Hansi Flick is clear that this FC Barcelona has several problems, but the reality is that he's in a hurry to solve one in particular: the left-back position. So far, what he's seen from Alejandro Balde hasn't quite convinced him. He's clearly requested the addition of a player who can put pressure on him: Caio Henrique.
Caio Henrique has been followed for some time and is a left-back who is highly regarded at Barça. He's 27 years old and would arrive at a perfect age to contribute from the get-go. After all, he's already performed well at the elite level with Monaco. He has a contract there until 2027, but they would let him go if the offer is good and he himself wants to leave.
So far this season, Caio Henrique has played 16 matches wearing the Monaco jersey, split between Ligue 1 and the Champions League. He's performed at a high level, which has sparked the interest of Hansi Flick, who is eager to secure his immediate addition to FC Barcelona.
A scenario being considered at Barça, if the salary cap allows, involves arranging Caio Henrique's arrival in January with an "unusual" formula. Madrid-Barcelona has learned that the plan is to secure his loan for the remainder of the season, adding a purchase option that would become mandatory if certain objectives are met.
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If Caio Henrique ends up arriving as Hansi Flick has requested, there would be another move at Barça, but in this case, it would be a "mandatory" departure.
The German wants competition on the left flank to put pressure on Alejandro Balde, who isn't performing as expected. With Caio Henrique's arrival, Gerard Martín's role would become even more secondary, so the plan is clear: Renew him and loan him out.
He has a level above Primera Federación, so a return to the reserve team isn't being considered. The idea is for him to get playing time and, if Caio Henrique arrives, this would be ruled out at FC Barcelona. The possibility of his departure is being seriously considered, with the intention that he grows and doesn't remain inactive these months.
Hansi Flick is clear: By January, he expects Caio Henrique to arrive to compete with Balde, even if it means the departure of Gerard Martín.