In a surprising move, Hansi Flick has drawn up a blacklist of five Barcelona players whom he considers incapable of making a difference on the pitch, whether as starters or substitutes. The German coach has recommended to the Barcelona board, represented by Joan Laporta and Deco, that they consider offers for these players in the upcoming winter transfer window, with the aim of reducing the wage bill and making room for new signings.
1. Andreas Christensen: Definite Departure in Summer or January?
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At the top of this list is Andreas Christensen, the Danish defender who was a key player under Xavi Hernandez last season. However, since Flick’s arrival at Barcelona, Christensen has fallen out of favor with the coach. Injuries and a decline in form have led the German manager to decide against renewing the player’s contract, which expires next June. According to sources, Flick wouldn’t object to his departure even in January if a suitable offer arrives.
2. Ronald Araujo: Flick Loses Faith in the Uruguayan Defender
One of the most prominent players to have disappointed Flick is Ronald Araujo. Despite his history with Barcelona and occasional good performances, the German coach has lost faith in the Uruguayan. Flick gave Araujo several opportunities after the signing of Iñigo Martínez, but he failed to reach the required level, leading Flick to consider letting him go if an attractive offer arrives. Frequent mistakes and a decline in form have made him one of the players who could be dispensed with at any time.
3. Marc Bernal: Injury Causes Decline in Performance
In midfield, Marc Bernal is considered one of the players who has suffered a significant drop in form following a serious knee injury. Bernal was one of the first signings made under Flick, but he has not been able to consistently secure a place in the starting lineup. The player has not received many opportunities this season, and with his recurring injuries, Flick believes it would be best to loan him to another team to gain more experience and regain his form.
4. Ronnie Bardjee: A Promising Talent in Need of Refinement
Ronnie Bardjee is another player Flick has excluded from the team’s current plans. Although he has shown glimpses of talent in some matches, the player lacks the necessary experience to compete with the team’s established players. Flick believes that loaning him to another team would be the best step to hone his skills and prepare him for a bigger future at Barcelona.
5. Marc-André ter Stegen: Strained Relationship Could Hasten His Departure
Finally, Flick indicates that Marc-André ter Stegen, the German goalkeeper considered one of the team’s standout players in recent seasons, may also be outside the future plans. Ter Stegen earns one of the highest salaries on the team, and his relationship with the board, coaching staff, and teammates is strained, which puts his future at Barcelona in jeopardy. Flick believes that the goalkeeper may not be part of the future project, and this opens the door for his possible departure in the upcoming transfer window.
Barcelona at a Pivotal Moment: Inevitable Changes in the Winter!
If reports are accurate, Barcelona will undergo significant changes in the coming period, with particular attention focused on the players who may be on their way out. For Laporta and Flick’s management, this will be a crucial step in rebuilding the team and guiding it toward upcoming challenges, especially in the Champions League.
The ball is now in the Catalan club’s court: Will they respond to Flick’s request and open the door for offers for the five players? Or will they wait for further developments in the second half of the season?
