FC Barcelona won the La Liga title last season, with significant contributions from its defensive line. The Catalans had a memorable season defensively, but still have made notable changes in this area of the team this summer.
Inigo Martinez was one of the early acquisitions for Barcelona in this summer transfer window. Now, the club is also nearing a loan move for Joao Cancelo, whose arrival would significantly strengthen the right flank for Barcelona.
Xavi wants no more changes in defence
Thus, Barcelona’s defense has seen a number of changes in it over the summer. The club still has a number of operations in mind that can further change Xavi’s defensive line.
However, Mundo Deportivo reports that Xavi has asked Deco not to make any more unexpected changes in the backline. Thus, with the exception of Lenglet’s departure and Joao Cancelo’s arrival, Xavi does not want to change the defensive personnel available to him.
Potential changes in defence
Clement Lenglet has long been out of favor at Barcelona, and he even spent the last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspurs. The Catalans have been trying to offload him this entire summer as well, and while he was recently registered by the club, he is still not expected to continue with the club this season.
Similarly, Joao Cancelo is now the right-back who is expected to come to Barcelona after a summer in which the club has been linked with several right-backs. He will come on a loan initially, but Barcelona will have the option to purchase him, and it remains to be decided whether this option would be obligatory or not.
Some of the Barcelona defenders were also linked to a move away from the club. Marcos Alonso was reported to be one of the players who could be sold by the club, but Xavi wants him to stay and be a replacement for Balde.
Similarly, Eric Garcia is also tipped for a move away from Barcelona, but sending him on loan would not provide any notable boost to Barcelona in regards to FFP. Thus, Xavi does not want any of these defenders to leave, and also does not want any more arrivals after Cancelo in the defense line.
