Hansi Flick tells Deco to sign this deal in January or there will be a big problem

Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo at Balaídos has highlighted significant issues for coach Hansi Flick, particularly in the left-back position. With Alejandro Balde sidelined due to a physical issue, the team was exposed on the wing, turning it into a major vulnerability. The reliance on Gerard Martín, a young academy player, backfired disastrously. Within three minutes, Martín received a yellow card that hampered his performance, and his repeated mistakes put the team in jeopardy. Flick, recognizing the situation’s severity, substituted him at half-time, but the damage had already been done.

The team’s lack of depth in the left-back role is now a pressing concern. Hector Fort, another reserve player, has not convinced Flick of his readiness, struggling to adapt to an unnatural position and failing to meet the required standards for top-level competition.

According to the Spanish outlet *El Nacional*, Flick has urged Barcelona’s sporting director Deco to prioritize signing a left-back during the winter transfer window. The coach fears that without reinforcements, the team will struggle in the crucial months of the season, particularly in high-stakes tournaments like the Champions League, where small mistakes can have significant consequences.

Barcelona’s management has begun exploring potential solutions. Although Alphonso Davies was considered an ideal candidate, his high price and essential role at Bayern Munich make him unattainable. The search has shifted toward more affordable options, focusing on players who can either be signed on loan or acquired through cost-effective deals within the constraints of Financial Fair Play regulations.

One standout option is Brighton’s Pervis Estupiñán, though his high valuation presents challenges. Javi Galán of Atlético Madrid, who is not seeing much playing time, is another possibility, as he might welcome an opportunity for more regular action. Barcelona is also looking at young players from smaller leagues, but the team’s immediate need for experience and reliability may limit these options.

With January shaping up as a decisive month for the club’s ambitions, Flick has made it clear that reinforcements are non-negotiable. Without a new left-back, Barcelona risks compromising their title challenge and their competitiveness in Europe. Deco now faces the challenge of finding a suitable solution quickly to address this glaring weakness and ensure the team’s stability moving forward.