FC Barcelona has begun studying its moves to strengthen the defense during the upcoming winter transfer window, given the increasing need to sign a center-back with experience and the ability to make an immediate impact, especially after the two losses against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, which highlighted some defensive gaps in the team's ranks.
The Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" reported that Barcelona's management is working to address the shortage in the center-back position, after financial restrictions prevented the strengthening of this position during the past summer transfer window, despite the club's success in reinforcing the midfield and attack and signing a replacement for goalkeeper Juan Garcia.
Croatian Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City's defender, is at the top of the list of names admired by the Catalan club officials. However, signing him seems complicated given his contract with the English team until 2031. The deal calculations may only change if Manchester City faces a severe penalty for its financial violations, before the winter transfer market closes.
Barcelona also includes Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan's player, among its options to strengthen the defense. However, his contract, which extends until June 2028, along with the difficulty of the Italian club parting with him in the middle of the season, makes completing the deal an arduous task.
In contrast, the chances of signing Argentine Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United's defender, or Brazilian Nathan, Real Betis' player, seem more achievable. Martinez's contract expires next June, while the Brazilian defender's market value is estimated at around 30 million euros, in addition to potential financial variables.
The newspaper explained that Barcelona's ability to finalize a defensive deal in the upcoming January will largely depend on the situation of some players and the possibility of their departure in exchange for financial returns that help the club finance its moves, at a time when the management is seeking to provide a ready defender capable of giving the defense more stability during the second half of the season.