Barcelona aim to further strengthen their defense – report

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

FC Barcelona have gone from being regarded as a leaky team in the defensive third to now boasting of an elite back-line. The 27th League in the club’s history was won, owing to the defense’s newfound consistency as well as the resurgence of Marc-André ter Stegen.

Even so, Xavi Hernández’s team wants to push themselves even farther in terms of competition, which can only be accomplished by effectively availing the transfer window.

Following Sergio Busquets’ departure, the Catalans are eager to quickly resolve the issue of his replacement. Barcelona are likely to recruit an elite option, given how frequently Xavi has spoken of the need for a top-class defensive midfielder. In addition to the DM dilemma, the possible return of Leo Messi remains an undeniable target.

When it comes to the defensive side of things, there are more answers than uncertainties. Despite Alba’s exit, Xavi explained that Balde and Marcos Alonso will be the only competitors for the left-hand side, while Kounde’s recent drama fueled by the media appears to have toned down.

According to SPORT, only two real quandaries exist at the back. Firstly the issue of Eric Garcia is one that lures attention as the Catalan continues to be demoted in the pecking order.

Considering Inigo Martinez’s arrival and the authority of the starting center-backs, Garcia is likely to be the 5th choice center-back next season, which is a huge drop for a player who played 1000 minutes fewer than his first season at the club.

Eric Garcia has definitive struggles if he wants to rise above the competition at center-back. As is the case with any youngster, play time is needed to grow. If the Spaniard is not relied upon as a substitute defensive midfielder, the plausibility of leaving on loan or even a transfer may be on the cards.

The other uncertainty in the back line exists at the right-back spot. Currently, Sergi Roberto is Barca’s only natural RB and even he is a makeshift full-back, who prefers to play in midfield.

Kounde’s uneasiness playing in that position has been well documented, while Araújo is merely a reliable safety net against tricky wingers. The absence of a specialist does hurt Barca’s prospects.

Upon La Liga’s verdict on the Viability Plan and once the restrictions of financial fair play are known, only then Barcelona will be able to recognize the profiles they can really target.

The ‘dance’ of names for the right lane has already begun. Joao Cancelo, Benjamin Pavard, Juan Foyth, and Thomas Meunier are some of the top candidates in the race to reinforce a very important position. Even so, the arrival of a right-back will be dependent on how well Barca fares in the attempt to sell unneeded players.

Barca Divine
Barca Divine
Meet Shahraiz Sajjad, a Freelance Graphic Designer and football enthusiast specializing in Futbol Club Barcelona. With a keen eye for game analysis, Shahraiz not only crafts visually appealing graphics but also provides insightful content, offering a unique perspective on the world of FC Barcelona through the fusion of design and football expertise.

The Latest

Bayern ready with the funds to steal Barcelona star – report

Even at their lowest point financially, FC Barcelona still possesses some valuable assets. Beyond just the levers they pulled to get access to more...

Barcelona hope to have their countermeasures ready for PSG ace

It is important for FC Barcelona to continue planning ahead in several departments. The case of their transfer window is already apparent, but they...

Barcelona trying to convince €75m midfield target to run out his current contract

As FC Barcelona continue to plan for the upcoming season, one of the areas that they are looking to reinforce is the midfield, with...

Barcelona midfield target attracting Premier League, Bundesliga interest

FC Barcelona are looking to make several additions to their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, with the reinforcement of the midfield pivot...

French club to make another bid for rising Barcelona defender

After the prodigious Pau Cubarsi, another FC Barcelona youngster, Mikayil Faye, now seems destined to be the next to announce himself at the highest...

Arsenal interested in Man City fullback on-loan at Barcelona

As the current season approaches its end, FC Barcelona have started planning for the next season, with several arrivals and sales being contemplated by...

Barcelona hope to rival Real Madrid with star signing in 2025

Few elites in the world of football have not played for Barcelona at some point. The Catalan giants have been home to several global...

16-year-old ‘Gazelle’ continues to explode in Barcelona youth ranks

La Masia is known for producing some of the most exquisite players FC Barcelona has ever known. The academy’s ability to develop and deliver...

Premier League interest comes calling for Barcelona youngster

It is hard to imagine a Barcelona where their youngsters do not shine as they typically do. With their financial limitations and restrictions, the...