Could Hansi Flick Have Salvaged Barcelona’s Coutinho, Dembélé, or Griezmann?
The article revisits Barcelona’s poor use of the funds from Neymar’s 2017 move to PSG, focusing on three expensive signings: Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembélé, and Antoine Griezmann. It says each player had positive moments but ultimately failed to justify his fee and looked like an awkward fit for the team. The piece then asks which of the three might have performed better under current manager Hansi Flick, who has been credited with improving much of the squad.
The piece revisits how Barcelona spent the proceeds from Neymar’s 2017 transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. It identifies Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembélé, and Antoine Griezmann as three costly arrivals that, despite occasional bright spells, did not meet expectations and seemed ill-suited to the side’s setup.
The article, published by Barca Blaugranes in October 2026, asks which of those three might have benefited most from Hansi Flick’s coaching. It notes Flick has been praised for improving nearly every player in the squad during his tenure.
This retrospective could resonate with Barcelona supporters and football followers who debate transfer strategy and player development. It may shape how fans remember these players, potentially softening judgments by imagining alternative coaching paths. For sports media, such counterfactuals can drive engagement and discussion. It could also influence broader conversations about how clubs evaluate expensive signings, though it remains a speculative exercise rather than a definitive reassessment.