Hansi Flick’s backup plan if Barcelona fail to sign a new defender – report | OneFootball

Inigo Martinez’s departure from Barcelona was a dagger not many saw coming, but whose weight is now beginning to be realised.

The Spaniard was one of the league’s best and most consistent defenders last season and was a mainstay in Barcelona’s starting lineup and impressive offside trap.

Losing such a prominent player on short notice, needless to say, has left Hansi Flick short of options. He is pushing for a new signing, but a backup plan is equally necessary.

The Plan B

As relayed by Fichajes in a reserve report, the German tactician does indeed have a plan in mind for a scenario where the club fail to sign a new central defender.

Given the current economic situation, it looks likely that he will have to resort to it.

Andres Cuenca could be an option for Hansi Flick. (Photo by Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images for DFB)

Unsurprisingly, the manager’s Plan B once again places La Masia in the spotlight, for the academy has some players who have punched above their weight and impressed at lower levels.

If Barcelona fail to bring in a new name, Andres Cuenca and Alvaro Cortes – two defenders who have impressed Juliano Belletti’s staff – will serve as Flick’s backup options in the department.

Given La Masia’s golden time, they could well present solid options.

In addition, Gerard Martin is also likely to serve as an emergency centre-back, as was tested in pre-season and will be an option to play in the department after Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia.

Cuenca, still 18 years of age, is a regular member of the Barça Atletic team and had 19 appearances in the Primera Federacion last season, averaging over eight ball recoveries per game.

Cortes, meanwhile, is two years older and made 30 appearances for the B team last season averaging over ten ball recoveries per game.