Barcelona in contact with former Chelsea midfielder over transfer, Deco a fan | OneFootball

A 3-0 defeat in the Joan Gamper clash was far from the start Hansi Flick would have hoped for at Montjuic.

Despite the negative result, however, there is not much worry in the Catalan camp as the management believes the team will turn the tables around later this week.

With the transfer market set to close in less than a month and the official start of the season just around the corner, however, there is still serious doubt over Barcelona’s priorities.

The defensive midfield, needless to say, is a position of interest although a decision over a new signing will only be taken after the Valencia clash.

Eyes on Saudi Arabia

As revealed in a recent update by SPORT, Barcelona are in contact with N’Golo Kante over a possible return to Europe this summer.

The Catalans see the veteran’s experience to be invaluable and Flick prioritises experience over other parameters.

Once again on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Kante, for his part, is eager to leave the Saudi Arabian league, especially given his recent performances at Euro 2024. Deco is a big fan of his profile and is said to be leading the negotiations.

West Ham and Atletico Madrid have already enquired about the pivot’s situation, but Al-Ittihad have not shown any willingness to cooperate in negotiations. Any move, thus, will only materialise under deadline-day pressure.

Faith in the squad

While Barcelona can indeed do with the services of a new defensive midfielder, the new manager has seen several encouraging signs in pre-season that give him confidence.

Marc Bernal, in particular, showed great maturity in the USA tour and is ready to play at the highest level. Andreas Christensen, Ilkay Gundogan and Marc Casado, moreover, can also play in the position.

Flick thus believes that the return of Pedri, Gavi and Frenkie de Jong from injuries will give the team sufficient depth in midfield, especially with Fermin Lopez also in great touch.

A final decision over a new pivot will be made after the Blaugrana’s weekend league opener.