Barcelona’s draw with Celta Vigo at Balaídos has raised some worrying concerns for coach Hansi Flick, particularly regarding the left-back position.
With Alejandro Balde sidelined due to a physical issue, the team appeared vulnerable on the wing, an area that quickly became a glaring weakness. Relying on Gerard Martín, a young academy player, proved disastrous. In just three minutes, he received a yellow card that impacted his performance, and he made several mistakes that could have cost the team dearly. Aware of the gravity of the situation, Flick chose to replace him at half-time, but by then, the damage had already been done.
It’s evident that the team is not prepared to continue the season without a reliable backup for Balde. Hector Fort, another promising talent from the reserve team, has failed to convince the coach, both in training and in the few chances he’s had. His adaptation to the left-back position, one that doesn’t come naturally to him, has been difficult, and it has not provided the necessary guarantees to compete at the highest level.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional”, Flick has sent a clear message to Deco, urging the signing of a left-back during the winter transfer window. The coach believes that, without reinforcement in this position, the team will face serious challenges in the crucial months of the season, especially in competitions like the Champions League, where mistakes can be costly.
The club’s management has already begun searching for suitable options. Barcelona has explored the possibility of signing Alphonso Davies, but the Canadian is currently unavailable due to his high price and his vital role at Bayern Munich.
The focus has now shifted to finding a player of reasonable quality who can be acquired on loan or through an economical deal, given the restrictions imposed by Financial Fair Play.
Among the options being considered, Pervis Estupiñán of Brighton stands out, though his high price could complicate the deal. Another possibility is to target lesser-known talents, such as Javi Galán, who is seeing limited minutes at Atlético Madrid and might seek a bigger opportunity elsewhere. Young players from smaller leagues have also been considered, but immediate experience and performance remain the priority.
The urgency is evident, and January will be a crucial month for the team’s future. Flick is determined to avoid excuses: if a left-back is not signed, Barcelona could find themselves in serious trouble in the title race. The ball is now in Deco’s court, and he must act swiftly to secure a deal that will ensure balance and stability for the team.
