Barcelona’s late-window plans hinge on left-footed defender

Barcelona sporting director Deco is intensifying his efforts to complete the club’s final business before the transfer window closes, with the signing of a left-footed centre-back now the priority after the club moved closer to bringing in Gabriel Jesus.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona’s search for a defender in that specific position has become the central focus of their activity during the final phase of the market.

Head coach Hansi Flick acknowledged before the meeting with Rayo Vallecano that Deco was still working to complete his squad. At the time, the club’s defensive options were being closely examined, particularly after Barcelona had adopted the “Julian or no one” stance in their pursuit of an attacking target.

However, Deco surprised many by moving quickly to secure the Brazilian forward, leaving the recruitment of a left-footed centre-back as the outstanding issue for the first-team squad.

The position has been one of the most debated subjects at Barcelona throughout the summer. Several months ago, signing a player capable of operating on the left side of central defence appeared to be one of the club’s main priorities ahead of the current campaign.

Alessandro Bastoni was at one stage viewed as a player who could be close to joining Barcelona, but the sporting department eventually followed a different route. That decision was influenced significantly by Flick’s assessment of his existing squad.

The German coach has complete confidence in Gerard Martin’s ability to perform in the role. There have also been doubts within the club over whether Bastoni would be ideally suited to Barcelona’s style, particularly the demands placed on a defender when the team operates with a high defensive line.

The departure of Alvaro Cortes has added another element to the situation. The Barcelona academy player began pre-season training with the senior squad and appeared capable of remaining part of Flick’s group. He chose to leave the club a few days ago, however.

Cortes’s decision was understood to have been based on two main considerations. He believed his opportunities in the first team would be limited, while he also recognised that Barcelona were exploring the market for another left-footed centre-back.

That search is now entering a more intensive stage. The indications are that Barcelona are looking for a player with significant potential: a young defender who can develop into a long-term project for the club rather than simply provide an immediate solution.

Within the first-team environment, one of the players attracting the strongest interest is 18-year-old Dutchman Rod Nystad. The left-footed centre-back stands 1.95 metres tall and has already made a rapid impression after appearing for the first team of FC Twente.

Nystad is regarded as a modern defensive prospect, with the physical presence to play at centre-back and the technical ability to help build attacks from the back. He remains at a very early stage of his career, but his profile has made him an appealing option for Barcelona.

His style has been compared with that of centre-back Dean Huijsen. Nystad has also indicated on more than one occasion that he would like to play for Barcelona, saying he would welcome the opportunity to line up alongside Pau Cubarsi.

Deco could still produce another unexpected move before the window closes. Having caught many observers off guard with the late push for Gabriel Jesus, the sporting director may yet be working on an unreported deal for the defensive addition Barcelona have been seeking.