Barcelona may already have a potential route to appoint Cesc Fabregas as their next head coach if the club eventually decides to make the former midfielder Hansi Flick’s successor.
According to AS, Fabregas has a special clause in his contract with Como that could allow one of his former clubs to appoint him for a predetermined fee without having to enter into a traditional compensation negotiation with the Serie A side.
The reported clause involves Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea, giving all three of Fabregas’ former clubs a contractual mechanism to secure his services should they decide to make an approach.
The development could become particularly relevant for Barcelona, where Fabregas has emerged as a name of interest among members of the club’s hierarchy.
There is no immediate vacancy at Camp Nou, with Barcelona remaining satisfied with Flick and his work since taking charge.
Flick’s current agreement runs until 2028 and includes an option for an additional season, meaning Barcelona have no immediate reason to search for a replacement.
However, the club is understood to be considering potential candidates for the longer term, and Fabregas’ development as a coach has reportedly made him an increasingly attractive option.
Fabregas has enhanced his reputation significantly during his time in Italy with Como, guiding the club through an impressive period after their return to Serie A.
The former Barcelona academy product remains highly respected at the Catalan club, where he developed before eventually leaving for Arsenal as a teenager.
His extensive playing career also saw him represent Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal, while he gained experience in different footballing environments before moving into management.
That background could make Fabregas a distinctive candidate for Barcelona in the future, particularly because of his understanding of the club’s footballing culture and his experience of working under different tactical approaches throughout his playing career.
Fabregas himself dismissed speculation linking him with the Chelsea job in April 2026, making it clear that his focus remained on Como.
The former Chelsea midfielder was reportedly considered a strong candidate for the position amid growing speculation at the time, but he remained committed to his work in Italy.
His progress with Como has continued to attract attention, with the club competing for a potential place in European football during only their second season back in Serie A.
The reported clause could make a future move considerably simpler for Barcelona.
Rather than having to negotiate a separate compensation package with Como, the Catalan club would reportedly be able to trigger the fixed-fee mechanism included in Fabregas’ contract if they decide to appoint him.
For now, however, there is no indication that Barcelona intend to activate the clause.
Flick remains under contract until 2028, with the additional extension option providing further stability around the first-team dugout.
Any interest in Fabregas is therefore understood to be part of Barcelona’s longer-term succession planning rather than an indication of an imminent managerial change.
Should the club eventually decide that Fabregas is the right candidate to lead Barcelona, the reported contractual mechanism with Como could give them a straightforward route to bring their former midfielder back to Camp Nou in a completely different role.
