FC Barcelona could have landed two Real Madrid legends last summer. The Catalans scoured the transfer market for options to strengthen Hansi Flick's team without spending a lot of money, and Raphael Varane's name came up as an alternative to shore up the centre of defence.
The Frenchman left Manchester United as a free agent after the Red Devils decided not to extend his contract due to his injury problems and could have been a target for the rearguard, but the reality is that the Catalans did not need more players in the position. On the contrary, Deco looked to get rid of Clément Lenglet and Mika Faye throughout the summer window, with the Frenchman finally heading to Atlético de Madrid and the Senegalese packing his bags for Rennes.
Eric Garcia's name was also on the starting line-up, although Christensen's injury ultimately changed his fate. For that reason, the World Cup winner from Russia joined the squad led by Cesc Fabregas at the modest Como in Serie A, where he has barely played after being injured on his debut. In fact, the club decided not to register him in the Italian league after learning of his new physical setback and, if the worst predictions were confirmed, they could terminate his contract.
On the other hand, Casemiro has also been offered to the Blaugrana squad by Manchester United. The Brazilian has been far from the level shown during his time at the Santiago Bernabéu and the Red Devils are beginning to lose patience with him, which is why Erik ten Hag has opened the doors to him during the transfer market to free himself from his high salary. The Catalans could have negotiated a loan with the Manchester team, but the South American was never an option for the Catalans.
Flick 'dodged' both bullets
According to 'El Nacional.cat', it was Hansi Flick who immediately rejected the possible signings of both players. The two former Real Madrid players are undoubtedly going through the twilight of their careers, so the German decided to bet on the youngsters from La Masia before making an investment in a pair of players who are light years away from their best level. The Frenchman could be forced to 'hang up his boots' if his physical condition prevents him from continuing to play normally, while Carlos Henrique could try his luck in Turkey or Saudi Arabia if the 'red devils' push him out of Old Trafford.