Hansi Flick's name has been linked to Barcelona ever since Xavi Hernandez announced he was leaving earlier in the season following a league loss to Villarreal.
His dream of managing Barcelona seemed to be over once the club announced Xavi was indeed staying on and fulfilling the final year on his contract.
But, at Barcelona, things tend to change rather quickly.
On Friday, Barcelona announced Xavi was not going to be back next season after a few weeks of speculation surrounding his future.
In the past week, reports came out that Deco and Bojan Krkic talked with Flick to discuss the possibility of him taking over. It didn't take long after Xavi's dismissal for reports to come out that Flick and Barcelona had come to an agreement.
Done Deal ✅ Hansi Flick signs a contract til 2026 at @FCBarcelona @BILD_Sport @altobelli13
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) May 24, 2024
Flick has reportedly signed a two-year deal; essentially signing on for the remainder of Laporta's reign as Barcelona president.
Pues finalmente no será un 1+1 para Flick, como dijimos antes, sino dos años fijos. Así cubre todo el mandato de Laporta. Y Hansi quiere traer dos técnicos. En principio, ninguno es preparador de porteros, según comenta su entorno. https://t.co/CxKUq78L9K
— Fernando Polo (@ffpolo) May 24, 2024
According to Sport, Flick is well aware of Barcelona's financial situation and has made some concessions t become manager. One being cognizant of their place in the transfer market and the other lowering his salary in that he'll be earning 30% less than what Xavi was set to earn next season.
Flick has had past success despite only managing Bayern Munich and the German national team. With Bayern Munich, he won an array of trophies including the Champions League. He was in charge of the Bavarian side that won the Champions League in 2020 over PSG. Coincidentally, it was the same edition where Barcelona lost 8-2 to that Bayern side.
Things didn't go so well with Germany but he now gets another opportunity to manage one of the biggest sides in Europe.
🚨 BREAKING: Toni Tapalovic and Marcus Sorg will become Flick's assistant coaches. @Plettigoal
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 24, 2024
He has experience in managing big personalities and has already worked with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Flick could be introduced as the new Barcelona manager as early as next Tuesday.