Hansi Flick identifies missing piece in Barcelona squad ahead of summer transfer window

TL;DR

Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona, is targeting more experienced players for the squad ahead of the 2026-27 season. He believes adding leadership in the 26 to 28 age range is crucial for the team's competitive growth.

Key points

Hansi Flick is planning for the 2026-27 season.
Barcelona aims to add experienced players aged 26 to 28.
Alessandro Bastoni and Julian Alvarez are top transfer targets.
The squad currently has many young players.
Robert Lewandowski's future at Barcelona is uncertain.

FC BarcelonaAtletico de Madrid

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 14: Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona, looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Second Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on April 14, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images Barcelona and Hansi Flick are already looking ahead to the 2026-27 season and how to strengthen the squad despite the club’s continued financial difficulties. Flick is said to want Barcelona to bring in at least one more player, with the rumor mill convinced that Alessandro Bastoni and Julian Alvarez are the two priorities. And one of the big priorities for Flick is to bring in more experience, according to Sport. The Catalan daily reports that Flick loves working with his youngsters but feels the squad is a little unbalanced due to the proliferance of young players such as , Pau Cubarsi, , and . The German coach feels he needs to add more leadership to the squad “in a specific age group, between 26 and 28 years old.” The feeling is that Barcelona possess a great team with huge potential but that more experience is required to take “the definitive competitive leap.” Barca lost experience at the back last summer when Inigo Martinez departed, while veteran striker

Q&A

What specific player positions is Hansi Flick looking to strengthen at Barcelona?

Hansi Flick is focused on bringing in at least one more player, with Alessandro Bastoni and Julian Alvarez being top priorities.

Why does Hansi Flick believe Barcelona needs more experienced players?

Flick feels the squad is unbalanced due to the high number of young players and believes adding experience is essential for making a competitive leap.

Which veteran players might leave Barcelona, impacting the team's experience?

Inigo Martinez has already left, and Robert Lewandowski is likely to move on when his contract expires at the end of the season.