FC Barcelona draws up a select shortlist of three elite centre-backs with the club aiming for high-quality defensive upgrades.
Hansi Flick’s tactical setup relies on dynamic full-backs who contribute offensively without compromising defensively, leading Deco to refine a shortlist amid Joan Laporta’s €100m signing vow and Financial Fair Play realities.
Recent academy coups like Ajay Tavares underscore youth focus, but the senior left flank demands proven quality to complement Pau Cubarsí and bolster title aspirations.
Three carefully selected profiles have risen to the top of Barcelona’s radar.
The three high-profile defenders shortlisted by Barcelona are Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Daniel Svensson (Nordsjælland), and Miguel Gutiérrez (Girona), as reported by Fichajes.
Grimaldo, 30, dazzled as a free-agent gem with 11 goals and 20 assists last season, his set-piece mastery and attacking verve fitting Hansi Flick perfectly.
Svensson, 20, emerges as a long-term project – a Swedish prodigy with composure and crossing ability, valued at €15m for La Masia integration.
Gutiérrez, 24, offers familiarity and upside at €30m, his Girona form showcasing dribbling and defensive steel after a solid Real Madrid youth spell.
Grimaldo’s Leverkusen success under Xabi Alonso makes him the marquee free hit, blending experience with creativity absent since Alba’s peak.
Svensson’s youth aligns with Barcelona’s pipeline strategy, his 2. Bundesliga loan stints hint at first-team readiness.
Gutiérrez, thriving in Girona’s high press, brings La Liga pedigree and growth potential, potentially reuniting with ex-Madrid prospects.
Deco’s trio balances immediate impact (Grimaldo), developmental value (Svensson), and domestic reliability (Gutiérrez).
Balde’s potential exit generates funds, dovetailing with centre-back pursuits like Luka Vušković and Marcos Senesi.
Laporta’s election pledge adds momentum – a Grimaldo Bosman could fulfil the €100m ambition without net spend.
Selecting among these elevates the left flank, fortifying Flick’s squad for domestic and European battles while sustaining Barcelona’s youth-driven revival.
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