It’s Christmas and we’re pretty sure that Hansi Flick is on the nice list this year, despite recent results, but what does he want to make him happy this festive period?
Quite a few things it turns out.
We’ve had a little look at what might be on Flick’s wishlist as Barca head into 2025 hoping to challenge for titles.
Dani Olmo and Pau Victor registered
TOPSHOT-FBL-EUR-C1-BARCELONA-BREST Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images
The biggest immediate problem for Barcelona seems to be the not insignficant fact that both Dani Olmo and Pau Victor are only registered for another week. Joan Laporta is confident a solution will be found, but if not this will be a really embarrassing situation for the club.
A fully fit Lamine Yamal
FC Barcelona v CD Leganes - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Lamine Yamal is sidelined once more with an ankle problem, the second time this season he’s had such an injury. After seeing Barca struggle without the teenager, and also having witnessed Frenkie de Jong’s ankle issues recently, Flick would love to see Yamal’s ankle completely fixed for 2025 and the teenager to stay injury-free.
Gavi back to his very best in 2025
FC Barcelona v Atletico de Madrid - La Liga EA Sports Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Gavi is back fit again but we’ve been warned we’re unlikely to see his best until early 2025. Hansi Flick handed him a start against Atletico and was rewarded with a very promising performance indeed. Having Gavi back to his best next year would be an absolutely huge boost for Barca.
Barca back at Camp Nou
Spotify Camp Nou is already starting to have seats Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Barcelona were supposed to head home in November, then December and now....who knows? Pictures on social media suggest a return is still some way off, while there are increasing mutterings that Barca may have to wait until next season. One thing we do know, is that Barca will be much happier when the team is back in its spiritual home.
Money to spend
SPAIN-FBL-BARCELONA Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images
Money is obviously tight at Barcelona but signings are needed. A left-back and a left winger appear to be the priorities, while another striker to suceed an ageing Robert Lewandowski wouldn’t go amiss either.
Top stars tied down to new contracts
FC Barcelona v Atletico de Madrid - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Barca have a number of top stars needing to be tied down to new contracts. Speculation persists over the futures of Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong, while Barca need to get to work on extensions for Pedri, Gavi and Yamal. They simply can’t let any of these gems go.
Madrid and Atletico to drop points
Atletico de Madrid v Real Madrid CF - La Liga EA Sports Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Some poor results at the back-end of 2024 have left Barca down in third place in the table and facing a real battle to win La Liga. There’s still a long way to go of course, but Barca will need their rivals to drop points to finish top of the pile.
A Super Cup win - the first of many?
Barcelona v Getafe - La Liga Photo by Adria Puig/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Barca will head to Saudi Arabia to play in the Spanish Super Cup at the start of the year. The tournament comes after a miserable end to 2024 and is clearly way down the club’s pecking orrder. However, as we saw previously under Xavi, lifting the trophy can provide a huge boost at the start of the year and potentially lead to more trophies in 2025.
Now tell us your Christmas wishes for Barcelona in the comments below!