Report: Barcelona Scout Future Stars to Bolster Squad Depth | OneFootball

Flick and Deco’s Blueprint for Barça’s Next Evolution

Tranquillity has returned to FC Barcelona. After years of financial uncertainty and squad upheaval, the Blaugrana now find themselves in a position of stability. Sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick are wasting no time in planning their next moves for the 2024-25 season. With a well-performing squad and promising academy graduates reinforcing the first team, the focus has shifted to surgical improvements.

As reported by Sport ES, Deco and Flick’s primary targets are a left-sided winger and reinforcements for both full-back positions. These additions aim to elevate Barça’s already formidable squad to the next level without requiring a major overhaul.

Seeking Width and Depth in Attack

Deco and Flick have long desired a dynamic left-winger to add pace and unpredictability to Barça’s attack. Over the summer, the club explored the possibility of signing Nico Williams but failed to finalise a deal. The necessity for reinforcements became apparent during the match at Anoeta, where Lamine Yamal’s injury left Barça short-handed in attack.

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Sport ES highlights the risk of relying on just three top forwards—Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Yamal—for an entire season. While this trio has been exceptional, the addition of a left-winger would provide depth and variety. Barça is exploring options in a transfer market that could offer rare opportunities for top-tier talent.

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“The message from the club is clear: a major signing can happen without selling untouchable players,” the article notes.

High-Profile Targets

Barça’s wishlist includes some of football’s brightest talents. One name that stands out is Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Georgian winger is open to a move, believing he can win major titles with Barça. Napoli, however, is working to extend his contract, which runs until 2027. Currently earning €1.5 million annually, Kvaratskhelia seeks a salary that reflects his performances. While his release clause is set at €130 million, the player reportedly hopes to lower it to €80 million, potentially paving the way for a move.

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Rafa Leão of AC Milan is another option, admired by club president Joan Laporta. However, his high price tag and tense relationship with Milan’s management make negotiations challenging. Nico Williams remains a consideration, though failed talks last summer have strained relations between the player’s camp and Barça.

Cost-effective options are also being evaluated. Leroy Sané, whose Bayern Munich contract is set to expire, and Mohamed Salah, reportedly offered to Barça due to a renewal impasse at Liverpool, are both under consideration. Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, who Flick knows well, is another player being monitored.

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Addressing Defensive Needs

Beyond the attack, Barça also aims to bolster both full-back positions. On the right, Jules Koundé has established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders, but the club wants a younger player to provide competition. Marc Pubill of Almería was a summer target, but financial constraints prevented a deal. Barça is now scouting other high-potential players.

On the left, competition for Alejandro Balde is a priority. Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich is a dream target, with his versatility and quality marking him as a top prospect. However, his financial demands and Real Madrid’s interest complicate the situation. Alternatives such as Álvaro Carreras of Benfica and Hugo Bueno, currently on loan at Feyenoord from Wolves, are also being considered.

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The mention of Hugo Bueno as a potential target is flattering, as it reflects the growing reputation of Wolves academy. However, scepticism lingers about whether Bueno would flourish in such a high-pressure environment. While his performances on loan at Feyenoord have been promising, a move to Barcelona might come too soon for a player still finding his feet in top-tier football.

Moreover, Barça’s ability to seemingly swoop in for high-profile names like Kvaratskhelia or Davies underlines the gap between football’s elite and clubs like Wolves. The ongoing financial disparity across European football makes it harder for mid-level clubs to retain their brightest stars.

Finally, the Salah rumours add another layer of intrigue. If Liverpool can’t reach a renewal agreement, Wolves fans might wonder if their team could capitalise on any resulting market shifts. If Salah moves to Spain, the Premier League landscape would change significantly, potentially opening opportunities for clubs like theirs to make strategic acquisitions.

Barça’s meticulous planning reflects their ambition to remain among Europe’s elite, but as fans of clubs outside that exclusive circle, it’s hard not to view these moves with a mix of envy and apprehension.