Barcelona ready to sell three players in January as Hansi Flick looks to freshen squad - Reports
Barcelona have reportedly made preparations to sell three players in January, with manager Hansi Flick looking to freshen up his first-team squad. According to El Nacional, these players include Ansui Fati, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen. However, it does add the caveat that the future of the former Chelsea defender is uncertain.
Ansu Fati is, perhaps, an obvious option for a potential sale. Despite breaking into the first team to play alongside Lionel Messi, he has not lived up to the lofty expectations. Injury problems have affected his development, which saw him eventually leave on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
His loan spell was sub-par, with the 22-year-old forward scoring just twice in 19 league games in the 2023-24 season, as he dealt with injuries. This season, he has played just four LaLiga games for Barcelona but is yet to score or create an assist.
The Blaugrana are in brilliant attacking form with players like Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal. This has limited his contributions to the team, and they will not particularly miss him if he leaves.
Barca are also struggling with financial concerns, and selling Fati could provide much-needed funds into their coffers.
Frenkie de Jong is a slightly different case. He has impressed regularly and often at Camp Nou, since joining in the 2019-20 season. However, this season has seen him play just five LaLiga games so far, with the report from El Nacional noting that he has not adapted to manager Hansi Flick's system.
Much like Fati, selling De Jong would provide funds for the club, as well as open up more space in the wage budget.
Finally, Andreas Christensen is the third player on Barcelona's list of potential sales. Due to injuries, he has played just one match under Hansi Flick despite being seen as an important player by the club. This has opened the door to a potential sale if an offer were to come for the 28-year-old Danish defender.
Hansi Flick reveals touchline conversation with Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal
Hansi Flick has opened up about the conversation he had with Lamine Yamal on the touchline after Barcelona beat Brest 3-0. Both teams faced off in the UEFA Champions League group stage yesterday (November 26) at the Lluis Companys, with Barca coming through with a win.
After the game, Flick was caught deep in conversation with Lamine Yamal on the touchline. When asked about it, he told reporters in his post-match press conference:
"I told him that I hope he'll be with us on Saturday against Las Palmas. He'll train with us tomorrow."
Notably, Lamine Yamal has missed three consecutive matches for Barcelona due to injury. He has been an important part of their attack, scoring six goals and providing eight assists in 16 LaLiga appearances.
