Andreas Christensen’s injury, which will sideline him for one to two months, has caused concern at Barcelona. Hansi Flick, recognizing the urgent need to strengthen his defense, has urgently contacted Deco and Joan Laporta to request a new full-back. Flick’s goal is to acquire a player who will replace Christensen and enable Joel Kounde to move back to central defense, a position Flick views as crucial for the team’s success this season.
According to the Spanish newspaper *El Nacional*, Flick’s communication with Deco and Laporta emphasized the necessity of immediate reinforcements. He highlighted that securing a full-back is vital not just for covering Christensen’s absence but also for shifting Kounde back to his primary role in central defense. Flick understands that a robust defense is essential for maintaining competitiveness in La Liga and the Champions League.
The report also mentioned that while options are limited, Marc Popel from Almeria is a promising candidate. His strong performance last season and adaptability are seen positively by the coaching staff. However, Joao Cancelo is the preferred choice for the club due to his proven talent and versatility from his previous stint at Barcelona. Yet, Cancelo’s high cost and interest from other clubs make his signing challenging.
Deco and Laporta, recognizing the urgency of the situation, are working diligently to finalize a deal quickly. However, financial limitations and the need to adjust the wage bill to accommodate new signings add complexity to the process.