Barcelona are monitoring Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch as they search for a long-term solution at centre-back, a position regarded as the weakest area of Hansi Flick’s squad.
The Catalan club are assessing players who either have significant potential or could represent an attractive opportunity in the transfer market. Jeltsch, a 20-year-old Germany international, fits the first category and has attracted attention from several leading European clubs.
Jeltsch currently plays for Stuttgart, who are competing in the Champions League this season. According to Sport, Real Madrid and Liverpool have also tracked the defender since the start of the campaign.
He made 37 appearances for Stuttgart last season, earning a place in Germany’s squad for the World Cup, although he did not feature in any matches.
Sport described him as “an ideal option to strengthen the cursed position: Barcelona’s centre-back role, which remains the weakest link in the Catalan team”.
Interest in Jeltsch has increased after his impressive start to the current season. Stuttgart’s approach has similarities with Barcelona’s, particularly their use of an aggressive press and a high defensive line.
That style helped Stuttgart qualify for the Champions League last season. In this season’s league phase of the competition, they have collected seven points from a possible nine.
Jeltsch has developed rapidly and has already become the leader of Stuttgart’s defence. He is comfortable using both feet, while his passing and ability to move laterally have also been highlighted.
A Bild report cited by Sport identified two qualities that fit closely with Flick’s defensive approach: Jeltsch’s ability to cope in open spaces and his positioning when operating with an offside line.
Flick knows the Bundesliga well and, after assessing the player, has given his approval in principle for Barcelona to explore a possible move, most likely during the summer transfer window.
There has also been discussion of a bid during the current winter window, although that possibility appears unlikely. According to Sports Illustrated, Stuttgart would demand more than 60m euros for Jeltsch, making a near-term move to Spotify Camp Nou difficult.
Although Joan Laporta and Barcelona have returned to the club’s 1:1 financial rule, the club do not have enough available cash to complete a transfer of that size in January.
Real Madrid are also considering Jeltsch as they look to strengthen a defence that has come under pressure after two seasons without a trophy. The club can no longer rely on past achievements, while Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao are no longer viewed as dependable solutions.
Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are likewise monitoring the defender, although both clubs appear to have more settled and organised defences, with no obvious need for another signing.
Liverpool, managed by Andoni Iraola, are the latest club to enter the race. Their interest could have particular significance for Barcelona because Jeltsch plays in the same position as Ronald Araujo, who is on loan from the Catalan club at Liverpool.
The Uruguayan’s future, including the possible activation of his 55m-euro release clause, could therefore be connected to Stuttgart centre-back Jeltsch’s next move. Barcelona will continue to assess his progress before deciding whether to act.
