Hansi Flick takes a bold step and tells Deco clearly: if there is only one signing in the next mercato, this is the player I want!

When Hansi Flick officially took over the reins at FC Barcelona, many wondered how the German tactician would navigate the complicated terrain of managing a financially troubled giant while trying to build a team capable of competing at the highest level again. Flick, however, seems unfazed by the daunting challenge. In his recent meetings with sporting director Deco and other club executives, he has made one thing absolutely clear—if there’s only room for one signing this summer, it must be a top-class attacking winger.

Flick’s message is not only firm but also strategic. He understands that Barcelona’s hands are tied financially, with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations dictating how much the club can spend and where. Add to that the uncertainties surrounding the potential €100 million VIP booth investment and the unclear status of the 1:1 spending rule, and it becomes evident that Barcelona must act smartly, not impulsively.

Instead of chasing big names across multiple positions, Flick is laser-focused on strengthening the wing—a position he believes holds the key to revitalizing Barcelona’s attacking threat. “If there’s one signing, let it be there,” Flick told Deco, in what many have described as a defining moment of his early tenure.

Reports from El Nacional reveal that the player who currently fits Flick’s vision perfectly is Nigerian international Ademola Lookman. The winger has impressed throughout the season with Atalanta, delivering blistering performances that have not only made him a fan favorite in Serie A but also a subject of serious interest across Europe.

Lookman ticks all the right boxes for Flick. He is fast, creative, dynamic in one-on-one situations, and capable of producing goals and assists from wide positions. What makes him even more attractive is his tactical adaptability—he can play on both flanks and is known for cutting inside and destabilizing compact defensive blocks, something Barcelona has struggled with in recent seasons.

Flick views Lookman not just as an option but as a necessity. With Lamine Yamal blossoming into a future superstar and Raphinha offering moments of brilliance on the opposite wing, Barcelona still lacks a third winger capable of matching their level. Injuries, fatigue, and form slumps are inevitable across a long season, and Flick wants to ensure he has depth and quality in those wide areas.

Despite pressure from other departments within the club to consider defensive reinforcements, Flick has dismissed such plans—for now. He’s expressed satisfaction with the options at the back, including the emerging talent of Pau Cubarsí, the veteran leadership of Iñigo Martínez, and the stability offered by Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, and a returning Eric García.

What Flick wants is offensive evolution—not defensive conservation. He believes the best way to protect the team is to dominate games in the opposition half. This mindset reflects his philosophy from his time with the German national team and Bayern Munich, where high pressing and wide playmakers were central to his system.

The appeal of Lookman also lies in affordability. While top-tier wingers like Luis Díaz or Rafael Leão may cost €70–€80 million or more, Lookman is seen as a more financially viable alternative. His price tag is expected to be significantly lower, making him a smart buy in a tight market.

Moreover, Flick sees in Lookman the rare balance of hunger and humility—traits essential to integrating smoothly into a team built on La Masia values. His work ethic, explosiveness, and unpredictability could bring back the width and directness that Barcelona sorely missed last season.

Deco now has a very clear task. The ball has been metaphorically passed into his half of the pitch, and it’s up to him to convince the board and make the move happen. The urgency isn’t just tactical—it’s symbolic. A successful pursuit of Lookman could signify the beginning of a Flick-led revival, both on the field and in the club’s broader strategy.

The fans, meanwhile, are watching closely. While names like Luis Díaz have made headlines, many supporters favor smarter, cost-effective deals over splashy, unsustainable transfers. In that sense, Flick’s endorsement of Lookman may also align with the growing demand for rational, purposeful decision-making at the club.

At a time when Barcelona is navigating treacherous financial waters, Flick’s clarity and decisiveness could not be more welcome. He’s not asking for ten players. He’s not seeking a revolution. He wants one carefully chosen, tactically valuable addition—a winger who can make a difference.

That’s why his directive to Deco has carried so much weight. It wasn’t just a suggestion—it was a managerial decree born of years of experience and a deep understanding of the modern game. “One signing, one position, one mission,” could be the motto of Flick’s first transfer window.

Whether or not Deco and the board will fulfill his request remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—Hansi Flick has drawn the line in the sand. And the name on the other side of it is Ademola Lookman.