Barça has activated the offensive plan it had in the pipeline for months. Although Flick had quality alternatives on the wings, the sporting management has decided to add another piece to compete at the highest level.
Marcus Rashford, in principle, arrives as a top-level reinforcement to enter the rotations and give Lamine Yamal and Raphinha some rest. But that's just the official version.
The reality is that the German coach is seriously considering giving him a more important role than it seemed at first.
The English striker hasn't come to Barça to warm the bench. His signing, endorsed by Flick himself, could have direct consequences for other footballers in the squad, especially in the offensive midfield.
Flick looks for a place for him at all costs
Hansi Flick doesn't want to waste Rashford's qualities. One of the most viable options is to place him as the starting left winger.
That would mean moving Raphinha to a more central position, acting as an attacking midfielder behind Lewandowski. In this setup, Dani Olmo would be the one to lose out.
The Spanish international had performed in that position last season. However, physical problems and his lack of consistency have prevented him from establishing himself as a regular in Flick's starting elevens.
Fermín: another victim of the new setup
Raphinha's repositioning as an attacking midfielder also directly affects Fermín López. The academy graduate, who last season earned the respect of the locker room and the stands, was on the transfer list just a few weeks ago.
Although he'll ultimately stay —no offer convinced the club—, his role could be greatly reduced. With Rashford on the left, Raphinha inside, and Lamine Yamal fixed on the right, opportunities for Fermín are limited to rotation or garbage time minutes.
Olmo and Fermín on alert
The reality is that Rashford has arrived to revolutionize the culé attack. What seemed like a simple rotation reinforcement could become a firm bet by the new coach. Flick wants speed, verticality, and imbalance.
If he has to move important pieces from the previous setup to achieve it, he'll do so without hesitation.
Dani Olmo and Fermín are the big losers. Both must double their efforts if they want to turn the situation around. But the message is clear: nobody has a guaranteed spot.
Rashford is already starting to make a difference, and that will have consequences.