La Masia's best center-back negotiates his exit, Gerard Martín has won the battle

FC Barcelona's financial situation forces the club's leadership to look for solutions in La Masia. The economy has improved in recent years thanks to Joan Laporta's work and several sound decisions by Deco, but it is still far from ideal. Therefore, despite Hansi Flick's request to strengthen the back line with the addition of a new center-back, no one has arrived yet.

Christensen's long-term injury has been the trigger that has caused the urgent need to strengthen the defensive line.  All of a sudden, the squad, which was already short of options in defense, has been left without an important piece for the distribution of minutes. In this scenario, Flick has had no choice but to be creative and place Gerard Martín as a center-back.

The full-back was used to a different type of role, but he has replied with a maturity that has surprised even inside the locker room. In a demanding role, where mistakes are punished with goals and media noise, Gerard Martín is offering calm, tactical awareness, and a competitive energy that very much suits Flick's taste. However, the bet on "18" will have consequences, especially for the new gem from La Masia.

The best center-back from La Masia negotiates his exit, Gerard Martín has beaten him to it

The latest jewel produced by La Masia in that position is Andrés Cuenca, a center-back from the reserve team. The club considers him one of the defenders with the greatest projection in the youth system, due to his talent, personality, and potential to dominate at the elite level. However, the reality of these months has been cold: he still hasn't had any minutes under Flick this season.

Andrés Cuenca has seen how the path has closed in front of his eyes. With Cubarsí established, with Eric contributing thanks to his versatility, and with Gerard Martín emerging as an emergency solution, the academy product has been left without space.  Flick knows that his potential is enormous, but at this moment he considers that there is no room for new experiments in such a delicate area.

Meanwhile, Andrés Cuenca is already seriously considering his departure. He doesn't lack offers, because the European market is closely monitoring La Masia. Several teams from the main leagues have shown interest in his situation, and it is even being said that there is a French club that already has his signing quite advanced.

For Barça, the dilemma is clear. Losing Andrés Cuenca would be a blow in terms of sporting assets, but keeping him without minutes can also be counterproductive, so his farewell in the form of a loan makes sense. However, whatever happens with the new gem from La Masia, Flick's message is clear: Gerard Martín has fully earned his trust by playing as a center-back.