Barcelona unlikely to sign new player in key position, Hansi Flick keen on using teenager from La Masia - Reports
Barcelona are no longer looking to sign a player for their defensive midfield, with manager Hansi Flick looking towards La Masia for options. According to a report from El Nacional, the German tactician has taken teenage talent Marc Bernal's qualities into strong consideration.
For many months, the Blaugrana have been linked with a number of midfielders to improve their pivot. While they have reportedly looked at options like Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich and Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes, it has become untenable to make any moves.
Barcelona's current financial situation remains a problem for the Catalan giants, especially because they have marked out players they wish to sign in other positions. Options like Athletic Club's Nico Williams have reportedly gotten to the top of their transfer list for the summer, but this will not leave funds for a midfielder.
Rather than look outside for a Sergio Busquets replacement, the club have decided to look at their famed La Masia academy. Here, Hansi Flick has taken notice of Marc Bernal, who is capable of potentially taking charge of the defensive midfield position.
According to the aforementioned report, the 17-year-old has done an impressive job in pre-season, giving Flick good reason to see him as a first-team option. With Barcelona having an impressive number of youngsters come through La Masia to impress in the first team, the German manager is willing to bring on Bernal.
The Blaugrana have already agreed a new contract with Bernal, and they will be hoping he can meet the bar set by Busquets.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola praises Barcelona's academy
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recently spoke about Barcelona's impressive academy. While praising La Masia, the former Blaugrana manager noted that Joan Laporta refused to sell any of the youngsters to City.
Guardiola said (via Tribal Football):
“The academy never fails. This generation I don’t know what their parents have given them, but they go like airplanes. Cubarsi, Pedri, Balde, Lamine and many others. The basis has always been them and signing great players from abroad. They know better than anyone the idiosyncrasies of the club and the pressure.”
“They are too good. They are not for sale – the president told me. And I don’t say that with irony. In fact, Barcelona have signed more players from Man City than the other way around.”
Barca will be hoping they can hold onto what could potentially be their next generation of superstars, following the exit of legends like Lionel Messi. The Argentine notably came through the academy as did Xavi and Andres Iniesta.