Hansi Flick vetoed Eric García and Ansu Fati Barcelona exits – report
FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick shut down three potential transfers out as the window was closing, according to a new report from MARCA.
The most notable name was that of Íñigo Martínez, whom Flick needed due to injuries in defense. Without Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo, Martínez has become a nailed-on starter.
However, Flick also reportedly lobbied to keep Eric García. Girona FC wanted him after a very successful loan spell and it is said that FC Porto also made a move for him. However, Flick wanted him to play both in the center of defense and as a defensive midfielder.
Martínez was wanted by a Saudi Arabian team but the report says Flick was impressed with him in training and wanted to keep him as the injuries piled on.
Lastly, we have Ansu Fati’s case. It was widely assumed he would leave, although an inopportune injury shut that plan down. Still, teams such as Porto and SL Benfica, as well as some unnamed Premier League clubs, were still interested.
However, it is said that Flick turned that down because he still believed he could get the best out of the winger. Notably, Barcelona did not sign a new left-winger, either.