Barcelona are entering a busy period as they plan for next summer’s transfer window, with defensive reinforcements high on the agenda.
The club have been keeping a close eye on top European defenders who could strengthen the backline, particularly as they look to challenge for La Liga and European honours.
With rivals like Real Madrid also scouting elite talent, the Catalan giants need to act smart to secure players who can make an immediate impact.
Sources close to the club indicate that scouting trips and internal assessments have intensified, highlighting the importance of signing a player who fits both tactically and culturally.
The board is reportedly focused on long-term solutions, rather than short-term fixes, to maintain defensive stability.
One of the names now under consideration is Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano, whose contract with the Bundesliga champions runs out at the end of the season.
After all, the towering centre-back’s current deal with the Bavarian giants stands to expire at the end of the season, and there is no agreement over an extension so far.
The French international’s contract situation has made him an appealing commodity in the market, with a number of top clubs keeping an eye on him, including Barcelona.
Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer, however, is confident about Dayot Upamecano staying at the Allianz Arena.
“I’m optimistic to get new deal done,” Hainer told Sky Sport Germany, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano via X.
“I’m hearing that he’s extremely happy at Bayern, he feels incredibly comfortable in the team, and he also feels incredibly comfortable with the coach,” he added.
Upamecano has been in exceptional form this season, thriving in Vincent Kompany’s tactical setup and featuring in 15 of Bayern’s 17 matches across all competitions in 2025/26.
Even with interest from La Liga and beyond, Upamecano remains central to Bayern’s present and future plans.
Should he sign an extension, Barcelona have multiple alternatives lined up, including Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck, Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, and Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio.
The club’s recruitment team is reportedly weighing these options carefully, seeking a blend of experience, potential, and adaptability to fit into the Barcelona defensive blueprint for 2026 and beyond.
Barcelona will need to move decisively if they want to land a top-tier centre-back, with Bayern hopeful of keeping Upamecano and other European giants circling the same talent pool.
🚨 Bayern president Hainer on Dayot Upamecano’s future: “I’m optimistic to get new deal done”.
“I’m hearing that he’s extremely happy at Bayern, he feels incredibly comfortable in the team, and he also feels incredibly comfortable with the coach”, told Sky SportDE. pic.twitter.com/jvSl77qyWs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 20, 2025
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