Hansi Flick's dream is to have his teams' positions doubled by players of identical quality. With Casadó, he has the defensive pivot position well covered, but there's no alternative for the academy player.
Marc Bernal was set to be the starting pivot until a serious injury sidelined him. Awaiting his return, Hansi Flick has his eyes on Joshua Kimmich.
He's a player who was born for the elite with Pep Guardiola. He reached the peak of his career under Flick's orders, both at Bayern and the German national team.
Barça's Bad Reputation in Europe
The relationship between the two is excellent. In fact, they frequently communicate by phone. Flick counted on him for Barça's future, the Barça of Camp Nou.
However, Kimmich's future is about to take a radical turn. Through Toni Kroos, Real Madrid has contacted him, and right now he's closer to the white club than to FC Barcelona.
It's not that he isn't excited about signing for Barça. Nor that his interest in working again under Flick's orders is gone. The problem is the image of insecurity the club conveys with player registration.
Barça's bad reputation has already crossed borders and affects elite players.
The Bayern midfielder has closely followed the Dani Olmo saga and is astonished. A judge has to decide if he can continue playing or not. Kimmich doesn't overlook that, if Barça didn't sign Nico Williams this summer, it's because they couldn't register him.
Flick Counted on Kimmich as a Full-Back
The German star isn't up for scares and seeks seriousness if he takes the ultimate step of leaving his country to play for another team. What he hears from Barça doesn't please him.
Meanwhile, Toni Kroos, a good friend of his, has spoken wonders about Real Madrid. The white club currently has more chances than Barça to land the German star.
The turn of his former pupil has left Flick disconcerted, as he counted on him as an all-terrain full-back more than as a midfielder.
Another blow for the German coach.