Matteo Moretto Transfer Column: Artem Dovbyk, Hansi Flick appointment and Joshua Kimmich | OneFootball

Matteo Moretto gives Football España exclusive information on the latest deals dominating the papers in Spain, as revealed in Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing.

Why Barcelona chose Hansi Flick over Rafael Marquez

Firstly, it’s worth emphasizing the excellent relationship between President Joan Laporta and agent Pini Zahavi, this was an important factor in Hansi Flick becoming manager.

It’s also true that Barcelona also liked the attitude that Flick showed as things advanced. It was revealed that there was a meeting between Flick and Deco, I don’t know if it was via telephone or in person, but what’s clear is that Sporting Director Deco really liked Flick too. They value his experience, the fact that he has already coached a top side like Bayern Munich, because they want to win as soon as possible.

Flick is a more prepared profile in terms of experience, winning trophies, and how to manage big personalities in a dressing room. He has personality, rules, and prioritises discipline too. That’s something Flick has.

Depending on the meeting with Xavi, Flick will be manager, as Laporta’s decision has been made. They will speak with Xavi to discuss the matter, what went wrong, and why they are taking this decision, but it looks to be done.

Hansi Flick’s first moves in the transfer market

One player that they like at Barcelona, and will continue to be of interest with Flick in charge is Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich. The two obviously know each other having worked together for several years, and he’s a player that Flick likes. Barcelona have liked him for a long time, and Flick knows him well. There’s no negotiations or talks with him, but the interest is there.

Then there is Guido Rodriguez, Barcelona have tied up the deal, and once all the official announcements or done, it is likely that Flick will give the green light.

What could change is the situation of some of the young players, above all Vitor Roque, who we mentioned earlier this week. One of the big issues that Laporta had with Xavi’s management of late was his treatment of certain players, Roque amongst them.

Artem Dovbyk more likely to move than Alexander Sorloth

One of the players that Atletico Madrid have asked about is Serhou Guirassy of Stuttgart, who has a very low release clause of just €17.5m. He is in talks with Borussia Dortmund, they are the team that is most interested, and have a little bit more of an advantage. But other teams have also asked about them.

Obviously he’s a bargain, because you’re going to pay much less, you don’t have to negotiate with the club, but it should be noted that they are going to demand a large signing bonus, salary, commissions, that will rise as a result. But he will be a really good bargain this summer.

Regarding Alexander Sorloth, I wouldn’t say there is a top target for Atletico Madrid, or a second top. For example, I’m told that it is more feasible that Artem Dovbyk leaves Girona, than Sorloth leaves Villarreal. And the two have a similar price, Sorloth’s clause is €38m, and Dovbyk’s €40m.

The Norwegian striker is very happy at Villarreal, and President Fernando Roig wants to hang onto to him, and my information is that Dovbyk could be a little easier to sign. He has various teams interested, including Napoli as we reported, but Dovbyk, as it stands, would rather stay in Spain, and he wants to play in the Champions League, but there are no negotiations ongoing.

Girona know that Dovbyk might leave, while Villarreal are very keen to keep Sorloth. Barcelona have also sounded out Dovbyk, but there is no movement there. They have Robert Lewandowski, so unless that changes, there will be none. Lots of teams ask about his situation, but the number that actually move for him is a different matter.

Matteo Moretto will be back with more transfer news in the coming days, providing exclusive information on the biggest stories in Spain and Italy.