Barcelona make the signing announcement everyone was waiting for

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Barcelona have announced that head coach Hansi Flick has extended his contract until 2028.

A domestic treble last year and a double this year. The glory days have returned to Barcelona, thanks to the 61-year-old. The Blaugrana have been transformed into one of the most enjoyable teams in European football by Flick.

Despite still operating under severe financial constraints, the German has managed to make the most out of the incredible talent at his disposal. Of course, Barcelona's efforts at establishing domestic dominance have been aided by Real Madrid's implosion over the past two years.

When Joan Laporta was re-elected as the club's president, it was a foregone conclusion that an extension for Flick would soon follow. Barcelona wanted to make sure that their future remained in good hands. The Catalans have now announced that they have managed to do just that.

Flick has penned an extension until 2028 with the option for an additional season. Barcelona were even prepared to hand him a longer contract, but the 61-year-old made it clear that he prefers to take it year by year at his age.

Flick extends Barcelona contract

Flick officially put pen to paper earlier on Monday, though an agreement had been in place for some time. On Sunday, he oversaw a comfortable 3-1 win over Real Betis to take Barcelona's points tally to 94.

With one game to play, they won't be able to hit the 100 mark, but they won't care. The LaLiga title has been wrapped up since the Blaugrana dispatched Real Madrid 2-0 in El Clasico on 10 May.

Flick has won over fans with his expansive attacking football, which has seen Barcelona become one of the most exciting teams to watch. At the same time, though, it has also exacerbated one of the biggest shortcomings of his tenure to date.

Barcelona's lack of defensive solidity has cost them in the biggest games, particularly in the Champions League. The Blaugrana have failed to mount serious title challenges in their first two seasons, so Flick will be hoping that the third time's the charm next season.

In order to do that, Barcelona are expected to have a significant summer transfer window. Star striker Robert Lewandowski will have to be replaced, while the future of loanee Marcus Rashford remains uncertain.

Should the Englishman return to Man Utd, Barcelona will also need to bring in a new wide player. What the club's recent history has shown, though, is that La Masia can be relied upon to produce ready-made talent.

The coach has made sure to tap into this fount of skill. "Flick’s influence is not only present in results, the coach has also placed his faith in Barca’s homegrown talent," the club's official statement points out.

"As many as 13 players from La Masia have made their debuts under the German, as a generation of players have found in Flick a coach ready to give them a chance and exploit their potential."

Flick is coming towards the end of his coaching career - he has already announced that this will be his last job - but he remains committed to Barcelona and will lead the club into a new era.

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