FC Barcelona has started to make moves for the upcoming season. After a year full of ups and downs and with several open fronts, the Catalan club seeks to strengthen its squad to compete at the highest level again.
With the arrival of Hansi Flick to the Barça bench, a tactical and sporting revolution is desired. The German coach has clear priorities, and one of them is to strengthen the wings, especially the right-back position, where the lack of alternatives has been evident throughout the campaign.
Jules Koundé has had to adapt to that position, fulfilling with discipline but without shine, as it is not his natural spot. On the other wing, Alejandro Balde has shown potential, but he has also suffered from a lack of rest and physical problems. Therefore, Flick needs reinforcements.
A patch that worked: Gerard Martín
Faced with a lack of options, Flick has had to look to the youth academy. Gerard Martín, a young full-back from the reserve team, has been one of the positive surprises.
The academy player has shown personality, good game reading, and unexpected solidity, he has delivered. Although he has performed well, at Barça they know they can't leave all the responsibility to such a young player.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, the great priority
For this reason, for weeks, the name of Trent Alexander-Arnold has been circulating in the offices of Camp Nou. The English full-back, a Liverpool star and offensive reference from his wing, was one of Hansi Flick's favorites. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses, his game vision almost like a midfielder, and his experience in big events made him the ideal signing.
Moreover, his contractual situation made him a market opportunity. With only one year left on his contract, his departure from Anfield seemed closer than ever. Everything was aligned for Barça to make the move, but it wasn't so.
Real Madrid gets ahead
Silently but effectively, Real Madrid has completed the signing of Alexander-Arnold. The white club, which continues to build a young and powerful squad, has dealt a hard blow to its great rival. Not only does it strengthen an important position, but it also does so by snatching one of Barça's main targets.
For Hansi Flick, the news has been an unexpected blow. What seemed like a key piece in his scheme will now play at Santiago Bernabéu. That changes the plans.