Barcelona has shortlisted four elite defenders for potential January transfers as Hansi Flick urgently seeks to reinforce the backline.
With Pau Cubarsi shouldering excessive load alongside an aging Inigo Martinez and Ronald Araujo’s fitness concerns, Deco is scouring affordable profiles blending experience, youth, and availability—prioritizing loans or bargains to sidestep FFP pitfalls while stabilizing the high-line.
Mundo Deportivo reveals this Serie A and Bundesliga focus, shifting from summer plans to winter necessities amid conceding spikes.
The targets are Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan, 33), Koni De Winter (AC Milan, 23), Juan Jesus (Napoli, 34), and Luka Vuskovic (Hamburger SV on loan from Tottenham, 18).
De Vrij’s reduced role raises World Cup fears for the Dutch veteran, offering proven leadership at a discount.
De Winter’s untapped Belgian potential suits rotation, while free-agent-to-be Juan Jesus provides short-term grit.
Vuskovic’s physicality and promise—shining in 2. Bundesliga, with 4.1 clearances per 90, represents a long-term vision despite Tottenham complications.
Christensen’s absence exposes vulnerabilities, with Barcelona leaking 1.3 goals per game sans full strength, forcing Flick’s hand despite initial reluctance for temporary fixes.
Inter’s depth questions de Vrij’s minutes; Milan’s pecking order benches De Winter; Napoli’s Conte favors youth over Jesus; Vuskovic’s Hamburg loan ends summer 2026.
All fit low-cost criteria: loans for veterans, negotiations for prospects.
This multi-market hunt underscores Deco’s savvy amid salary cap limbo, eyeing Serie A surplus talent and German gems without blockbuster fees.
De Vrij brings Champions League nous; Vuskovic echoes Cubarsi’s trajectory.
Barcelona’s calculated shortlist balances immediate ballast with budding brilliance, sidestepping FFP fireworks for pragmatic plugs that preserve summer ambitions.
January success hinges on swift deals preserving summer firepower for marquee hunts, turning crisis into calculated evolution for Flick’s title tilt.
As January ticks down, Deco’s Serie A-Bundesliga blitz promises defensive daylight, transforming Christensen’s curse into Catalunyan conquest.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
