Hansi Flick blocked the departure of Ansu Fati, Iñigo Martínez and Eric García

FC Barcelona experienced a rather turbulent summer transfer market. Why? Basically due to the economic situation of the Blaugrana club and its need to make moves to facilitate new acquisitions and comply with financial fair play regulations. As a result, many players had to leave the team this season, either through loans or transfers, while others were on the verge of departing, but ultimately stayed for one reason: the intervention of Hansi Flick.

In this context, the German coach decided to keep some players in the team, aiming not to weaken the Barcelona sporting project. This decision came after the Catalan side failed to finalize some signings and due to injuries to key players like Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong, Pablo Gavi, and Ansu Fati. Flick opted to halt some departures that seemed likely at the start of the summer transfer window, whether due to doubts about their role in the team or tempting offers that prompted them to consider leaving.

Below, FCBN presents you with the three names that seemed destined to leave FC Barcelona this summer but ended up staying thanks to the intervention of Hansi Flick:

Ansu Fati

The case of Ansu Fati was perhaps one of the most debated this summer. Initially, after a lackluster spell in English football with Brighton & Hove Albion during the 2023/24 season, the forward was expected to be loaned out again to regain his form. Sevilla emerged as a primary option to make this move happen, although not the only one, as rumors suggested several clubs were interested in either loaning him or buying him outright.

However, Hansi Flick seemed determined to have the forward in his plans from the outset. He showed his appreciation during pre-season training, mentioning that the player from Bissau had "fantastic sessions." Unfortunately, a plantar fasciitis injury struck Ansu, definitively closing the door on his departure this summer.

Now, his return fully fit is anticipated, potentially being a strong option both on the left wing and in the center of the attack. This decision by the German coach is a gamble, hoping to bring out the best in a Ansu Fati who, if he can regain full fitness and showcase his quality, would undoubtedly be a valuable asset in Barcelona's sporting planning.

Eric García

The case of Eric García is another significant topic to highlight in this discussion. The Martorell-born player found himself in a peculiar situation due to the surplus of assets in Barça's defense, despite his high market value (€20 million), and his standout performances in LaLiga as one of the top defenders in the 2023/24 season. This made him a tempting option for a potential sale, an idea that persisted almost until the final day of the summer transfer market.

Even Girona, the club he was loaned to throughout the 2023/24 campaign, expressed interest in pursuing a permanent transfer to secure his services. However, his departure was halted by two key factors: the flurry of injuries in defense, with the absences of Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen, created a precarious situation in that area of the field, making it unwise to part ways with talent in that position. Additionally, Eric García is an incredibly versatile player who can operate as a center-back, right-back, and midfielder, with the latter position being where Hansi Flick has predominantly used him, partly due to the lack of midfielders in the Barça squad.

Iñigo Martínez

Lastly, we have the case of Iñigo Martínez, who began the summer transfer window at a disadvantage by not being registered for LaLiga. Adding to this, the defender seemingly had an offer from Saudi Arabian football, which could have been seized upon by Barcelona to cash in on a player who arrived on a free transfer last season.

However, the club chose to retain the former Athletic Club player and found a way to register the Basque defender. This was achieved by leveraging Ronald Araujo's injury, taking advantage of Article 77 of the LaLiga Budgetary Regulation, which allows a portion of the salary space of a long-term injured player (four months or more) to be used to register another player.

With the registration issue resolved, the club has capitalized on Martinez's experience and on-field performance, turning him into a fundamental pillar of the defense and giving him the opportunity to play as many minutes as possible under the guidance of Hansi Flick. This has proven that the decision to trust him as the sole left-footed defender in the squad has been effective and successful.