Joan Laporta does not do things quietly. The morning after winning Barcelona's presidential election with 68% of the vote — a landslide over rival Víctor Font — he was on RAC1 radio announcing that Hansi Flick's contract renewal would be formalised "very soon."
"We want to renew his contract until 2028, giving him a year's grace period each year," Laporta said. "Hansi has already agreed. He is very happy here, and we will announce it shortly. I envision my entire presidential term with him at the helm."
Flick, asked about it at his pre-Newcastle press conference, gave the kind of answer that made Laporta's declaration feel slightly premature. "I don't think it's the right time," the German said. "We have a very important match. Everyone knows I am very happy here, but I need to talk to my family. There will be time." He added revealingly: "This will be my last club, my last job — and I am delighted."
The renewal is coming, just on Flick's timeline rather than Laporta's. Flick's current deal runs until June 2027. Throughout the presidential campaign he made clear he wanted to see Laporta win before committing. With that answered emphatically, talks with his agent Pini Zahavi are at an advanced stage and a deal is "practically agreed" according to Diario Sport. The extension would take him to 2028 with an annual rollover option.
Flick has won 75 of his first 100 matches in charge at Barcelona — a record bettered only by Luis Enrique in club history. He led them to the La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup treble in his debut season. The extension is deserved. The only question is when he signs.