FC Barcelona is steadfast in their commitment to meticulously prepare for the upcoming season, with the overarching goal of achieving even greater success under the fresh leadership of head coach Hansi Flick. Collaborating closely with club director Deco, the former Bayern Munich coach has been deeply engrossed in strategic deliberations, focusing intently on fortifying the left-back position to enhance the team’s overall performance.
Given Alejandro Balde’s extended absence due to injuries in the previous season, Barcelona finds themselves facing a dearth of options in the left-back department. Mundo Deportivo reports that Flick and the club hierarchy have pinpointed three potential avenues to rectify this issue.
Option 1: Leveraging Existing Personnel
One viable course of action entails persisting with the makeshift deployment of Joao Cancelo and Hector Fort as left-backs, despite their natural inclination towards the right flank. While Cancelo’s future remains uncertain pending discussions with Manchester City, Fort has consistently demonstrated his aptitude in the left-back role and is poised to continue his tenure with the club.
Option 2: Recalling Alex Valle
Another plausible alternative involves summoning Alex Valle back from his loan spell at Levante. Valle has showcased his capabilities during his loan stint, which also included appearances for Andorra, thereby presenting himself as a promising asset for the squad. His reintroduction ahead of preseason could furnish a dependable alternative for the left-back position.
Option 3: Acquisition of a New Left-Back
The third prospect, albeit potentially less favorable due to financial constraints, entails acquiring a new left-back. Any potential signing would likely need to be financially prudent, given Barcelona’s existing fiscal limitations, unless there are substantial alterations to their financial landscape.
In Conclusion
As Barcelona meticulously maps out their blueprint for the forthcoming season, addressing the left-back conundrum emerges as a paramount objective. Whether through the adaptation of current personnel, the recall of a promising loanee, or the acquisition of a cost-effective newcomer, the club remains steadfast in its endeavor to fortify defensive capabilities and confront the impending challenges with unwavering preparedness.
