Flick sets sights on Champions League glory as Barcelona reshapes squad for 2026-27

After securing back-to-back La Liga titles, Hansi Flick has made his priority abundantly clear: ending Barcelona’s decade-long wait for Champions League glory.

The German coach, who has brought stability to a club that endured years of turbulence, is now laser-focused on Europe’s biggest prize. Barcelona’s last Champions League triumph came in 2015, and Flick believes the time has come to end that drought.

“There are two things I want in life. Firstly, that we win the Champions League,” Flick said recently. “We have a good team for the next years, but we must make the right decisions in the transfer periods – they have to be perfect.”

Flick and Deco Working in Lockstep

To achieve that objective, Flick is working closely with sporting director Deco to shape the squad for the 2026-27 campaign. The pair have aligned on a clear vision for both incoming and outgoing players, with Flick praising Deco’s management of the squad.

The priority is attacking reinforcement. Flick has identified the need for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, now 37, and the club is determined to address that gap.

Gordon Already Secured

Barcelona have already made one major statement in the transfer market, completing the signing of England winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United. The 25-year-old has signed a contract until 2031 in a deal worth more than €80 million (£69.3m).

Gordon, who was Newcastle’s top scorer this season with 17 goals in all competitions，spoke of his excitement at the move: “Barca are the biggest club on the planet. It is stuff I dreamed about as a child.”

Álvarez Remains the Priority Target

While Gordon is already through the door, Julián Álvarez remains Barcelona’s primary striking target. The Atletico Madrid forward is viewed as the ideal profile to lead Flick’s attack for years to come.

Negotiations are expected to intensify once the ongoing World Cup concludes, with Barcelona determined to land their man. Atletico, however, remain reluctant to sell one of their biggest stars.

Backroom Overhaul Brings in Kugel

The reshaping extends beyond the playing squad. Barcelona have appointed Benjamin Kugel as the new head of the first team’s physical performance unit. The German coach, who previously worked alongside Flick with the Germany national team and helped them win the 2014 World Cup，joins after an extensive career at clubs including Werder Bremen, 1. FC Köln, PSV Eindhoven and Benfica.

The appointment comes after a season in which fitness setbacks became a recurring concern, prompting Flick to overhaul the fitness department. Kugel will work alongside Pepe Conde, Milos Mallol and Andrés Martin as part of Flick’s coaching staff.

With Gordon secured, Álvarez in their sights, and a revamped backroom team in place, Barcelona are leaving nothing to chance in their pursuit of European glory.