There are 'hot' hours in the FC Barcelona offices. Deco and the club's technical secretariat continue to work incessantly on the 'exit operation' (The cases of Gündogan, Lenglet, Vitor Roque and Faye are 'red hot') with the aim of being able to finalize the arrival of some reinforcement to complete the current template. The financial situation of the institution remains delicate and the return to the 1/1 rule has become a true 'martyrdom'.
This scenario has led the Barça entity to make drastic decisions and Hansi Flick, in the company of Deco, Bojan and the rest of the sporting team, have pointed out the strategic positions that should be supported in the current transfer market. The culés have directed their financial efforts to certain areas of the field, among which the left back would not be.
According to what was reported in 'SPORT', the German coach is quite satisfied with the troops he has in this area. For this reason, he has let Deco know that Gerard Martín is the one chosen to be Alejandro Balde's replacement on the left wing and, a priori, he will continue with the reserve team and the number '35'. The Barça '3' is now completely recovered from his long-term injury, which led him to undergo surgery, and aims to be the undisputed starter for the German. In Mestalla, the player left a good feeling starting from the beginning, although he had to be relieved in the second half due to a blow to the thigh.
At 20 years old, Balde is one of the pillars of the club's future, taking over the left side of the defense with his offensive profile, route and driving power. For his part, Gerard offers different qualities to Flick's scheme. The footballer is strong in duels and in the aerial game and defensively he is very difficult to pass. The Catalan institution has the option of renewing him for one year automatically, but the idea is to expand that link and offer an improvement to the player to reward his performance.
Is Joao Cancelo's arrival in danger?
As it is, the front of the left back has been closed by the club's sports management. In fact, the alternative of Joao Cancelo, who can occupy both wings and who played on this side in many games last season, seems to be ruled out. Álex Valle was also part of the casting, but in the end it was Martín who convinced Flick. Now, the culés will focus on the arrival of a left winger and a right back to complement Koundé.