Fabregas, Flick's Heir Apparent at Barcelona from Summer 2028

FC Barcelona has reportedly set its sights on Cesc Fabregas to succeed Hansi Flick on the Barcelona bench, according to Catalunya Radio. Initial discussions are said to have been held with the former midfielder, with summer 2028 as the target horizon.

Barcelona’s interest is partly explained by Flick’s own statements. When asked on May 22 at a press conference about Pep Guardiola’s departure after ten years at Manchester City, the German — despite being contracted until June 2028 — joked about a possible parallel with his own longevity in Catalonia: “Ten years… I don’t think you’ll see me here anymore. At 70, I don’t think that’s where I should be. It wouldn’t be a good thing.”

Fabregas presents several assets in the eyes of Barcelona’s leadership. On the sporting front, he is having a remarkable season at the helm of Como, currently fourth in Serie A, ahead of AC Milan and Juventus Turin, and therefore directly qualified for the next UEFA Champions League. At 37, the Spaniard is establishing himself as one of European coaching’s revelations.

His attachment to Barcelona is an additional argument. Between 2011 and 2014, Fabregas made 151 appearances in the blaugrana colours, scoring 42 goals, before joining Chelsea. His knowledge of the club’s playing identity and cultural demands is seen as a decisive advantage over other profiles.

The envisaged timeline nonetheless leaves Flick several years to confirm — or disprove — Barcelona’s ambitions. By 2028, Fabregas will also need to confirm his progress as a coach, notably during Como’s next European campaign.