One Barcelona training session turns Brian Farinas from Girona-bound player into first-team prospect

Barcelona midfielder Brian Farinas looked set to leave for Girona after the two clubs moved close to agreeing a €3m transfer, but one training session with Hansi Flick changed the course of his career.

Barcelona’s players began their pre-season preparations on Monday, 13 July. Farinas was among those asked to report for medical examinations, although his visit initially appeared likely to be little more than a formal step before completing his move away from the club.

Barcelona and Girona were on the verge of reaching an agreement for the 20-year-old, with the proposed transfer understood to be worth €3m.

The situation changed the following day, when Flick took charge of the squad’s first training session of the preparations. The German coach was impressed by what he saw from Farinas and spoke to sporting director Deco, asking him to suspend the negotiations with Girona, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.

Flick wanted more time to assess the midfielder during pre-season. In particular, he planned to take Farinas to the team’s training camp in England before making a final decision on his future.

That opportunity proved decisive. Farinas convinced Flick that he was ready to remain at Barcelona, and the coach went further than simply blocking the proposed transfer: he promoted the player to the first team.

On the final day of the transfer window last Tuesday, Farinas was officially registered in Barcelona’s first-team squad with the number four shirt. It is the same number worn by Ronald Araujo during the previous season.

Flick has been particularly impressed by the player’s character. On one occasion, he described Farinas by saying: “He is a committed and very talented player”.

The coach also values Farinas’ versatility. His preferred position is as a defensive midfielder, but he can also operate as a playmaker and is capable of playing at full-back.

Farinas is aware that earning regular opportunities in Barcelona’s midfield will be difficult, given the strength of the competition for places. However, he is prepared to take on the challenge, with a place in the first-team squad representing a reward in itself after initially appearing destined to leave.

The midfielder joined Barcelona in 2018 after developing in Villarreal’s academy. He helped Barcelona win the UEFA Youth League and made 33 appearances for the club’s reserve side last season, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.

His rise has therefore been rapid: from undergoing medical tests as a player expected to leave for Girona, to securing a first-team place and the number four shirt after impressing Flick in a single training session.

Elsewhere, a report has claimed that FIFA spent millions of dollars to protect the reputation of Gianni Infantino. A separate detailed investigation also alleged that Infantino received gifts from Vladimir Putin and used FIFA for personal purposes.

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