The club is ready to put 40 million euros on the table at the end of the season to afford a new central defender.
FC Barcelona is already anticipating the next summer transfer window and wishes to offer significant reinforcement to Hansi Flick. Despite a first place in La Liga and a flamboyant attack led by a very prominent Raphinha, defense remains the main project for the German technician. The back line, often exposed by a high block, lacks guarantees, and the Catalan club is aware that it will have to strengthen itself to remain competitive over time, particularly in the Champions League.
Schlotterbeck, a simple plan B?
For several weeks, several avenues have been mentioned, including that leading to Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund). But according to information fromESPNanother name is gaining ground: Pau Torres. The central defender of Aston Villa, Spanish international and regular starter in the Premier League, greatly pleases the Blaugrana leaders. Long followed by Barça, the 28-year-old would not be indifferent to the idea of joining Catalonia, where he could reach a new milestone under the orders of Flick.
However, there remains the question of price. Recruited for nearly 40 million euros in the summer of 2023, Pau Torres will not be sold off by Aston Villa. Barça will have to deal with its financial constraints, especially since this file could be linked to the future of Ronald Araujo, still uncertain. In the meantime, the current defense relies on Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martin, while the departure of Íñigo Martínez has not yet been compensated. A context which reinforces the idea that a high-level central defender will indeed be the priority gift of the next summer transfer window.
🚨 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: Barcelona are looking for a left-footed center-back, and Pau Torres is one of the options.
He is open to returning to Spain and joining Barcelona in particular.
— @espn pic.twitter.com/UVfgArZ2Jo
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 16, 2025
