Rodri's Wait: Barcelona's Summer Signing Awaits Debut
Hansi Flick will have to wait to unleash his biggest summer signing.
The Barcelona coach confirmed on Saturday that Rodri, brought in from Manchester City in a blockbuster deal, will not feature in the Spanish champions’ La Liga opener away to Elche on Sunday.
“He’s very concentrated, focused, our plan is that he will arrive on Monday with the team,” Flick told reporters. “This is the plan. He’s a fantastic player, a leader, and his personality is very great.”
Barca paid a fee that could climb to 76.5 million euros ($89 million) for the Spain World Cup winner, a statement move to reinforce the heart of their midfield. The club hope he can be involved as early as their second league outing, at home to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, once he has trained with his new teammates.
Striker question hangs over champions
Rodri’s arrival solves one problem but highlights another. With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres gone, Barcelona head into the new campaign still searching the market for a centre-forward.
Flick kept his cards close to his chest when asked who would lead the line at Elche. He did, though, shine a light on the teenager forcing his way into the conversation.
“Hamza is having a really great pre-season,” Flick said of 18-year-old Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who struck four times in friendlies. “He’s a number nine, he’s young, and he has a lot of potential, and also he scored goals. This is the important thing when you’re playing in this position, and he made a great job.”
The raw numbers back the coach’s enthusiasm. Four goals in pre-season have pushed Abdelkarim from academy prospect to genuine option, at least while the club’s search for a marquee striker drags on.
Flick is not short of improvisation options either. New signings Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, both natural wingers, can operate as false nines, as can Raphinha and Dani Olmo. It gives Barcelona flexibility, but not yet the out-and-out reference point Lewandowski once provided.
Cancelo ready, Rodri waits
One new face is available immediately. Joao Cancelo, whose move to Barcelona was completed this week, has been cleared to feature at the Martinez Valero.
“He’s ready to play. He has unbelievable technique and a lot of passion,” Flick added.
So Barcelona will begin their title defence with a reshaped attack, a new full-back ready to go, and their marquee midfield signing watching the first act from the sidelines. The real question now: how different will this team look once Rodri finally steps onto the pitch?
