The operation was quick, quiet, and surprisingly profitable. Barça has gotten a weight off its shoulders and, at the same time, has made a good sum of money for a player who didn't have a place in the current squad.
Pau Víctor, who wasn't in Flick's plans, has been transferred to Sporting de Braga for €12 million ($12 million) guaranteed and another €3 million ($3 million) in add-ons.
But it shouldn't be forgotten that from that sale, Girona, the player's former club, will take 30%.
An unexpected sale, but one that shows that the club's executives also know how to move. Jorge Mendes, with his usual ability to influence in Portugal, was key for the operation to reach a successful conclusion.
He wasn't in Flick's plans
Hansi Flick already made it clear from his arrival that Pau Víctor wasn't in his plans. Not even as a substitute. The German coach wants a short, elite squad, with footballers who can compete for a starting spot from the very first minute.
Pau Víctor, with just 379 minutes played last year, didn't fit that profile.
The arrival of Marcus Rashford, a major signing who has shaken up the attack, has completely closed off any possibility for him. Between Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Rashford himself, Barça is more than covered.
Pau Víctor knew it, and those around him already assumed that leaving was the only viable option.
Valencia tried everything
Valencia CF was the club that pushed the hardest to sign him. The club had him on its radar since early July, and the player was open to a move within LaLiga.
However, the club couldn't reach the €12 million ($12 million) that Barça was asking for. Neither could Celta de Vigo nor Real Oviedo, who inquired about him, get close to that figure.
In contrast, Sporting de Braga, well advised by Jorge Mendes, did make a strong bid for the Catalan striker. The deal was closed this week and will become official in the coming days.
Pau Víctor will sign for five seasons with the Portuguese club. There, they see him as a player with room for improvement and good potential in the international market.
A sale that makes sense
No one at Barça is questioning the operation. Even the harshest critics of the club's sales policy admit that getting up to €12+3 million ($12+3 million) for this player is great news. Flick prefers to boost young talent that's already established or go to the market with guarantees.
Deco, who knows the Portuguese market, has approved the sale from the very first minute.
Pau Víctor, who last season scored 2 goals and provided one assist in the few minutes he had, will begin a new chapter. At 22, he knows this is his big opportunity.
Barça, meanwhile, can breathe easy. It has made money and saved a salary. The new cycle continues its course.