Barcelona are advancing their defensive plans after shortlisting 2 top defenders, with both players now under serious consideration.
FC Barcelona’s summer transfer window strategy is taking an unexpected late turn as sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick evaluate potential options to reinforce their defensive line.
Having spent much of the off-season focusing heavily on frontline acquisitions and midfield restructuring, the Catalan club’s operational priorities have pivoted following late squad movement.
The urgent motivation behind targeting these international figures comes as Ronald Araujo’s imminent departure leaves Hansi Flick’s squad thin in central leadership.
The high-profile targets featured on Deco’s primary list are Tottenham Hotspur powerhouse Cristian Romero and Athletic Club center-back Aymeric Laporte, as reported by Diario Sport.
Both defenders offer top-level physical and technical traits that match Flick’s high-pressing tactical philosophy, making them ideal candidates to partner Pau Cubarsí in the starting lineup.
However, completing either operation within the final weeks of the window presents distinct operational challenges.
Pursuing Romero involves navigating complex negotiations, as Tottenham hold a firm stance on their star defender amid competing interest from domestic rivals like Atletico Madrid.
Meanwhile, a move for Laporte depends on clarifying financial conditions and release clause details with Athletic Club, who remain tough negotiators following recent transfer standoffs.
Laporte’s exceptional ball-playing ability, left-footed profile, and vast top-level experience make him an ideal candidate to partner young prodigy Pau Cubarsí in Hansi Flick’s fluid build-up scheme.
The salary margin cleared by Araujo’s departure provides Barcelona with crucial flexibility under La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules.
Deco and Hansi Flick remain vigilant, maintaining that an official move will only be triggered if the financial structure fully aligns with club parameters.
As deadline day approaches, all eyes remain on whether Barcelona will complete a marquee late defensive swoop.
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