- Flick talks about transfer plans
- Coach thinks they won’t sign a new defender
- Barca let go of key centre-back Martinez
Flick reflected on the Barcelona‘s transfer plans for the remainder of the window and hinted that the club will not be signing any reinforcements in defence despite the departure of key centre-back Martinez to Al-Nassr. However, the head coach did mention that he’ll have conversations with sporting director Deco regarding any market opportunities.
Last week, the bombshell regarding Martinez was dropped, as news broke out that the former Athletic Club defender had decided to terminate his contract and join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr as a free agent. Barca did not block his move, but losing a player as important as Martinez could prove to be a hammer blow for Flick. Indeed, the ex-Bayern Munich manager is now left with just three natural centre-backs in the first team: Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen. Of the three, the latter two have struggled with fitness issues over the past year.
Martinez’s departure might have freed up around €14 million (£12m/$16m) on the wage bill, but there are fears that it might still not be enough to register new signings Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford, as confirmed by president Joan Laporta. It’s no secret that the Catalans are yet to return to the financial 1:1 rule, meaning they are powerless when it comes to splashing money on new arrivals.
Speaking to reporters after the Joan Gamper Trophy game against Como, Flick said: “I’ll talk to Deco when he’s here, and then we’ll see. But right now, I don’t think we’ll sign [a new defender].”
With Barca set to begin their La Liga title defence this weekend, it is likely that Cubarsi will be paired with one of Araujo or Christensen in the heart of the defence. Left-back Gerard Martin was also used as a makeshift left-sided centre-back during pre-season. Furthermore, rumour has it that Barca are eyeing a move for Atletico Madrid youth centre-back Geronimo Spina.
