Hansi Flick dilemma! Barcelona have 'too many midfielders' as 'important' transfer exit mooted

According to Sport, manager Flick is concerned about a bloated midfield, which includes Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Oriol Romeu - although the latter is not in the club's plans. Moreover, if Barca sign another winger, Raphinha may move to the number 10 role, increasing that congested part of the team.

The report adds that Flick wants a more balanced squad and to make that possible, an 'important sale' could occur. Fermin Lopez and Marc Casado have previously attracted interest in and around Europe, including from Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, and Saudi Pro League sides, but there is no guarantee they will be moved on. The Blaugrana have had big financial issues so sales of some homegrown players would help in that area.

Flick faces a midfield dilemma next season, as while Gavi accepted more of a bench role last term following a lengthy injury, he may want more minutes in 2025/26. Pedri and De Jong seemed nailed-on starters but one more spot in the centre of the park may be up for grabs.

Former Bayern Munich manager Flick, who guided the club to La Liga and Copa del Rey success in 2024/25, will have to carefully decide how to structure his midfield next season as the club's pre-season campaign gets underway.