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According to MARCA journalist Luis Rojo, FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has firmly refused to let key players Eric Garcia, Inigo Martinez and Ansu Fati leave during the transfer window. This decision was made despite several offers and interest from other clubs.
The summer transfer window brought significant changes to Barcelona’s squad, with the team adjusting plans according to circumstances as they unfolded.
However, the final result of the transfer operations turned out to be quite different from what had been initially planned.
Factors that influenced the strategy
Two main factors influenced these changes. First, the financial restrictions imposed by Barcelona’s “Fair Play” played a crucial role.
Both Deco and Flick had a list of players they wanted to sign, but lack of funds forced them to part ways with some potential recruits.
This forced the club to rethink its strategy, focusing more on retaining the squad rather than securing reinforcements.
The second key factor has been the injuries to some of Barca’s most important players. Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen, Gavi and Ansu Fati have all been injured, which has had an impact on the club’s decisions at transfer time.
Due to these injuries, Flick was determined to keep some players, as they were needed to replace the sidelined stars.
Three exits blocked
One of the players who almost got a transfer was Garcia. Girona, where he spent last season on loan, were keen to bring him back, with coach Michel having requested his return.
However, Araujo’s injury and Garcia’s ability to play as a pivot meant that Flick was unwilling to let him go. Porto also showed interest in the final days of the transfer window, but Flick once again rejected the move due to the club’s inability to recruit a replacement.
In the meantime, Martinez found himself in a similar situation. At the beginning of the summer, there was a strong chance that he would leave, especially since he was not initially registered for the season.
However, Araujo’s injury and Martinez’s impressive performances in training convinced Flick and Deco to keep him, despite a hefty €5m offer from a Saudi club willing to cover his entire salary.
Finally, Ansu was considered one of the main departures. Several clubs, including Benfica, Porto and a few Premier League teams, showed interest in him, even after his injury.
However, Flick decided not to let him go, especially since no replacement was brought in on the left side. The manager still has faith in Ansu’s potential to contribute to the team.
