While Pau Victor showed promise when Barcelona decided to make his move permanent, his future at the club under Hansi Flick looks uncertain
The German manager’s preference for alternative attacking solutions, coupled with Victor’s lack of minutes, suggests that he is not seen as a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Barcelona may need to make a decision regarding Victor’s future.
Whether he fights for his place or moves on to greener pastures remains to be seen, but as things stand, his prospects at the Camp Nou appear limited.
For Victor, finding a club where he can play regularly should be the priority, as he looks to fulfill his potential in the years to come.
The upcoming seasons will be crucial in determining Araujo’s future. If he remains fit and cements his place in the starting lineup, Barcelona will likely push to keep him beyond 2026.
However, if injuries persist and a major club triggers his release clause, the Uruguayan might embark on a new chapter in his career.
For now, Barcelona fans can take comfort in the fact that Araujo appears committed to the club. But in football, situations change rapidly, and his future remains one of the most intriguing storylines in European football.
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Table of Contents
Hansi Flick’s Stance on Pau Victor
Why the Barcelona Boss Doesn’t See Him as Lewandowski’s Successor
Barcelona’s search for a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski has been a subject of much debate.1
While many players have been speculated to fill that role, one name that doesn’t seem to fit in Hansi Flick’s plans is Pau Victor.
Despite Barcelona making his loan move from Girona permanent, the young striker has struggled for game time and remains on the fringes of the squad.
But why does Flick not see him as a potential heir to Lewandowski? Let’s delve deeper into the reasons behind this decision.
What happened in Munich 😔💔
— Hansi Flick Fans ❤️ (@IHeartHansi2) February 13, 2025
The Journey of Pau Victor: From Girona to Barcelona
Pau Victor initially joined Barcelona on loan from Girona in 2023. The club, impressed with his performances, made his move permanent for a modest fee of €2.70 million.
At just 23 years old, Victor was seen as a player who could develop into a reliable option for the club, either as a backup or a future starter.
However, despite being a permanent signing, he has found himself largely sidelined by Flick, leading to questions about his role in the squad.
Hansi Flick: Lack of Opportunities Under Flick
Victor’s struggles for game time under Flick have been evident. Across all competitions, he has played just 259 minutes in 21 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist.2
Even when Lewandowski has been rested, Flick has opted for alternative solutions rather than giving Victor a chance to showcase his abilities.
Notably, in the only game Victor started, he was deployed on the left wing rather than in his natural striker position. This decision suggests that Flick does not consider him a viable No. 9 option.
Instead, the German coach has preferred to experiment with players like Dani Olmo in a false 9 role, further highlighting Victor’s limited role in the squad.
Tactical Mismatch: Why Flick Prefers Other Options
Flick’s tactical philosophy revolves around a dynamic attacking unit, where mobility and versatility are key attributes.
While Lewandowski fits into the system due to his experience, intelligence, and ability to link play, Victor has not demonstrated the same level of adaptability.
One of the primary concerns is Victor’s playing style. He is a more traditional striker who thrives in a direct attacking approach, rather than in a fluid, interchangeable system that Flick favors.
Given that Barcelona’s frontline often relies on interchanging positions and high pressing, Victor’s limitations in these areas make him a less attractive option for Flick.
Hansi Flick: Competition Within the Squad
Another factor working against Victor is the competition for attacking roles. Barcelona boasts a wealth of attacking talent, with young stars like Lamine Yamal, Vitor Roque, and Ferran Torres all vying for minutes.3
Additionally, Flick’s trust in Dani Olmo as a false 9 further reduces Victor’s chances of securing regular playing time.
Even in times of squad rotation, Victor has often found himself behind other options. His lack of experience at the highest level may also be a reason why Flick has been reluctant to rely on him in crucial moments.
With the club aiming to compete for domestic and European honors, Flick might not be willing to take a gamble on an unproven striker.
Barcelona’s Financial Struggles and January Registration Issues
Barcelona’s well-documented financial issues have also played a role in shaping their squad management. Both Pau Victor and Dani Olmo faced registration issues in January, casting doubts over their long-term future at the club.
With the club operating under strict financial constraints, every squad decision carries significant weight.
Reports suggest that Galatasaray showed interest in signing Victor during the winter transfer window. However, he opted to stay with Barcelona, possibly in hopes of proving his worth.
Whether that decision will pay off remains to be seen, but as of now, he remains on the periphery of the squad.
Potential Destinations: What’s Next for Pau Victor?
With his current situation at Barcelona looking bleak, Pau Victor may need to consider alternative options. If he continues to be overlooked by Flick, a loan or permanent move elsewhere could be the best solution for his career.
Several clubs, both in La Liga and abroad, could be interested in securing his services.
Given their prior interest, Galatasaray remains a viable option. The Turkish giants could provide Victor with the game time he needs to develop, while also offering a competitive environment.
A move to a mid-table La Liga side, where he could play regularly, might be beneficial. Clubs like Real Sociedad, Real Betis, or Villarreal could be potential destinations.
Returning to Girona, where he initially made a name for himself, could be another logical step. He would be familiar with the setup and could thrive in an environment where he is valued.
Also Read: Hansi Flick Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth, Personal Life And More
Hansi Flick: Transfer Speculations
One of the key factors fueling speculation is Araujo’s release clause. In the modern footballing landscape, €65 million is not an unrealistic amount for top European clubs.
Teams such as Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Chelsea have been linked with Araujo in the past, and the presence of a relatively attainable buyout clause keeps these rumors alive.
If a club activates the clause, Barcelona would not be able to prevent the move unless Araujo decides to stay. The question remains whether he sees his future at Barcelona or seeks a new challenge in another league.
Araujo’s Role in Barcelona’s Defensive Setup
Since joining Barcelona from Boston River in 2020, Araujo has made 158 appearances. His physicality, aerial ability, and defensive awareness make him a vital component of the team’s backline.
However, injuries have plagued his progress, limiting his appearances in the current season to just eight.
With immense competition in Barcelona’s defensive ranks, including players like Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, and Iñigo Martínez, Araujo faces stiff competition for a regular starting position.
Xavi, however, has consistently shown faith in him, considering him a key player when fully fit.
Injury Woes: A Concern for the Future?
Araujo’s persistent injury problems have raised concerns over his long-term reliability. Despite his immense talent and leadership qualities, his fitness record could be a deciding factor in Barcelona’s plans.
For a player to justify a long-term contract and a prominent role in a top European club, consistent availability is crucial.
If injuries continue to hamper his progress, Barcelona may be forced to consider alternatives, making his future uncertain despite his current contract status.
Hansi Flick: Potential Suitors
Who Could Move for Araujo?
Given his qualities, several European giants could be tempted to activate his release clause.
Clubs in the Premier League, known for their financial muscle, could be top contenders. Manchester United, in particular, has struggled with defensive consistency and could view Araujo as a long-term solution.
Bayern Munich has also been mentioned as a potential destination, given their history of acquiring defensive reinforcements. A move to the Bundesliga could provide Araujo with a different tactical challenge while ensuring he competes at the highest level.
Barcelona’s defensive strategy will heavily influence Araujo’s future at the club.
If Xavi and the management believe he is irreplaceable, they may attempt to renegotiate his release clause or offer a more structured role within the squad.
On the other hand, if the club continues to struggle financially, a lucrative transfer fee could be tempting, allowing them to reinvest in other areas.
The decision could ultimately come down to whether Araujo remains central to Barcelona’s future plans or if they see an opportunity to cash in on his value.
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What Araujo Brings to the Table
- Araujo’s strengths go beyond just defensive abilities. His leadership qualities and passion for the game make him a player who embodies the values of Barcelona.
- He is strong in one-on-one duels, a commanding presence in the air, and possesses an aggressive yet intelligent playing style. His ability to play as a right-back when needed adds another layer of versatility.
- If Barcelona lets him go, replacing him with a defender of similar caliber would not be an easy task. Given their financial situation, acquiring a top-tier center-back could prove challenging.
- While Deco’s comments suggest that Araujo is happy at Barcelona, football is unpredictable. If a major club comes knocking and offers an attractive sporting project, Araujo might reconsider his future.
- Much will depend on how Barcelona performs in the coming seasons, especially in European competitions.
- If the club fails to compete at the highest level, players like Araujo, who have ambitions beyond domestic success, might look for new challenges elsewhere.
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