Vitor Reis tops Flick's priorities to strengthen Barcelona's defense

Hans Flick, the head coach of FC Barcelona, has prioritized Brazilian defender Vitor Reis as part of his plans to strengthen the defense in January, given the challenges the club faces in signing Ruud Nijstad.

El Nacional reports that Flick is impressed by Reis's abilities in build-up play and ball progression under pressure from opponents. He believes that Reis has the potential to compete for a place in the team since his arrival, with the possibility of developing into one of the best defenders in the world.

The German coach believes the player can add value to the team, especially since FC Barcelona needs another defender who excels at starting attacks from the back, a role that Pau Cubarsí often takes on.

Ruud Nijstad remains on FC Barcelona's radar, but the difficulty of signing him makes Vitor Reis the preferred option for Flick, who wishes to direct the club's efforts towards acquiring him if the first deal falls through.

The presence of Gerard Martín and the return of Andreas Christensen allows for the gradual integration of the Brazilian defender, whose primary task will be to show courage in building play and bringing the ball out under pressure from opponents.