Barcelona rule out signing a new centre-back this summer – here’s why

Barcelona rule out signing a new centre-back this summer – here’s why Earlier in the summer, it appeared that signing a new centre-back would be one of Barcelona’s biggest priorities, as the club required a top-class defensive partner for Pau Cubarsi. During the course of the summer transfer window, the club have also been linked with moves for talented defenders such as Alessandro Bastoni and Cristian Romero, whom the club have been in contact with very recently. But the Catalans have not been able to make any real breakthrough on that front. And now, they have made a crucial decision. No new centre-backs this summer Hansi Flick is happy with his existing defensive options. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) According to Diario SPORT , Barcelona will not sign a new centre-back this summer unless one of their current defenders leaves first, something that appears unlikely at this stage. Deco has so far focused his efforts on strengthening the wings with Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, and the priority now is a centre-forward, with Julian Alvarez the main target. That leaves little room for another central defender in a squad that already boasts five options. Indeed, several promising centre-backs have been offered to Barcelona, including Josko Gvardiol, Bastoni, Romero and Aymeric Laporte. However, Hansi Flick is happy with what he has and will only reconsider if a departure materialises. Cubarsi, fresh off being named the best young player at the World Cup, is a guaranteed starter, with Gerard Martin having established himself alongside him after converting from full-back. Flick rates the pairing highly, and Barcelona have made clear they want to retain Martin despite interest from Chelsea and AC Milan. Elsewhere, Andreas Christensen recently renewed until 2028, while Eric Garcia’s versatility makes him a valued option both centrally and at right-back. Promising reserve defender Alvaro Cortes also remains in the picture. Ronald Araujo the only one to monitor Ronald Araujo is the only defender with an uncertain future. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) The one name that could yet alter Barcelona’s plans is Ronald Araujo, whose future remains slightly uncertain. The Uruguayan endured a difficult campaign last season and is now the fifth-choice centre-back, though he is determined to fight for his place and has a contract until 2031. His name consistently crops up whenever potential departures are discussed. Should Araujo have a change of heart and decide his reduced role is not for him, a transfer request could follow. In that scenario, Barcelona would almost certainly be forced back into the market for a replacement. For now, though, he is training with enthusiasm at St George’s Park having recovered from a calf injury, and a new centre-back arrival looks improbable.