Barcelona’s Copa del Rey victory did not overshadow certain areas that need to be addressed to strengthen the team next season. Following the final against Real Madrid, Hansi Flick and Joan Laporta reached a clear agreement: the team must reinforce the left-back position in the upcoming transfer window.
With Alejandro Balde sidelined due to injury, Barcelona had to rely on a youth player, Gerard Martin, who started in the Copa del Rey final. Despite his consistent performances throughout the season, the youngster fell short in this high-stakes match. He lacked the necessary attacking presence and struggled to contain Real Madrid’s attackers on the left flank.
According to the Spanish newspaper ‘‘El Nacional‘‘, while Martin’s performances may be sufficient in less demanding matches, the final made it evident that Barcelona needs a more dependable option in big games, especially when Balde is unavailable. Flick recognized this issue and discussed it with Laporta, with both agreeing on the need for a concrete solution.
Flick is looking for a more experienced and physically capable left-back, someone who can deliver solid defensive displays while also contributing to the attack. He has reportedly put forward the name of Spanish defender Álvaro Carreras, currently at Benfica, and requested his urgent signing. The idea is for the new player to complement the squad capable of stepping in during decisive matches without hindering Balde’s development, and potentially even becoming a regular starter if needed.
Joan Laporta, fully understanding Flick’s requirements, has already begun exploring the market. The club is actively working with several names, with a particular focus on fulfilling Flick’s request for the Portuguese league talent who impressed him during the match against Barcelona.
In the coming days, Barcelona’s technical secretariat will intensify its efforts to finalize the signing as soon as possible, aiming to build the most balanced squad ahead of the 2025–26 season, during which the club aspires to compete for every trophy.
There is full alignment between Flick and Laporta on the need to reinforce the left-back position. The club is now focused on completing this signing is an important step in strengthening Barcelona’s new project.










