BARÇA TRANSFER ALERT: Flick Wants a New Winger NOW
FC Barcelona’s summer transfer activity is heating up again—and this time, the focus is firmly on the wings. After sealing the sensational signing of Marcus Rashford, head coach Hansi Flick is urging the club to move quickly to reinforce one more vital area of his attacking scheme: the flanks. According to internal sources, the German tactician has made it clear that he wants an additional winger added to his squad immediately. The club is now racing against time to meet his demands.
Flick’s vision for Barça is rapidly taking shape, and speed down the wings is a non-negotiable element. With Rashford expected to fill a central role in the attack, or rotate on the left, the need for a dynamic and reliable wide option is urgent. Flick is not interested in long-term scouting projects—he wants someone who can make an impact now, someone versatile, fast, and tactically disciplined.
Currently, three names are dominating discussions in the Barça boardroom: João Cancelo, Denzel Dumfries, and Álex Grimaldo. Each brings a unique set of skills, and each has caught Flick’s eye for different reasons. However, despite their appeal, none will come easy—especially given Barcelona’s familiar enemy: Financial Fair Play (FFP).
João Cancelo is arguably the most straightforward of the trio, having already spent last season on loan at the Catalan club. The Portuguese full-back impressed with his versatility, often playing as both a traditional full-back and an inverted winger. The proposed deal is also flexible—Barcelona can either pay €15 million upfront or go for a €25 million package including variables. His familiarity with the squad and tactical adaptability give him a slight edge in Flick’s plans.
Then there’s Denzel Dumfries, the explosive Dutch wing-back whose €25 million release clause remains valid until July 31. Physically dominant and known for his relentless forward runs, Dumfries offers an edge in transition and counters—an aspect Flick exploited successfully in both the Bundesliga and international football. The urgency around Dumfries is notable because his clause is time-sensitive, and if Barcelona fail to act within days, they risk losing him altogether.
Álex Grimaldo, meanwhile, offers a different profile. The former La Masia graduate has enjoyed a remarkable season at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, becoming one of Europe’s most efficient full-backs. Grimaldo is a tactical asset with pinpoint crossing ability and composure in buildup—key traits that appeal to Flick’s methodical style. His €18 million release clause remains active until August 31, giving Barcelona a slightly larger window to act—but not much.
However, before any of these deals can proceed, Barcelona faces a significant obstacle: they must first clear €30 million in financial space. That’s the minimum required to officially register three already incoming players—Joan García, Roony Bardghji, and Marcus Rashford. Until that gap is resolved, no new arrivals can be signed or registered.
This puts Barcelona in a difficult situation. Time is not on their side, and the club’s hierarchy—led by Deco and President Joan Laporta—must now work overtime to offload players, renegotiate contracts, or devise clever deferred payment strategies to unlock their transfer ambitions. If they fail, the transfer window could slip away with Flick’s requests unfulfilled.
Flick has emphasized in internal meetings that width, pace, and direct threat are no longer luxuries but necessities. Without those attributes, his tactical model loses its potency. The lack of explosiveness on the wings was a glaring issue last season, and it’s something he refuses to repeat in the upcoming campaign.
The board’s next few moves could define not only the remainder of Barcelona’s transfer window but also the success of Hansi Flick’s debut season in charge. With the Dumfries clause set to expire in just days and the registration issues looming large, urgency has taken over at Ciutat Esportiva.
If the club wants to remain competitive in both La Liga and the Champions League, delivering Flick’s tactical requirements is essential. Whether that means trusting Cancelo again, going bold with Dumfries, or playing it smart with Grimaldo, decisions must be made now—not later.
Ultimately, the ball is in Barcelona’s court. Will they gamble on timing and risk missing out? Or will they move swiftly to back their manager? One thing is certain—Flick is waiting, and he expects reinforcements this week.