FC Barcelona are getting into the ultimate stretch of the switch window with the potential for loads of motion.
And their priorities are clear: a striker, with Julian Alvarez nonetheless the primary goal, Rodri and Joao Cancelo. Nonetheless, the sporting division can also be engaged on one other potential addition.
Certainly, in response to SPORT, Deco needs to signal a top-level left-footed centre-back within the last days of the window if the funds permit it, a call he has thought-about needed for weeks regardless of inside debate.
New centre-back on the agenda
Deco already believed originally of the summer time that the defence wanted a significant reinforcement.
That led Barcelona to discover a transfer for Alessandro Bastoni of Inter, however the choice was ultimately deserted as a result of there was no sporting consensus and his valuation was thought-about too excessive.
The centre-back challenge was subsequently placed on maintain, however Ronald Araujo’s departure has reopened the likelihood, and Barça are actually decided to discover the market once more.
Hansi Flick, nonetheless, has by no means thought-about the place a precedence. The German coach would welcome an enchancment to his squad however believes the primary effort ought to go towards discovering a centre-forward.
Flick could be very proud of Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin, whereas the squad additionally has Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia, and academy defender Alvaro Cortes has additionally impressed.
Nonetheless, the Catalans imagine that including an skilled centre-back would supply better safety and depth.
Laporte and Lukeba on the Checklist
Barcelona have been looking for a high-quality defender who could make an instantaneous influence, just like the position beforehand performed by Inigo Martinez.
The best candidate can be left-footed, skilled and comfy taking part in in Flick’s excessive line of defense.
One title that has gained prominence is Aymeric Laporte. His camp beforehand indicated that there was an inexpensive launch clause, prompting Barça to look at the likelihood.
Laporte can be an particularly pure match as a result of he already performed alongside Cubarsi through the World Cup, the place their partnership produced a wonderful efficiency.
The complication is that Athletic preserve there isn’t a such inexpensive launch clause and haven’t any intention of negotiating his departure.
Another name to have emerged is Castello Lukeba, the RB Leipzig centre-back who has been intently monitored by Barça scouts all year long.
He’s a youthful choice with robust potential, good distribution and appreciable bodily energy. The downside is monetary: signing Lukeba now would require a considerable funding.
Deco’s last transfer
The centre-back file is subsequently removed from closed. Barcelona’s instant focus stays on the striker, Rodri and Cancelo, with the latter two operations thought-about near completion.
As soon as these offers are resolved, the membership will flip its consideration to the defence. That’s the last market coup Deco needs to make: including yet another main piece to finish Barça’s squad.
