Hansi Flick blocked Barcelona transfer to sign standout performer at Euro 2024 due to his focus on developing young players: Reports
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick reportedly blocked a move from the club to sign N'Golo Kante this summer. He has been impressed with and wants to focus on the youth in the upcoming season.
The Blaugrana finished last season without a trophy and sacked Xavi Hernandez at the end of it. They have now brought in Hansi Flick, who has been working with the club's academy players as well. With the likes of Frenki de Jong, Gavi, and Pedri absent due to injury, the German has handed chances to Marc Casado and Marc Bernal in pre-season.
As per Mundo Deportivo (via Barca Blaugranes), Flick has been impressed with the progress of these youngsters and wants to continue to work with them. Hence, he blocked Barcelona from making a move for Al-Ittihad midfielder N'Golo Kante this summer.
Kante joined the Saudi Arabian side last summer after an illustrious seven-year spell at Chelsea. As per the aforementioned report, he now wants to leave Saudi Arabia this summer and Barca sporting director Deco was interested in signing him.
Kante, 33, showed he still has the ability and athleticism as he performed well for France at UEFA Euro 2024. He helped them reach the semi-finals where they lost against champions Spain. However, Hansi Flick is more interested in building a core of young players at Barcelona and he rejected the club's move for Kante.
Hansi Flick points out issues with Barcelona despite El Clasico win over Real Madrid
Barcelona beat arch-rivals Real Madrid 2-1 in their second pre-season friendly on August 3 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Pau Victor (42', 54') scored a brace while Nico Paz (82') got one back for Los Blancos.
Real Madrid had 51% possession and both sides had 11 attempts each on goal, with Barca having six on target to Los Blancos' three. However, Hansi Flick found some issues in the performance, as he said after the game (via Barca Blaugranes):
“I knew it was El Clásico and it’s a big deal to play against Madrid. But once again, when we defend too deep, it’s a problem, but when we did press we did well. The goal is to do it all over the pitch.
“The team has improved [from the game against Man City]. Beyond the good defensive work and despite the issue of defending too deep at times, it’s beautiful to see what we do when we have the ball. It’s fantastic to have footballers who are this good at 16, 17, 18 years old... It was a great opportunity for them to show what they can do.”
Barcelona will next face AC Milan (August 6) and AS Monaco (August 12) in two more pre-season friendlies. They will begin their season away against Valencia in La Liga on August 17.