Flick’s selection calls hint at uncertain futures for Barcelona quintet | OneFootball

With the business end of the season now underway, every decision carries greater significance at FC Barcelona, where performances in decisive matches are not only shaping results but also offering clues about the future.

Hansi Flick appears to be making some of his clearest calls yet during this crucial phase. According to Mundo Deportivo, Robert Lewandowski, Marcus Rashford, Ronald Araujo, Alejandro Balde, and Marc Casado have all seen their roles reduced during the defining stretch of the campaign.

While Flick has consistently avoided discussing squad planning in public and has maintained that it is not yet the time to speak about departures or arrivals, the reality on the pitch tells a more revealing story.

Since the knockout rounds of the Champions League began, effectively acting as a filter for the most demanding fixtures, several players have gradually slipped into secondary roles.

Lewandowski’s situation is especially striking. The veteran striker did not feature against Celta, was only used from the bench against Atletico Madrid, and has struggled to leave a mark in recent big matches. Goalscoring has been an issue, and he doesn’t seem to be any closer to renewing his contract.

At 37, and with a reduced renewal offer reportedly on the table, Barca have to judge sentiment against performance. Flick seems to be doing exactly that. It has been a great run, but it does feel like the Pole is playing his final games in Blaugrana colors.

Rashford’s case is different but just as important. On loan from Manchester United, he is losing momentum, and his failure to step up in Raphinha’s absence could have kissed goodbye to any hopes he had of Barcelona triggering his clause and making it a permanent signing.

Araujo, Balde, and Casado also face uncomfortable questions. Araujo has not been a fixed starter at centre-back and has played almost exclusively as a right-back. Balde has fallen behind Joao Cancelo, and Casado has gone several recent matches without minutes.

It remains to be seen if this plays a key role in Barcelona’s transfer plans in the upcoming summer and if Barcelona actually look to move on some of these players, should the opportunity present itself.