FC Barcelona is preparing to address a critical deficit in its defensive rotation during the upcoming winter transfer window following a string of high-profile losses. After a period of 11 victories—nine in La Liga and two in the Champions League—the club suffered back-to-back defeats against Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes and Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou, according to reporting by Mundo Deportivo.
These results exposed recurring vulnerabilities in the team’s backline, which have persisted since the previous campaign. While the club successfully overhauled its attacking options during the summer with the arrivals of Gordon, Adeyemi, and Gabriel Jesus, and strengthened the midfield with the signing of Rodri, the defense remained largely unchanged due to budgetary constraints.
Personnel constraints and current defensive options
The club’s inability to finalize additional defensive signings during the summer was primarily a result of failed player exits, which limited the funds available for reinforcements. Manager Hansi Flick opted for continuity, relying on Andreas Christensen alongside Pau Cubarsí, while utilizing Eric García as an auxiliary right-back and keeping Jules Koundé as a versatile option capable of shifting between the flank and center-back.
However, the recent losses to elite-level opposition have mirrored defensive struggles from past seasons, specifically in Champions League fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan, where the team conceded goals on counter-attacks. The club’s sporting leadership has identified the need for an experienced central defender capable of immediate impact, though any January movement remains contingent on player sales and the resulting revenue.
Potential targets for the winter window
The club is evaluating several profiles to bolster its central defense, though each option presents distinct logistical or financial hurdles. Josko Gvardiol, the 24-year-old Manchester City defender, is considered an ideal candidate, but his contract extension through 2031 makes a deal highly unlikely unless the English club faces severe financial sanctions. Alessandro Bastoni, 27, remains a player of interest following prior scouting, yet negotiating with Inter Milan for a key starter mid-season is viewed as a complicated prospect.
More feasible alternatives include:
- Lisandro Martínez: The 28-year-old Manchester United center-back and 2022 World Cup winner is nearing the end of his current contract, which expires in June. This timeline could force the English club to consider a sale to recoup value. Martínez has been publicly critical of the club’s transfer policy following a loss to Atletico Madrid on October 13, 2025, which has reportedly placed his future in doubt. His injury history, however, remains a primary concern for Barcelona’s medical and scouting staff.
- Natan: The 25-year-old Real Betis defender has emerged as a practical target. After a strong debut season that helped his team reach the Champions League, the Brazilian has maintained a high level of performance. His acquisition is estimated to cost approximately 30 million euros plus performance-based variables.
Financial dependency on future exits
The path forward for Barcelona’s recruitment relies on the same financial conditions that restricted the club during the summer. The ability to sign an experienced center-back depends entirely on the success of offloading current squad members to clear space in the wage bill and generate transfer fees. As the winter market approaches, the sporting department must balance the need for immediate defensive improvement with the reality of the club’s ongoing economic limitations.
Whether the club can secure an experienced defender in January remains subject to internal decisions regarding player departures and the final assessment of the current squad’s injury status, particularly regarding candidates like Martínez. The club has not yet finalized a shortlist for a formal bid.
Keep reading
