Barcelona had spent much of the transfer window targeting a left-footed defender. However, with three weeks of the window still remaining, sporting director Deco has indicated that the club could consider adding another centre-back.
The shift comes directly from Ronald Araujo's exit. The Barcelona captain landed in Merseyside this weekend for his medical ahead of a season-long loan to Liverpool.
This move includes a buy option worth £47 million, according to Fabrizio Romano and Mundo Deportivo. That is not a small departure to absorb with three weeks left in the window.
Why Barcelona Are Reassessing Their Defence
Losing Araujo would have two immediate consequences for Barcelona: the club would part with a captain who made 213 appearances and won three La Liga titles, while creating room on the wage bill for more business in the transfer market.
Without him, Flick's central defensive options come down to Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia, with Jules Kounde also able to fill in there when needed. The complication is Eric Garcia.
Flick values him equally as cover at full-back behind Kounde, which means leaning on him at centre-back too thins out the squad in a different position entirely. That's the gap Barcelona are now quietly trying to solve, according to Sport.
Nothing is described as urgent or guaranteed. The club's stated position is selective: a new defender only arrives if the financial terms work and the player is good enough to genuinely compete for a starting shirt, not just add a number to the squad list.
Which Centre-Backs Are on Barcelona’s Radar?
Cristian Romero is among the defenders linked with Barcelona, although a deal would be difficult because Arsenal and Inter are also interested, while Atletico Madrid have discussed a possible transfer with Tottenham.
However, reports suggest that no formal offer has yet been submitted. Aymeric Laporte is the other defender linked with Barcelona.
Reports have placed his Athletic Club release clause at between €12 million and €15 million, but the Basque club disputes that figure, meaning Barca must establish the actual cost before deciding whether to pursue the Spain international.
Could Barcelona Promote from La Masia Instead?
Alvaro Cortes is the least discussed option behind Romero and Laporte. The La Masia graduate has impressed Hansi Flick and his staff during pre-season, which could open the door to a bigger role if Barcelona decides against signing an experienced centre-back.
The club could see more value in promoting him than bringing in a player purely for depth. Flick's preference still leans toward experience rather than handing an academy graduate regular first-team minutes this early.
But the fact that promoting Cortes is being considered as a genuine alternative, and not just as a fallback option highlights how highly the club rates him internally.
