Barcelona misses on Jorge Salinas; Hansi Flick finds success with Xavi Espart

Barcelona's attempt to sign Jorge Salinas from Racing Santander fell short this summer, as they could not meet the player's €16 million release clause. Instead, Hansi Flick has leveraged the situation to discover Xavi Espart, who has been a key player for Barcelona, starting every La Liga match this season and contributing one goal and two assists. Salinas, meanwhile, has started all five of Racing's matches this season and will face Barcelona soon. The failed transfer has inadvertently allowed Espart to establish himself in the squad, prompting favorable comparisons to Philipp Lahm from his manager.

• 12:05 PMYahoo Sports — Barcelona’s failed move for La Liga youngster has turned into an unexpected win for Hansi Flick