Lamine Yamal's absence at Anoeta was noticeable. Barça lacked breaking through the opposing defense, plus opportunities on the wings. It is now clear that they need a reliable replacement whenever the Spanish international is not available. After much thought, the reality is that Hansi Flick is clear that there's no need to sign or spend money: that profile is at home, at La Masia. He's ready to take the leap to the first team.
Sport has revealed that Hansi Flick believes that this player could be Toni Fernández. He's been following him closely since the pre-season. It was clear to him that he's a player with qualities very similar to those of Lamine Yamal's. He couldn't be at Anoeta due to an injury that will keep him out for another three weeks. However, the reality is that the youth player has caught his attention.
Toni Fernández got some minutes in the pre-season and excelled, which Hansi Flick really liked. With the entire first team squad fit, the player returned to Barça Atlètic to get some minutes. Despite that, the reality is that he sees himself capable of being with the "older" players. He's already been drafted with him as coach and the plan is for him to be available when he is needed.
Once Toni Fernández is 100% fit, the plan is for Flick to get him back to training with the first team while he continues to earn experience with the reserve team. Whenever Lamine Yamal is not available, the player from the youth system will gain relevance in the German coach's plans.
Laporta Smiles: Toni Fernández Will Save Him a Lot of Money
Given this problem with Lamine Yamal, another coach would've asked for a transfer, but Hansi Flick has the utmost confidence in La Masia. He sees Toni Fernández as a player capable of having great nights with the "older" players and plans to use him when necessary. Of course, it will always be carried out following the planned steps. He's only 16 years old and can't remain without a game week after week. He needs to play and be a regular in the reserve team.
Laporta is happy, as Flick is following the plan that was expected when he was signed. What the president wants is to spend money if a player that makes a difference arrives. he wouldn't set limits if the case arises. He doesn't want to make the same mistakes of the past, paying large amounts for players who didn't do better than what was already available at La Masia.
The plan with Toni Fernández is clear: When he's fully fit and Lamine Yamal needs a rest, he will have minutes with Hansi Flick.