Barcelona are reassessing their plans for the January transfer window and could prioritise signing a centre-back after recent defeats by Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid exposed concerns in defence.
The Catalan club’s injury problems have intensified the issue, with Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Chavi Espart all affected in recent weeks. Sporting director Deco is already working on the recruitment file, although head coach Hansi Flick will have the final say.
Barcelona’s focus during the summer was to rebuild their attack. Flick wanted greater pace, energy and match-winning ability in the forward positions, and the club spent heavily on Anthony Gordon before signing Karim Adeyemi as an available opportunity in the market. They also pursued Julian Alvarez until the final stages of the window, eventually bringing in Gabriel Jesus.
That financial commitment meant a new centre-back was not added, despite Ronald Araujo’s move to Liverpool. During the opening part of the season, Barcelona have not had major problems rotating their midfield and attacking options, but the situation at the back has become increasingly unstable.
Deco identified the defensive issue in the summer and explored a deal for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni. However, the cost of the transfer and doubts about whether Bastoni would adapt to Barcelona’s high-risk defensive approach led the club to abandon the move early in the window.
Christensen’s fitness and Barcelona’s financial limits
Christensen’s condition will be one of the factors considered before a decision is made. Flick agreed to a two-year contract extension for the Denmark defender because of his ability and professionalism, but recurring fitness problems have kept him out for much of the start of the season.
His condition appears to be improving, although Barcelona will manage his return carefully and are expected to rotate him regularly rather than rely on him continuously until the end of the campaign. Christensen is expected back in November, while Eric Garcia has been used more often at full-back than in central defence.
Barcelona have room within their salary limit to register a player in January, but not enough to pursue a top-level signing. That leaves the club with limited options in a complicated winter market, although several players are being assessed for their sporting and financial suitability.
Selling a player who is not receiving enough playing time could significantly change the situation. No final decision has been taken, but the priority is now a centre-back capable of making an immediate contribution. Barcelona will only proceed if the player can improve the squad and compete for a starting place.
The club is also following longer-term possibilities, including Finn Jeltsch of Stuttgart and Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig. Those deals would require substantial investment and are viewed as better suited to the summer, allowing the players more time to adapt.
Flick remains highly satisfied with Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin, but Barcelona currently lack adequate cover behind them and both are carrying a heavy workload. The sporting department believes action is necessary, while Flick is open to a signing if all parts of the club agree on the player.
Barcelona face Deportivo Alaves on 31 October 2026 in La Liga, while Real Madrid play Racing Santander in La Liga on 01 November 2026.
