Hansi Flick identifies Slovakia international as ‘top target’ for Barcelona; ready to include other players as part of transfer deal: Reports
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has set his sights on Napoli and Slovakia midfielder Stanislav Lobotka as a top target for his side in the midfield. La Blaugrana are in the market for quality midfield addition after a series of injuries has ravaged their squad this season.
Napoli ace Lobotka played a starring role from the base of the midfield for the Partenopei as they claimed the Scudetto in 2023. The 29-year-old has shown great quality for the Italian outfit, causing clubs from around Europe, including Barcelona, to be interested.
The Spanish giants are interested in signing the midfielder, as per a report from Fichajes.net. In recognition of their financial constraints, the Spanish outfit are prepared to offer a cash-plus-player offer to try and sign Lobotka.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, like his predecessor Xavi, is still looking for a replacement for Sergio Busquets. The club signed Oriol Romeu but he failed in the role, while La Masia graduate Marc Bernal ruptured his ACL at the start of this season, leaving the club light in the position.
Academy graduate Marc Casado has filled the midfield for Flick's side this season but the club still wants to bring in more quality and experience. They are willing to allow Pablo Torre, Ferran Torres, or Eric Garcia to move to Naples while Lobotka moves to Catalunya.
Stanislav Lobotka is no stranger to Spanish football, having been on the books of Celta Vigo from 2017 until 2020. The midfielder has played 172 times since joining Napoli and is contracted to the club until 2027, making a transfer tricky.
Hansi Flick appears to want the midfielder and the club would do what they can to sign the Slovak international.
Long-term absentee set to return for Barcelona after international break - Reports
Barcelona star Gavi is set to end his spell on the sidelines as he closes in on a return to action for the club. Mundo Deportivo has reported that the midfielder will return to the pitch after the international break this month.
Gavi has been out of action for La Blaugrana since rupturing his ACL while on international duty with Spain in November 2023. The 20-year-old has not featured for the side since then but re-joined team training in September.
Barcelona are unwilling to rush the midfielder back but Hansi Flick is considering having him in the squad to face Sevilla on October 20. The midfielder is not ready to start a game, though his inclusion in the squad could provide a huge boost for the league leaders.