Hansi Flick started his life at FC Barcelona in quite difficult circumstances, as the Blaugranes could not get him many reinforcements in the summer transfer window, while he also had to start the 2024-25 season with several of his players sidelined with injuries.
The midfield was one such area that was quite decimated with injuries in this first phase of the season, and at some points, Flick had to field Raphinha as an attacking midfielder to complete his midfield trio.
However, in the last month or so, the Catalans have seen several of their players return from the infirmary, and as things stand, Flick has a surplus of midfielders at his disposal, with Pedri, Gavi, Olmo, Frenkie, Casado, Fermin Lopez, and Pablo Torre all competing for the three positions.
Still, Barcelona continue to be linked with some emerging midfield talents for the future, and one of these talents is the Portuguese midfielder, Dario Essugo.
The midfielder is currently playing on loan in Spain with Las Palmas and is actually owned by Sporting CP. His performances in La Liga have seen his demand increase significantly, and according to Fichajes, two of the biggest clubs in Spain, Real Madrid and Barcelona, are competing with one another for his signature.
🇪🇺 Top 5 League U19 Players : Passes to final third
🥇 Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, 17) — 74
🥈 N. Zézé (Nantes, 19) — 45
🥉 K. Mainoo (Man United, 19) — 31
🏅 Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, 17) — 30
🏅 Dário Essugo (Las Palmas, 19) — 29
👉 https://t.co/McR5zrPSJm pic.twitter.com/zrRrhBOsMP
— DataMB (@DataMB_) October 15, 2024
Essugo has been one of the revelations in La Liga this season, and he has been a key part of Diego Martinez’s team that has turned around its fortunes recently. His talent and maturity despite being only 19 years of age has caught the eye of several big clubs across Europe. However, the €3.5 million-rated Portuguese defensive midfield gem comes with a significant release clause of €60 million.
Dário Essugo's defensive work against Real Sociedad was a sight to behold… (18/26 duels won, 9 tackles)
Away at one of the most physical places to play in LaLiga too, and considering he's still only 19. Brais Méndez will be happy he doesn't have to see him again for a while. pic.twitter.com/UWiBXGVaxO
— La Pausa (@lapausa_pod) December 16, 2024
Although Barcelona are being linked with him, the Blaugranes do not have him as a priority because they already have a surplus of midfielders.
On the other hand, Real Madrid need to reinforce their midfield following the departure of Toni Kroos at the end of last season, and they believe Essugo could bring the desired youth and dynamism to their midfield.
Meanwhile, Sporting are keeping an eye on his development as he is set to return to them next summer. However, their plans of keeping him can be disrupted keeping in view the way he has attracted the interest of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
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SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - OCTOBER 06: Koke of Atletico Madrid reacts during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and Atletico de Madrid at Reale Arena on October 06, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain.
Barcelona's Brazilian forward #11 Raphinha gestures during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Athletic Club Bilbao at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on August 24, 2024.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 12: Andreas Christensen of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.