Before renewing his contract with Barça until 2028, Hansi Flick made two things very clear. First, he demanded a paradigm shift in physical preparation, something that has been materialized with the departure of Julio Tous and two of his trusted professionals. And, secondly, he made it clear that to raise his team's performance in the Champions League, it was imperative to sign two forwards at their peak. "We need two," he stressed in a pool informal with journalists a few weeks ago. The coach expects that with the departure of veteran Robert Lewandowski, the attacking front needs to be reinforced with a top-level footballer, but he also observes an excessive dependence on Lamine Yamal, especially when essential players like Raphinha Dias are out for almost three months due to injury.

Mateu Alemany has already found a job. Two years and a bit after leaving Barça for personal reasons and deep disagreements With the club's management, the veteran Mallorcan footballer has become the new sporting director of Atlético de Madrid. Closely connected to the ownership of the Colchoneros club, his specific position is that of director of men's professional football, with direct management over the first team coached by Cholo Simeone and the reserve team, which currently competes in the Primera RFEF. He will report to Carlos Bucero, the club's General Director of Sporting Affairs.