According to The Athletic, Barcelona are scouting left-footed center-backs and plan to sign one in the January transfer window. However, because of the club's financial situation, Barcelona may need to sell players first to make room for major signings.
Barcelona had made a center-back their priority this summer but ultimately failed to strengthen the position. Injuries to Christensen, Eric Garcia, Kounde, and Xavi Espart have exposed the team's lack of defensive depth. Head coach Flick previously said the club is open to signing any player who can improve the team, and he has discussed this with Deco, Bojan, and the coaching staff.
The report states that Barcelona scouted several center-backs this summer. Internazionale's Bastoni was once on the club's radar, but Flick doubted whether he could adapt to the team's aggressive high defensive line. Manchester City's Gvardiol was also a target, with the club valuing his versatility as both a center-back and left-back, but the player ultimately extended his contract with Manchester City until 2032. Barcelona also monitored Castello Lukeba of Leipzig, while local media linked Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez with the club.
On the sales side, Barcelona are particularly keen to offload Balde. The report indicates that Flick told the left-back before the summer transfer window closed that his role in the team would be limited. So far this season, Balde has played only 124 minutes in 5 matches. His contract runs until 2028, and there are no signs of renewal talks, so Barcelona do not rule out selling him in the winter window.
The report concludes that Barcelona are still waiting for the right opportunity, but finding a defender who can adapt to Flick's aggressive style of play is not easy. Deco needs to find a way to make up for the defensive signings the team failed to complete this summer, while also addressing the club's financial problems.