By order of Hansi Flick… Joan Laporta accelerates the signing of a world-class star in the upcoming transfer window after the disastrous performance of a Barcelona player against Inter Milan
close The 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final was not only a dramatic result that kept the door open for qualification in the second leg at San Siro, but also a pivotal moment that highlighted a clear flaw in Barcelona’s sporting planning. According to information from the.
By order of Hansi Flick… Joan Laporta accelerates the signing of a world-class star in the upcoming transfer window after the disastrous performance of a Barcelona player against Inter Milan
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The 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final was not only a dramatic result that kept the door open for qualification in the second leg at San Siro, but also a pivotal moment that highlighted a clear flaw in Barcelona’s sporting planning.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper ‘‘El Nacional‘‘, one of the most significant lessons learned from that match was the unconvincing performance of young full-back Gerard Martin, who replaced the injured Alejandro Balde and struggled to meet the demands of a high-profile European encounter.
Martin’s performance, which appeared subpar from the outset, led coach Hansi Flick to decide to substitute him at halftime a move that, though not explicitly stated, sent a clear message. Sources close to the coaching staff reveal that Flick does not intend to take any risks in the second leg, and if Balde’s absence continues, Inigo Martinez will be the primary option at left-back.
This situation prompted Barcelona’s management to make a firm decision: they must sign an experienced and reliable left-back in the upcoming summer transfer window. President Joan Laporta, alongside sporting director Deco, agrees that the team cannot enter a new season without a dependable backup for Balde.
In this context, Alejandro Grimaldo, the Bayer Leverkusen player, has emerged as one of the top candidates. Grimaldo, who has impressed this season under Xabi Alonso, played a key role in his team’s Bundesliga title win and has also performed strongly in European competitions, bringing him back into the spotlight of continental football.
Club officials believe that signing Grimaldo would be a strategic move. In addition to his technical experience and potential adaptability due to his past at Barcelona, his cost would be lower than many other international options, and he would provide Flick with tactical flexibility whether in a back four or with two attacking full-backs.
