Barcelona is reportedly targeting either Rafael Leão or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a potential signing as they strengthen their squad. In other news, defender Jules Koundé has been fined for arriving late to a recent team session, highlighting the club’s commitment to discipline alongside their transfer pursuits.
Barcelona Targets Leao or Kvaratskhelia This Summer
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, soaring in the Champions League and leading La Liga despite a recent loss to Real Sociedad, is already looking ahead with strong plans and at least one major target. The current 4-3-3 setup has revealed the need for a top-tier winger to complement Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Fermin Lopez. However, financial limitations and La Liga’s fair play regulations have blocked any significant signings following Dani Olmo’s arrival.
Next summer, the situation is expected to shift, aided by a profitable new deal with Nike that will strengthen Barcelona’s financial position. As reported by Catalan newspaper Sport (via Calciomercato), sporting directors Deco and Flick believe it’s essential to bring in a high-quality addition to the attack, possibly involving the sale of Fermin Lopez. The plan is to continue promoting talent from La Masia while preserving the core of the first team. A couple of departures may be necessary, but they will clear the way for a top-attacking player.
Sport has pinpointed two key targets for the Blaugrana, both playing in Serie A. The first is Rafael Leao, a player Barcelona has long admired. Although Leao’s time at AC Milan has had its highs and lows, his situation now seems more stable. While his €175 million release clause is steep, Milan may be willing to negotiate.
The second player on Barcelona’s radar is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli’s winger, who has faced difficulties in finalizing a contract extension for over a year. Both Kvaratskhelia and Leao share similar traits: they are adept in one-on-one situations, right-footed, and thrive when playing on the left wing.
Barcelona Defender Fined Thrice by Hansi Flick for Lateness
Jules Kounde has been excelling for Barcelona this season as the starting right-back, with his performance growing under Hansi Flick’s guidance.
The 26-year-old Frenchman is a regular starter when fit and available, and has been one of the most frequently used players by the German coach this season.
However, there have been a few instances where Kounde was excluded from the starting XI in La Liga, and it appears that this decision may have been due to disciplinary issues.
Kounde Disciplined for Being Late
According to Javi Miguel of AS, Kounde has been reprimanded by Hansi Flick several times since the summer for his lateness.
The French defender is the only player to have been disciplined by the Barcelona coach; he was consequently removed from the starting lineup three times, all due to arriving late to the pre-match tactics meeting.
The first incident occurred during pre-season when Kounde showed up four minutes late. Surprisingly, Flick responded with a firm “You are not starting today” in front of the team.
However, that wasn’t the last incident, as Kounde was also two minutes late for the pre-match team talk before the La Liga game against Alaves in October.
The report mentions that Flick gave him a stern look and reminded him, “Being late, even by a minute, is a sign of disrespect to your teammates.”
Kounde attempted to explain the reason for his delay, but the German coach replied, “You know what it is.” This was the first time the Frenchman was left on the bench for an official match this season.
Recently, the 26-year-old player faced similar treatment when Flick chose to bench him for the crucial Catalan derby against RCD Espanyol after he was one minute late for a team meeting.
The message from the manager was: “When I say 1:30 pm, it’s not 1:29 pm or 1:31 pm either.”
As noted earlier, Kounde is the only player who has faced Flick’s punishment for lateness. Hopefully, the Frenchman will steer clear of such situations going forward.
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