Despite advancing to the Champions League semi-finals, Barcelona’s dressing room and coaching staff were left with mixed emotions following their 3–1 loss to Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park.
While the aggregate score favored Barcelona, the defeat exposed vulnerabilities within the squad that coach Hansi Flick could not overlook. One of the key concerns highlighted by Flick is the left-back position, which he believes urgently needs reinforcement before the next season begins.
With Alejandro Balde out due to injury, young Gerard Martin stepped in and delivered an admirable performance against Dortmund.
His maturity and composure under pressure were commendable, especially considering the magnitude of the match. However, Flick maintains that despite Martin’s efforts, depending solely on a young, inexperienced player in such a crucial position is not a sustainable strategy for a club of Barcelona’s stature.
Following a detailed analysis of the match, Flick approached club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco with a firm request: to sign an experienced left-back capable of stepping into the first team immediately.
He emphasized that while the squad has managed to cope in Balde’s absence, elite clubs must minimize risks and avoid having critical positional gaps. Flick believes that if Barcelona is to compete seriously across all competitions next season, squad depth and quality in every position are non-negotiable.
Although Martin showed great promise and is expected to remain part of the squad, his current role will likely be secondary. Flick values him as a long-term asset but insists that the team requires someone with more experience at the highest level of European football.
In response, the club’s technical team has started assessing potential signings. One leading candidate is André Ratiu of Rayo Vallecano. Known for his versatility to play on both flanks and his relatively low transfer fee, Ratiu presents a financially sensible option. His ability to adapt to different tactical setups also adds to his appeal.
Conversely, Álvaro Carreras of Benfica is another target, but his acquisition poses financial challenges. Though talented and consistent in his performances, Carreras’ high market value and Benfica’s unwillingness to lower their asking price make the deal more complicated, especially given Barcelona’s current budget constraints. As the club moves forward, reinforcing the left-back role remains a top priority.
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