Although Barcelona have already secured the La Liga title, new coach Hansi Flick has made it clear that domestic success alone is not enough. The German manager, in his first season at Camp Nou, has revitalized the squad with his tactical approach but insists the club must aim higher—specifically, Champions League glory. Barcelona’s recent struggles in Europe have been a major concern, with early exits becoming a recurring theme. Flick, who led Bayern Munich to Champions League triumph in 2020, is determined to change that narrative and restore Barça’s dominance on the continental stage. A key part of Flick’s plan involves strengthening the goalkeeping position. According to reports from *El Nacional*, the coach has urged the board to sign Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez, believing the Argentine is the ideal candidate to solidify Barcelona’s defense in high-stakes European matches. Flick’s push for a new goalkeeper follows a thorough analysis of Barcelona’s season and the performances of other elite Champions League teams. He noted how world-class shot-stoppers like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Yann Sommer played pivotal roles for their clubs, and he wants a similar difference-maker at Barça. Marc-André ter Stegen, a long-serving Barcelona keeper, is no longer seen as irreplaceable under Flick. The German’s injury issues this season have raised concerns about his consistency, and Flick reportedly doubts his ability to perform at the highest level in crucial European fixtures. While January signing Wojciech Szczęsny has been reliable, Flick views the 35-year-old as a short-term solution. The manager prefers a younger, yet experienced, goalkeeper who can lead the defense for years to come—making Martínez the perfect target. Martínez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, is renowned for his composure, penalty-saving prowess, and commanding presence. Flick believes the 32-year-old could be the missing piece in Barcelona’s quest for Champions League success. The coach has reportedly stressed to the board that upgrading the goalkeeper is a necessity, not a luxury. He sees it as a strategic move that could decide tight knockout matches, giving Barça the edge they’ve lacked in recent years. With Flick pushing for Martínez, Barcelona’s summer transfer window could define their European ambitions. If the board backs their manager, the Catalans may finally have the squad depth and quality to compete for the Champions League once again.

By Enoch

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