Hansi Flick Calls for More Signings Despite Barcelona’s £65m Rodri Deal
Hansi Flick, the manager of Barcelona, has made it clear that he wants more players to join the squad, even though the club is close to securing a £65 million transfer deal for Rodri from Manchester City. The German coach insists that the team still needs more reinforcements to climb back to the top of European football.
More Signings Needed Beyond Rodri
Although the signing of Rodri represents a major addition to Barcelona’s midfield, Flick said the transfer window remains open in his eyes. Speaking to the club’s internal media, he stated simply, “I think we need a few more players.” This message comes despite the breakthrough agreement between the two clubs for the Spanish midfielder.
Strong Preseason Display Against Basel
The comments came shortly after Barcelona's convincing 5-2 win over Swiss team Basel at St. Jakob’s Park. Several key players returned to action, including young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal, who scored a penalty in his first match since winning the World Cup. Flick praised the team’s effort but also pointed out areas needing improvement.
“It was a good test for us; Basel played well. It wasn’t easy playing against them. In the first half, we didn’t play as quickly as we wanted, either in positioning or off the ball. That’s what we need to improve on. We’ve got potential, and I’m pleased with the test,” Flick explained.
He highlighted the importance of training intensity and commitment behind the scenes. “The most important thing is how we train, the quality and the intensity, and that’s very good. I can see the standard of the team and that’s what matters most. We’ll analyse this match and the training sessions. We have a game this week, so we’ll see.”
Managing Player Fitness Before La Liga Starts
With the league opener approaching, Flick is carefully balancing his squad’s fitness. Many players had just returned five days before the Basel friendly, influencing his rotation decisions. He noted, “We have to prepare for the match against Elche; we must consider who can start, who can play the full ninety minutes, and we can only make five substitutions. All this affects how we manage this match.”
New Faces Impress
In the friendly, new signings showed promise. Karim Adeyemi scored after a setup by Raphinha, while teenage recruit Jesse Bisiwu grabbed attention with a late brace off the bench. Flick remains hopeful about the squad's progress but insists that more depth is needed to handle multiple competitions, backing his call for further transfers alongside Rodri’s arrival.
Final Preseason Step: Joan Gamper Trophy
Barcelona’s preseason will conclude with the prestigious Joan Gamper Trophy against Egyptian side Al-Ahly. This match offers Flick one last chance to try different tactics before the competitive season kicks off against Elche on August 23.
- Rodri transfer fee: £65 million
- Recent friendly result: Basel 2 - 5 Barcelona
- Upcoming competitive match: Barcelona vs Elche, August 23
