Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is optimistic that the club’s summer signing, Dani Olmo, will be able to make his debut in the upcoming match against Athletic Club in LaLiga. Despite joining the team from RB Leipzig for a hefty fee of €55 million ($61m), Olmo has yet to feature in a game due to Barcelona exceeding their league-imposed spending limit. The team is now racing against the clock to ensure Olmo is registered in time for the match on Saturday.
Aside from Olmo’s situation, Barcelona is also looking to finalize deals that would see striker Vitor Roque and defender Mikayil Faye leave the club. Additionally, players like Clément Lenglet, Ansu Fati, and Eric García could potentially depart before the transfer window closes. Sources have indicated that Barcelona is keen on adding a left winger and a full-back to the squad after registering Olmo. ESPN has reported that Federico Chiesa is a target for strengthening the attack, while Marc Pubill and João Cancelo are considered options at full-back.
Despite the ongoing transfer talks and potential player movements, Flick remains focused on the current squad at his disposal. He emphasized that he is solely concentrating on the players already in the team and their preparation for the upcoming matches. Flick expressed his satisfaction with the team’s quality and their commitment to training and improving together, leading up to the match against Athletic Club.
After securing a 2-1 victory against Valencia in his debut match, Flick acknowledges that Athletic Club will present a tougher challenge at the Olympic Stadium. The Basque side, led by Spain winger Nico Williams, finished fifth in the previous season and remains a formidable opponent for Barcelona. Despite Barcelona’s interest in signing Williams, Flick remains focused on developing strategies to counter the opponent’s strengths and execute effective gameplay.
On the other side, Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Nico Williams and Barcelona. Valverde emphasized that it is time to move on from the transfer rumors and focus on the present situation. He highlighted Williams’ commitment to the team and his dedication to the upcoming season, dismissing the external noise surrounding his potential transfer in the media.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming LaLiga fixture between Barcelona and Athletic Club, both coaches are navigating through various challenges and distractions in the transfer market. While Flick aims to integrate Olmo into the team and prepare for a tough match, Valverde emphasizes the importance of focusing on the team’s current roster and objectives. The clash between the two sides promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter, with both teams eager to secure a positive result on the field.
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