Barcelona halt Girona move for Brian Farinas after Hansi Flick is impressed

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has intervened to stop midfielder Brian Farinas from leaving the club for Girona after being impressed by the youngster during a pre-season training session.

The 20-year-old had been expected to move to Girona in a deal worth €3m, but Flick asked sporting director Deco to cancel the transfer, according to journalist Luis Rojo.

Flick’s decision follows a training display that reportedly made a strong impression on the German manager. The Barcelona head coach is understood to have seen enough from Farinas to want the player to remain with the Catalan club rather than complete the proposed move.

Farinas is regarded as a versatile midfielder who can operate in several positions. He is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, a defensive midfielder or a full-back, giving Barcelona another option across different areas of the pitch.

The player came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy, one of the most recognisable youth systems in football. However, despite remaining part of the first-team group, Farinas has yet to make his senior debut for the club.

He has been named among the substitutes for each of Barcelona’s three La Liga matches so far this season. The midfielder has not yet been introduced from the bench, meaning his first-team appearance remains outstanding.

His continued presence in the squad now follows Flick’s reported request to prevent the move to Girona. The proposed €3m transfer had appeared to offer Farinas a route away from Barcelona, but the manager’s assessment during pre-season has changed the situation.

For now, Farinas remains a Barcelona player and continues to wait for his opportunity to make his competitive debut. His ability to cover midfield and defensive roles appears to have strengthened his position, while Flick’s view of his potential has become a decisive factor in the decision over his future.

The episode also highlights the significance of pre-season performances for players competing for a place in Barcelona’s first-team plans. Although Farinas has not yet played in La Liga, his training form has persuaded Flick that he should not be allowed to leave at this stage.

The report does not indicate whether Girona will renew their interest in the midfielder or whether a revised agreement could be discussed later. For the moment, however, the proposed transfer has been blocked and Farinas remains at Barcelona, where he is still waiting to make his first senior appearance.