Hansi Flick is the big 'obstacle' preventing the signing of top centre-back target | Barca Universal

"The main 'obstacle' in Barcelona's signing of Bastoni is Hansi Flick's stance. The manager has expressed growing concerns about the top target, including his technical characteristics and how they may not complement the team's current and future playing style. All the progress Deco has made for months, thus, may be undone by Flick's resistance although it is only right that the manager has the say on whether or not he sees a player fit for his project."

"What is clear, however, is that Bastoni falling down the wish-list is not an economic consideration but a purely sporting one. While Bastoni's profile may not appeal to Flick, that does not mean that the manager does not see the central defence to be in need of a new signing. In fact, he has already asked the sporting director to keep exploring new avenues."

"Concurrently, however, there is also a line of thought that Barcelona pressing the pause button on Bastoni could be to prioritise the signing of a striker which has become a non-negotiable after Robert Lewandowski's departure. What Deco and Co. must be wary of, however, is losing out on targets by incessant delays, for they may be left without a quality defender or striker if they do not close down deals soon."

"Given the void that Inigo Martinez's departure from the club last summer left, Barcelona struggled all season to fill it in. While Gerard Martin eventually did well, that did not stop the club from seeing an urgent need for a new signing. Bastoni, in that sense, stood out for his playing characteristics, age, and transfer situation, and the club were willing to even reasonably splash the cash on him."

Barcelona struggled to replace Íñigo Martínez after his departure and sought an urgent centre-back signing. Alessandro Bastoni stood out due to his playing characteristics, age, and transfer situation, and Barcelona was willing to invest. The main obstacle is Hansi Flick’s stance, with concerns about Bastoni’s technical characteristics and whether they fit the team’s current and future playing style. Bastoni falling down the wish list is not driven by economics but by sporting fit. Flick still sees central defence as needing reinforcement and has asked Deco to explore other options. Barcelona may also pause Bastoni to prioritize a striker, which became non-negotiable after Robert Lewandowski left, but delays risk losing both defensive and striker targets.

Read at Barca Universal