Brian Farinas of Barcelona
Photo courtesy: X/FCBarcelonaB
Brian Farinas was expected to leave FC Barcelona this summer after the club concluded that he had reached the end of his time with Barça Atletic and was ready for the next step in his career.
Girona were prepared to pay €1.5 million for 50 per cent of Farinas’ rights, but the deal ultimately fell through.
That was because Hansi Flick stepped in and stopped the move when it was already close to completion as he wanted the opportunity to assess the midfielder himself.
A month and a half later, Farinas has gone from being on the verge of leaving Barcelona to finishing the transfer window as a first-team player. The 20-year-old starlet will wear the No. 4 shirt.
The young midfielder was not always counted among one of La Masia’s most highly rated prospects.
Nevertheless, he has managed to win over Flick, with his versatile nature being seen as an asset by the head coach according to Mundo Deportivo.
Farinas wins over Flick
Brian Farinas of Barcelona
Farinas has won over Flick. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Farinas joined Barcelona in 2018 from the Villarreal youth academy. During the 2023/24 campaign, he was one of the key players in the Juvenil A side that won the UEFA Youth League.
His main position was defensive midfield, although he can also operate as an interior midfielder. He was regularly selected ahead of Tommy Marques, although Flick initially chose to the latter instead.
It was only this summer that Flick had the chance to watch Farinas consistently at close quarters. The midfielder featured in several of Barcelona’s pre-season friendlies and was also used at right-back.
Farinas’ versatility has become one of his biggest assets. He can play both as a defensive midfielder and further forward, while his reliability in possession, vision and ability to score from distance have all caught the coaching staff’s attention.
All of this is particularly appealing to the Barcelona manager.
Seven midfielders competing for two positions
Farinas now joins a crowded midfield, with seven players competing for two positions.
Rodri and Marc Bernal are expected to share the minutes in the defensive midfield role, while Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and even Xavi Espart can operate further forward.
Brian Farinas of Barcelona
Awaiting his official La Liga debut. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Farinas has yet to make an official appearance this season, but his ability to play naturally in both midfield roles gives Flick another option.
Flick recently highlighted Farinas when discussing his frustration at not being able to give him or Hamza Abdelkarim more playing time.
“The same thing happens with Brian as with Hamza. Brian has surprised me enormously during pre-season because he is an excellent player with a lot of talent,” he said.
“He is in very good shape, 100 per cent, and very committed to his role and the different positions in which he can play.”
Not long ago, Farinas appeared destined to leave Barcelona, but he has instead earned Flick’s trust and a place in the first-team squad.
Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid player
Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid player