FC Barcelona has announced that it will activate a “central operation” after the two consecutive defeats against PSG and Real Madrid. The results at the Parc des Princes and the Camp Nou have highlighted the need to strengthen the defense, especially in the central zone, to be able to compete in LaLiga and the Champions League.
The club has tried to cover its shortcomings after the departure of Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, incorporating Gordon, Adeyemi and Gabriel Jesús up front, and reinforcing the midfield with Rodri and the continuity of João Cancelo. The goal was also secured with Livakovic to cover possible injuries to Joan García. However, the budget has not made it possible to cover the defensive deficit, and the team has had sales that could have financed an additional center back and full-back. Flick has chosen to keep Christensen, Cubarsí and Gerard Martín, and has seen Eric as the solution for the right back, with the possibility of Koundé also covering the central position.
After the defeats against PSG and Real Madrid, Barça has once again suffered defensive problems, as happened last season against Atlético in the Champions League and Inter in the league. The diagnosis is clear: the club needs an experienced center back who will provide immediate performance in the next winter market. The availability of transfers will depend on player departures and the income generated by the club.
Among the options considered is Josko Gvardiol, the 24-year-old from Manchester City, who is the dream center back. The defender, who renewed his contract until 2031, could sign if City receives a financial sanction before the market closes. Another possibility is Alessandro Bastoni from Inter, with a contract until 2028, although his sale in the middle of the season seems complicated. Also on the cards is Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez, whose contract expires in June and could be sold for a profit. Your injury history is a factor to evaluate. Finally, Natan, the Betis centre-back, is an experienced option with immediate performance, with an estimated price of around 30 million euros.
Barça seeks to close the operation before the end of the winter market, with the hope of having a solid center back who can immediately contribute to the team and help overcome the defensive deficiencies that have marked recent games.