The tumultuous period at FC Barcelona appears to be reaching a significant milestone with the anticipated appointment of Hansi Flick as the new head coach. This change comes on the heels of Xavi Hernández's confirmed departure, following a season that failed to meet the club's high expectations. Xavi, a legend at Barcelona, was unable to deliver trophies this season, ultimately leading to his dismissal. His era was marked by both success and disappointment, with a notable championship win in the 2022-2023 season but a striking absence of draws or major victories in the current season.
Hansi Flick's potential move to Barcelona is intriguing not only because of his impressive credentials but also due to the players he might bring along. FC Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich has long been on Barcelona's radar and could be a prime target for Flick. Flick has a well-documented history with Kimmich, having worked closely with him at both Bayern and the German national team. This close working relationship could be pivotal for Barcelona as they look to reinforce their midfield.
Joshua Kimmich’s contract situation at Bayern Munich adds another layer of complexity. With his contract expiring at the end of the coming season, Bayern Munich’s sports director Max Eberl has made it clear that the club does not intend to lose valuable players without compensation. This positions Kimmich as a possible transfer candidate for Barcelona under Flick’s guidance. Kimmich's potential move is seen as a strategic fit given his versatility and understanding of Flick's tactical philosophies.
Another FC Bayern player who might be on Flick's radar is Leon Goretzka. Despite a statistically strong season with 15 scorer points in the Bundesliga, Goretzka has faced a challenging period in Munich recently. His omission from the DFB squad for the home European Championships has been a particular point of frustration. Goretzka's contract runs until 2026, reducing immediate pressure but leaving the door open for possible negotiations. Flick’s history with Goretzka could play a significant role in any decision.
- Coach Xavi Hernández's era at FC Barcelona, which began in November 2021, has now come to an unceremonious end. Xavi, who played 767 games and scored 85 goals for Barcelona, had returned to the club with hopes of translating his on-field success into coaching achievements. Despite winning La Liga and the Supercopa in the 2022-2023 season, this season's performance fell short. Losing to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and falling behind Real Madrid in La Liga marked significant disappointments.
- Xavi's departure signals a broader transformation for Barcelona, with Hansi Flick poised to take over. Flick's deep understanding of Barcelona’s economic situation might position him well to navigate financial constraints while still pursuing key transfers like Joshua Kimmich. Additionally, Leon Goretzka’s potential switch to Barcelona could be influenced by his rapport with Flick, despite the challenges of his recent career and contract status.
- The possibility of a midfield trio comprising Joshua Kimmich, İlkay Gündoğan, and Leon Goretzka under Flick’s management could signal a new era for Barcelona. This combination would bring versatility and experience, aligning with Flick’s tactical preferences. The departure of Xavi Hernández and the arrival of Hansi Flick point to a strategic shift aimed at reviving Barcelona's competitive edge both domestically and in European competitions.