Barcelona youngster Brian Farinas set to stay despite limited opportunities under Hansi Flick

Brian Farinas is not considering a loan move away from Barcelona during the winter transfer window, despite being the only outfield first-team player available to Hansi Flick who has not played a single minute this season.

Frenkie de Jong has also yet to feature, but his absence is due to the injury he suffered during the 2026 World Cup. Farinas, meanwhile, has been fit and registered in La Liga with the number four shirt.

The 20-year-old came close to leaving for Girona last summer, but Flick intervened to prevent the transfer. According to Sport, Farinas has since found himself in a difficult position within the Barcelona squad.

The programme Barca Reservat reported that the midfielder is approaching the situation calmly and considers the current campaign an opportunity to learn alongside some of the best players in the world. He is particularly close to Lamine Yamal.

Farinas does not currently intend to seek a temporary move in January, although the next two months are expected to be important in determining whether that stance changes.

Flick has maintained regular contact with the youngster, offering instructions and correcting aspects of his game to aid his development. The German coach has also encouraged Farinas to continue working as he is and to remain ready to take advantage when his opportunity arrives.

Injuries may open a route into the squad

Barcelona’s injury problems have begun to affect Flick’s options over the past two matches. Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and Dani Olmo have joined an unavailable group that already includes Rony Bardghji and Andreas Christensen.

With fewer players available for selection, Flick will naturally have to rely more heavily on members of his squad who have so far played a less prominent role.

Olmo’s physical problems could also create opportunities in midfield. Fermin Lopez remains an important option in the number 10 role, but he will need rest and rotation before the November international break. That could allow other players to occupy a more advanced position.

Pedri, De Jong or Marc Bernal could move forward, while Yamal could be deployed centrally. Raphinha is another possible option in the advanced playmaker role.

Gavi is considered the player most likely to benefit from Olmo’s absence. Farinas could also gain from the sequence of changes, although he remains at the bottom of the midfield pecking order. If selected, he could receive minutes either as a holding midfielder or in a more advanced central position.

There is still a long way to go in the season and the Copa del Rey has yet to begin, meaning Barcelona are expected to have further opportunities to involve him.

Sport reported in mid-September that Farinas was also close to extending his current Barcelona contract, which expires in 2028. The remaining details are still to be settled, but the new agreement would give him a salary reflecting his status in the first team and increase the value of his release clause from its current figure of 15m euros.