans an ultimatum, continues to discuss with other clubs including BVB and AC Milan. And he will continue his discussions according to what Flick suggested.

The Rashford and Ansu cases mentioned

“I have often said that I am very happy with the players I have. Only three are missing. Iñigo Martínez, for a short time, Marc Bernal and Ter Stegen. I'm very happy with the team and the way all the players are performing. But the transfer window is the job of sports director Deco.” However, the former Bayern Munich coach did not hesitate to speak on the subject a few minutes later, when giving an update on the Ansu Fati file. “For me it is important to be honest with the players. I was honest with him. It's his decision. We talked about the possibilities it has. If he wants to stay, fine. He comes from La Masia. We will take care of him. Maybe he can get back to what we want and expect of him.”

He added about the 22-year-old footballer: “our job is to help them learn and improve, not just with Ansu and everyone else. We want them to improve every day.” Then, a journalist asked him if Ansu Fati requested his departure during the month of January. And Flick was clear: “that didn’t happen. I don't approach things like that. He likes to talk and we have conversations. There is that possibility, but what I think, I will tell him. I'll be honest. Now it no longer makes sense to talk about it.” Hans Dieter Flick therefore sent his messages on the transfer window and on other points.