Hansi Flick halts Barcelona youngster’s Girona transfer after surprise pre-season decision | OneFootball

Every summer, academy players arrive knowing the pre-season training can alter the course of their future. 

For Brian Farinas, that opportunity seems to have arrived this summer after Hansi Flick decided to take a closer look at the midfielder before Barcelona finalise his proposed move to Girona.

It must be remembered that the 20-year-old had appeared to be on his way out of the club. 

In fact, negotiations between Barcelona and Girona were progressing well, with both clubs working towards an agreement that would allow the talented La Masia graduate to continue his development in a more competitive first-team environment.

Flick pauses Farinas Girona move

In an interesting turn of events, as reported by Matteo Moretto, Barcelona have temporarily paused those discussions after Flick requested that Farinas remain with the first team during the opening phase of pre-season. 

Instead of completing his medical checks with the rest of the squad a day before, the midfielder was out on the training pitches at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper today, working directly under the German coach.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brian Fariñas (@brianfarinass)

That decision has left Girona waiting, while opening a small but significant door for one of Barça Atletic’s standout performers from last season.

Flick wants to judge the midfielder for himself

Managers often prefer making their own assessments rather than relying solely on reports from the academy, and Flick appears to be taking exactly that approach with Farinas.

The midfielder played an important role under Juliano Belletti for Barça Atletic, earning a reputation for his composure, discipline and ability to control the rhythm of games from midfield. 

Those qualities have attracted interest from several clubs, with Girona emerging as the strongest candidate to secure his signature.

Before giving the green light, however, Flick wants to see whether those performances can translate to the demands of first-team football.

Girona confident but Barcelona keeping options open

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Notably, Barcelona have not entirely abandoned the operation.

The framework of a deal remains in place, with previous discussions centred around a transfer worth between €1.5 million and €3 million. 

One of the key details is Barcelona’s intention to retain significant control over the player’s future, either by keeping 50% of his economic rights or including mechanisms that would allow the club to benefit from any future development.

Girona understand that position and remain prepared to move once Barcelona reach a final decision.

For now, though, the process has been paused, not because negotiations have collapsed, but because Flick believes the player deserves a closer look before any paperwork is signed.