Barcelona open door to surprise centre-back signing before transfer window closes

Barcelona open door to surprise centre-back signing before transfer window closes Barcelona could still make one more addition to their defence before the summer transfer window closes, with sporting director Deco opening the door to a new centre-back. The Catalan club had spent much of the window looking at left-footed defenders, but their priorities changed as they focused on strengthening the attack.  However, Ronald Araujo’s imminent departure has now created a fresh question for Hansi Flick and the sporting department. According to SPORT , Barcelona are prepared to bring in another central defender if the right opportunity becomes available during the remaining weeks of the transfer window. Barcelona reassess centre-back plans Notably, there are now three weeks remaining in the transfer window, and Barcelona’s defensive situation could change once Araujo’s departure is formally completed. The Uruguayan’s exit would free up a significant amount of salary space, potentially giving the club greater flexibility to explore another signing. Without Araujo, Flick would have Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia as his main centre-back options, while Jules Kounde can be slotted there too .  Barcelona are open to signing a new centre-back. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) However, there is another complication because the German coach sees Eric as someone who can also provide cover at full-back, particularly behind Kounde. That could leave Barcelona wanting greater depth in the middle of defence. Now, Alvaro Cortes is also firmly in the conversation . The La Masia defender has impressed the coaching staff, and Barcelona are pleased with his development.  He could be promoted and given a bigger role if the club ultimately decides against signing another player. Flick, however, would prefer to have a more experienced option available. That does not mean Barcelona will sign a defender simply for the sake of adding numbers.  The club’s position is much more selective: a new centre-back will only arrive if the financial conditions are favourable and the player is capable of genuinely competing for a starting place. Romero and Laporte remain options Barcelona admire Aymeric Laporte. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) Cristian Romero remains one of the names associated with Barcelona’s search for a defender. The Argentine centre-back has been linked with a move away from Tottenham, although completing a deal could prove difficult.  This is because he has interest from Arsenal and Inter Milan, while negotiations with Atletico Madrid have also advanced. Furthermore, Aymeric Laporte is another name that has previously been put forward. The Spain international’s camp has claimed that his release clause could be relatively low, although Athletic Bilbao have disputed that information.  That uncertainty means Barcelona would need to establish the exact financial conditions before deciding whether Laporte represents a realistic opportunity.