Barcelona continues its rebuilding process under Hansi Flick's leadership. The German coach has already started moving pieces, but not all the news coming to Can Barça are good. One of them is especially painful in the locker room and in the coach's office: a player desired by Flick will not wear the blaugrana jersey.
The winger, one of Flick's personal requests, has decided to renew his contract with PSV Eindhoven. Barça wanted him, inquired about him, but couldn't compete.
Flick already has his first signing
In the middle of a summer limited by Financial Fair Play, Barça has managed to complete its first signing. It's Joan García, Espanyol's goalkeeper, who arrives to compete with Ter Stegen after Iñaki Peña's departure.
Flick wants real competition in every position and, above all, footballers who are hungry. Joan's case is clear: young, with potential, and an affordable cost.
However, the German coach had also requested players with experience. That's where Ivan Perisić's name came into play.
Perisić renews with PSV
The Croatian international has made his decision. Although he had offers and calls, he has decided to stay in the Netherlands. He will renew for two more seasons with PSV Eindhoven.
The agreement is practically closed. Only a few minor details remain for it to become official, but his continuity is already a fact within the Dutch club.
Barça inquired about him, there was real interest, Flick insisted. He knows him from the Bundesliga and sees him as a winning, versatile player who is still useful at 35 years old. But there was no financial margin or firm decision from the sporting management.
Barça targets another objective
The reality is that the club has younger and more future-oriented priorities. The great dream is still Nico Williams. Deco and Flick agree that Athletic's winger is the ideal profile: young, unbalancing, and national.
The problem, as always, is financial. Nico won't be cheap. His release clause is high, although the player would be delighted to make the move, Barça needs to free up salary mass before making a move.
Perisić was a more affordable and more immediate option, but he isn't part of the long-term plans. That's why he was ruled out. Painful for Flick, yes, but logical from the club's point of view.
A lost opportunity for Flick
For Hansi Flick, the news hasn't gone down well. Perisić was one of those players who don't need adaptation. Ready to compete from day one. A silent leader, professional, and with a competitive DNA.
Now there's no choice but to look ahead. Barça will have to look for alternatives. Flick will have to build without one of the profiles he trusted the most.