Flick wins the race for Mikael Baza as Barcelona stop Juventus move

Barcelona have found the centre-back Hansi Flick personally wanted. There is only one minor detail: Mikael Baza is 16 and will initially join the reserve team. The first-team defence may therefore need to look after itself for a little longer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign the Hamburger SV youngster. Baza is expected to arrive in Catalonia on Tuesday, undergo his medical and sign a contract running until 2029.

The German defender is 1.93 metres tall, left-footed and represents his country at youth level. He is set to begin with Juliano Belletti’s Barça Atlètic side, although the club intend to introduce him gradually into first-team training.

Flick reportedly played a central role in the operation. The coach had been monitoring Baza’s development and asked Deco to accelerate negotiations when Juventus moved for the defender. Barcelona responded quickly and, according to reports in Spain, successfully stopped the teenager from heading to Turin.

Baza also pushed for the move. He had one year remaining on his HSV contract, with the German club reportedly asking for around €250,000 plus bonuses. Barcelona still attempted to improve those terms. Some habits remain strong, even when the fee is smaller than the annual salary of a first-team substitute.

The player is represented by Pini Zahavi, who maintains a strong relationship with Flick and Barcelona’s hierarchy. Baza is also a cousin of Jonathan Tah, another defender the coach previously wanted in Catalonia. That operation failed. This time, Flick is set to receive a centre-back from the same family, only considerably younger.

Barcelona view Baza as a long-term project. His height, left foot and ability to progress the ball fit the profile Flick wants, but the immediate plan is for him to develop with the reserve team before competing for a first-team place.

Official confirmation is still pending. If Tuesday’s medical goes according to plan, Barcelona will finish their summer recruitment by signing a centre-back. Flick asked for one and the club delivered. Whether he is ready for the first team is a question for another transfer window.