Hansi Flick considers Barcelona makeshift centre-back a ‘world-class’ talent – report
· Yahoo Sports
Despite the additions of Karim Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon, Barcelona still have their work cut out, as far as the transfer market is concerned.
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There have been calls for defensive reinforcements as the club are still yet to find a long-term replacement for Inigo Martinez.
For a while, Barcelona were even linked with a move for Alessandro Bastoni, among others, but it appears the club are now not too keen on signing a new centre-back.
Flick has full faith in Gerard Martin
That is because Barcelona have full faith in existing options and believe that they can get them across the line next season.
Gerard Martin likely to partner Cubarsi next season. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
According to Cadena SER, Hansi Flick considers Gerard Martin a ‘world class’ talent, which implies the German is more than happy in having the defender partner Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the Barcelona defence next season.
This comes in the midst of interest from AC Milan, with Barcelona having no desire to part ways with the defender.
Flick believes statistics and numbers have proven how good Martin truly is in the role, despite being a natural full-back, and that the club can afford to not spend the big bucks on a new centre-back.
The Barcelona coach certainly has a point as Martin was hugely successful after being shifted to a centre-back position.
As a left-footed defender, Martin is tactically an ideal partner for Cubarsi. Both defenders are capable of playing out from the back as well, making them an ideal pairing.
What’s the situation in Barcelona defence?
Flick has full faith in Martin. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
For now, Barcelona are not going after a new central defender. Alessandro Bastoni was a target but the club believe it is not worth spending the big bucks on the Italian international.
There has been interest in Aymeric Laporte as well, but nothing substantial.
As such, Barcelona have shifted their full focus in signing a new striker.
As for existing defensive options, the club are actively monitoring the situation of Ronald Araujo. They believe if the Uruguayan international is sure about his reduced role in the team, he might hand in a transfer request.
But for now, Martin and Cubarsi appear to be favourites to start as the main centre-back pairing next season.