Barcelona Turn Attention to Elite Left-Sided Centre-Back

FC Barcelona have spent the summer strengthening their attacking options and are now prioritising defensive reinforcements, according to journalist Achraf Ben Ayad. Sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick are said to be considering an elite left-sided centre-back to improve the squad’s depth, despite Barcelona having one of La Liga’s best defensive records last season.

Barcelona have already completed or agreed deals for Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi and Belgian youngster Jesse Bisiwu, while negotiations with Atletico Madrid over Julian Alvarez remain ongoing. With the attack strengthened, the report says Deco and Flick are focusing on the back line.

Several names have emerged in that context. Tottenham duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are among the players linked with Barcelona, while RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has also been considered. However, Lukeba’s price could prove prohibitive.

Barcelona previously explored a move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni before cooling their interest. Meanwhile, Luka Vuskovic is expected to join Brighton & Hove Albion rather than Barcelona.

Barcelona have also secured Joao Cancelo on a permanent €10 million deal from Al-Hilal this summer. The signing adds another defensive option as the club assess whether to make a further addition at centre-back.

For now, Ben Ayad’s report identifies Romero, Van de Ven and Lukeba among the defensive options under consideration as Barcelona continue their planning after their attacking business.