Barcelona has begun its preparations for the new season, with the Catalan team eager to erase the disappointment of the previous campaign, which ended without any titles. The team’s new coach, Hansi Flick, aims to usher in a successful era similar to his tenure at Bayern Munich.
According to information from the Spanish newspaper Sport, Flick has made a significant decision regarding the iconic number 10 jersey.
This number, famously worn by legends such as Lionel Messi, was last worn by Ansu Fati before he was loaned to Brighton in the English Premier League. The number 10 shirt was not used at all last season, marking the first time in nearly 30 years that it remained unassigned.
Ansu Fati has now returned to Barcelona and is ready to reclaim his place in the team under Flick’s leadership. However, Flick has reportedly decided to allocate the number 10 jersey to Lamine Yamal, a rising star who has garnered significant attention at Euro 2024. This decision has come as a shock to Fati, who had hoped to wear the historic shirt once more.
The club’s management supports Flick’s decision, recognizing the marketing potential of assigning the number 10 to Yamal.
They believe that Yamal, who has become a prominent figure during the European Championship, can drive significant merchandise sales and revenue if he wears the coveted number next season. The club feels that Fati may not generate the expected commercial success if he continues to wear the number 10 jersey.
Yamal’s performances at Euro 2024 have made him a hot topic, and Barcelona hopes to capitalize on his rising star power. The club aims to boost its financial situation by leveraging Yamal’s popularity, which they believe will be enhanced further by the prestige of wearing the number 10 shirt.
Meanwhile, Ansu Fati must adapt to this change and focus on proving his worth to Flick and the Barcelona team in other ways. Despite the disappointment, Fati remains a talented and crucial player for Barcelona, and his contributions will be vital in the upcoming season.
Flick’s decision reflects his strategic vision for the team, emphasizing both sporting success and commercial viability.
As Barcelona prepares for the new season, the club hopes that these changes will bring about a resurgence of fortune, leading to new triumphs and restoring the team’s status as a dominant force in European football. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting new chapter for Barcelona under Flick’s guidance.
