Barcelona are considering whether to prioritise a centre-back signing in the January transfer window. No final decision has been taken.
January decision still open
GOAL, citing Sport, said Barcelona are hunting for a centre-back who can offer an immediate boost in the January window while also keeping tabs on defenders across Europe with promising long-term potential. GOAL said Hansi Flick will take the final call on whether Barcelona move for a centre-back in January. GOAL said sporting director Deco is already working on the centre-back issue. GOAL said Flick leans towards doing a deal if possible, provided the right player emerges with the backing of everyone who matters inside the club.
Defensive availability
Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart are sidelined. Eric Garcia plays more at full-back than in the middle. Christensen is expected back in November.
Recruitment criteria and budget
Barcelona will not sign anyone unless he genuinely raises the quality of the squad and stands a chance of competing for a starting berth. GOAL said Barcelona have the funds to register a player in January, but not enough to land one of the very highest level. GOAL said Barcelona's sporting department are working towards prioritising a centre-back who can deliver an immediate lift.
Targets and earlier work
Barcelona are tracking Stuttgart's Finn Jeltsch and Leipzig's Castello Lukeba. GOAL said Barcelona shelved strengthening at centre-back this summer despite Ronald Araujo's departure to Liverpool. GOAL said Deco tried to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni in the summer, but Barcelona ruled him out early in the window because of the cost of the deal and doubts over how well he would adapt to Barcelona's defensive style. GOAL said Christensen's recovery is one factor in Barcelona's decision-making, and that the club will protect him through to the end of the season with heavy rotation and no run of consecutive starts.
