According to Catalunya Ràdio, the club's entire sporting committee has reached consensus around the former Barcelona midfielder as the long-term successor to the German head coach. Negotiations are understood to be at an early stage regarding the terms under which Fàbregas could leave Como 1907 and take charge at the Camp Nou.
Flick is not going anywhere soon. The 61-year-old signed a contract extension at the end of the 2025-26 season running until 2028, with an option for a further year if objectives are met. He has guided Barcelona to consecutive LaLiga titles and has spoken openly about the club representing the final job of his coaching career.
But Flick has also hinted that he does not envision a long run in management beyond his current contract, and Barcelona are not in the habit of being caught unprepared.
Fàbregas, 39, has made a rapid and credible transition into coaching. After becoming a shareholder at Como 1907 in 2022 and working through the youth setup and assistant coaching roles, he took charge of the first team and has since guided the club from Serie B to the UEFA Champions League in just his third season.
Como qualified for the 2026-27 Champions League — an achievement described as historic for a club of that size. The quality of the work has drawn comparisons to the early stages of elite managerial careers across Europe.
He remains contracted at Como until 2028. When asked about a possible return to Barcelona as a manager earlier this season, Fàbregas was direct: he dismissed the timeline, pointed to Flick's renewal, and emphasised his commitment to the Italian club's project.
"You mustn't be in a hurry," he said. "When one day you feel ready, you might make the step up."
Barcelona's plan, as reported by Catalunya Ràdio, is to ensure that when Fàbregas does feel ready, there is a clear path to the Camp Nou waiting.
The succession plan is in its earliest stages. But the identity of the candidate is no longer in doubt.