Barcelona president Joan Laporta to hand Hansi Flick January ‘gift’ after Super Cup triumph over rivals Real Madrid: Reports

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is planning to reward Hansi Flick after the Supercopa de Espana triumph over Real Madrid on Sunday, January 12, as per Fichajes. Los Blancos started the game at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on the front foot, going ahead through Kylian Mbappe's 5th-minute opener.

However, the Catalans fought back through Lamine Yamal, who leveled the scores in the 22nd minute. From there on, Barcelona ran riot, with Raphinha scoring a brace and Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde also getting on the scoresheet.

The game finished 5-2 in the Catalans' favour, with Rodrygo's goal proving a mere consolation for Real Madrid. Pleased with the result, Laporta is planning to gift Flick a new striker in January, as per the aforementioned report.

No name has been shortlisted yet, with the club hierarchy eyeing multiple candidates with interest. With games coming in thick and fast, the German tactician will welcome the decision, even though his attackers have been in good form of late.

A backup for the aging Robert Lewandowski, however, could help Barcelona hit a higher gear. Flick's team are already five points behind second-placed Real Madrid in the LaLiga table after 19 games.

The Catalans board are convinced that the club are in the right direction under the German manager and now want to back him on the market. They are eyeing options that suit their financial situation.

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Could Barcelona result force Real Madrid into January signings?

Carlo Ancelotti

The defeat to Barcelona has prompted Real Madrid to consider defensive reinforcements in the winter transfer window, according to reports (via FootBoom). The reigning champions were particularly unimpressed with the performances of Lucas Vazquez and Aurelien Tchouameni.

The Frenchman, incidentally, is covering at the back in the absence of both Eder Militao and David Alaba. Los Blancos understand that they need an upgrade on the position and have multiple names on their radar. However, signing a top target in the winter could be next to impossible.

As such, Real Madrid could be forced to put their trust in the academy, with Raul Asencio already showing promise earlier this season. Meanwhile, the right-back is also a position that requires urgent attention.

Barcelona found great joy against Lucas Vazquez and the absence - due to injury - of Dani Carvajal is hurting Los Blancos. The Santiago Bernabeu hierarchy have reportedly identified Trent Alexander-Arnold as Carvajal's long-term replacement. However, Liverpool are unlikely to entertain an exit this month as they try to renew his expiring deal.