Barcelona send representative to Como to secure Fabregas as Flick’s long-term successor | OneFootball

Cesc Fabregas has emerged as Barcelona’s primary target to succeed Hansi Flick, with the Catalan club having already sent an emissary to Como in an attempt to secure a pre-agreement with the coach from 2028.

According to Spanish outlet AS, via IlNapolista, the report, which draws on information from Catalunya Ràdio’s Barça Reservat podcast, claims that Fabregas has the full backing of Barcelona’s sporting director Deco.

The emissary dispatched to Como was Alejandro Echevarría, right-hand man to president Joan Laporta, whose specific task was to tie Fabregas down for when Flick’s tenure comes to an end. The German coach is contracted until 2028 with an option to extend to 2029.

MAY 19: FC Barcelona football Coordinator Bojan Krkic and FC Barcelona Sports Director Deco look on from the stands during the LaLiga EA Sports match at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 19, 2024 in Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Fabregas preferred over Luis Enrique as Barcelona rule out former coach’s return

The report is particularly significant in that it explicitly rules out a return for Luis Enrique, who has been excluded from consideration both due to the financial demands of his salary and his known reluctance to accept any external interference in squad management, including from Echevarría himself.

For Fabregas, the interest represents the ultimate validation of his rapid rise as a coach.

Having taken Como from Serie B to the Champions League, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder is now being lined up for one of the most prestigious jobs in world football and the club where he first came through as a young player.