Report: Barcelona wanted Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick, but Germany deal appears close

According to a report from ESPN, FC Barcelona has made contact with Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick about taking the helm at Camp Nou next season, but was told Flick is close to a deal with the DFB to take over for Joachim Löw:

Barcelona contacted Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick’s representatives to sound out his availability this summer, sources close to the Catalan club have told ESPN. Flick, 56, announced in April that he would leave Bayern at the end of the season, but Barca were told that a deal for him to replace Joachim Low as Germany coach is close to being finalized.

Barca boss Ronald Koeman still has one year to run on his contract at Camp Nou but ESPN reported earlier this week there are growing doubts among the board regarding his future at the club.

Barca president Joan Laporta has been impressed with the German school of coaching and the club reached out to Flick when it became apparent he would not continue with Bayern.

Interestingly, Ralf Rangnick and Julian Nagelsmann were also on the list of potential replacements for Ronald Koeman:

ESPN previously revealed that Laporta contacted Ralf Rangnick during the electoral campaign with regards to offering him the sporting director role at the club. Laporta even explored the possibility of bringing in Julian Nagelsmann to work with Rangnick, although the RB Leipzig coach will now replace Flick at Bayern.

Flick, of course, is expected to take over for Löw after this summer’s European Championships, but it was very interesting to see how quickly some other clubs mobilized for Flick once it was clear he would not be returning to Bayern Munich.