Neither Álex Baena nor Julián Álvarez, Hansi Flick asks Simeone for another signing: 'He fits in at Barça'

After a past season full of successes, Hansi Flick is now experiencing the other side of the coin. Last year, with a more limited squad, everything worked perfectly. However, the wear and tear from the high level of accumulated demands has started to take its toll at the beginning of this season.

FC Barcelona's medical services have been working at their limit for weeks. In just two months of competition, Hansi Flick has had to deal with injuries to Lewandowski, Ter Stegen, Joan García, Balde, Gavi, Fermín, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, or Lamine. An endless list of absences has forced the German coach to constantly improvise his line-ups.

Hansi Flick asks for solutions

The Barça coach knows that this situation can't be repeated. For this reason, he has already communicated to Deco his desire to have a broader and more balanced squad for next season. Hansi Flick wants a team with depth in every line, especially in midfield, where injuries have been a real nightmare.

With Gavi still without a return date, Olmo dealing with ongoing physical setbacks, and Bernal still too inexperienced, the German coach is looking for a different profile. Instead of opting for an attacking midfielder or an offensive interior, Hansi Flick wants a footballer capable of providing balance, clean distribution, and defensive presence in the middle of the field. That's where the name of the player from Atlético de Madrid comes into play.

Neither Álex Baena nor Julián Álvarez, Hansi Flick asks Simeone for another signing: "He fits at Barça"

For weeks, there has been talk of possible reinforcements like Álex Baena or Julián Álvarez, two footballers highly regarded by the blaugrana sporting management. However, the outlook has changed completely. Hansi Flick has set his sights on Pablo Barrios, a central midfielder with tactical intelligence, maturity, and technical quality that would allow him to adapt to Barça's play style with ease.

Pablo Barrios has become more important in Simeone's plans and is considered one of the great promises of Spanish soccer. At just 22 years old, he combines a great ability to win back possession with excellent game reading and outstanding passing accuracy. His mixed profile, halfway between a holding midfielder and an interior, fits perfectly with what Hansi Flick is looking for.

Unlike other more creative midfielders, Pablo Barrios can play as a holding midfielder without losing prominence in the attacking phase. Flick believes he would be the ideal complement for Frenkie de Jong and Pedri. However, Atlético de Madrid won't make it easy.

Simeone responds to Hansi Flick's interest in Pablo Barrios

Simeone considers Pablo Barrios an important piece for the rojiblanco's future and won't facilitate his departure. Even so, Hansi Flick insists that it's worth trying, convinced that the young Madrid native would be a strategic addition to the culé project.

For now, Deco has taken note and has started to analyze the feasibility of the operation. Everything will depend on the departures that take place next summer, but Barça's interest is real. Pablo Barrios, more than a whim, is a bet for the future by Hansi Flick.