Pau Víctor, a standout performer during Barcelona’s pre-season, is reportedly considering leaving the club due to growing frustration over his lack of opportunities under head coach Hansi Flick.
Despite his impressive performances in the pre-season, the 22-year-old forward feels sidelined, even though he has demonstrated his potential as one of the club’s most promising players.
Víctor’s path to Barcelona’s first team has been remarkable. Signed for €3 million by Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, he was initially seen as a long-term investment.
However, his impressive pre-season performances, including standout moments against top teams like Real Madrid and Manchester City, led many to believe he was ready for first-team action. Pau not only held his own but excelled, scoring in key matches and showcasing his readiness for higher-level competition.
Despite these contributions, Víctor has seen limited playing time this season, totaling just 193 minutes over 14 matches, with only one start. This lack of opportunities has left him questioning his future at the club, particularly after Flick assured him that he would have a more significant role if he stayed at Barcelona.
Víctor was in high demand during the summer transfer window, with several La Liga clubs seeking him on loan. However, Barcelona blocked these moves, with Flick personally assuring the player that he would get more playing time. Months later, these promises have not materialized, leaving Víctor feeling disillusioned.
Even with limited minutes, Víctor has shown his potential, scoring two goals and providing an assist, highlighting his ability to contribute in key moments. However, his role remains peripheral, and players like Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati, who have been inconsistent, continue to receive more playing time, fueling Víctor’s frustration.
Sources close to the player suggest that Víctor now feels misled by Flick and Barcelona’s management. Despite his strong performances, he believes he has been unfairly relegated to the bench, and the promises of greater involvement in the first team have not been fulfilled.
Víctor’s standout season with Barcelona B last year, where he was the league’s top scorer and a key figure in the team’s playoff run, further solidifies his claim for more first-team opportunities. His ability to perform under pressure has been clear, but it hasn’t been enough to earn him a consistent spot in the senior squad.
Another point of frustration for Víctor is his role in matches. Frequently brought on as a late substitute, he rarely has enough time to make a significant impact. Nevertheless, when given the chance, he has shown moments of brilliance, underscoring the underutilization of his talents.
Víctor’s situation raises questions about Barcelona’s handling of young talent. While he isn’t the only player struggling for minutes under Flick, his case is particularly notable given his pre-season form and proven track record with Barcelona B.
Should Víctor decide to leave, it would be a significant loss for Barcelona, as he has shown the potential to succeed at the highest level. Reports indicate that he is already considering his options for the January transfer window, with several La Liga clubs still interested. Víctor’s history suggests he could thrive at a club that gives him the regular playing time he seeks.
The January window may prove crucial for Víctor’s career. A move to a new club could provide him with the opportunity to fully showcase his abilities, while Barcelona must decide whether to address his concerns and offer him more playing time to avoid losing a promising talent.
In the coming months, Víctor will need to carefully consider his options, balancing loyalty to Barcelona with his desire for regular minutes.
For Barcelona, this situation highlights the challenge of balancing the development of young players with the needs of a competitive first team. Whether Pau stays or leaves, his situation serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and transparency in managing the careers of emerging talents.
