Barcelona weigh January move for defensive cover after Paris Saint-Germain setback

Barcelona are reconsidering their decision not to sign a defender after a 4-2 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League exposed weaknesses at the back.

The result has prompted the club to reopen discussions about strengthening in January, with the possibility of recruiting an experienced player either at centre-back or full-back.

According to Catalan newspaper Sport, Barcelona’s sporting department now accepts that attacking strength alone may not be enough to compete with Europe’s leading sides. The team conceded four goals against Paris Saint-Germain and could have suffered further damage without goalkeeper Joan Garcia, whose saves kept Barcelona in the match for long periods.

Space on both sides of the defence, combined with positional errors in central areas, caused significant problems. The performance has also renewed doubts about whether the current squad can cope with the demands of major European fixtures.

Bastoni was considered in the summer

Defensive reinforcements were already under consideration during the summer transfer window. Sporting director Deco explored the possibility of signing established defenders, with Italy international Alessandro Bastoni the leading name discussed.

However, manager Hansi Flick opposed the move and preferred to give the existing players an opportunity to prove themselves. He believed Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin could form a suitable partnership in the centre of defence.

Barcelona were also linked with Aymeric Laporte, but ultimately chose to invest in their attacking options, trusting their forwards to decide matches.

The club’s plans to change both full-back positions were not completed after attempts to make Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, or both available for departure failed. That prevented Barcelona from bringing in replacements.

Instead, the club brought Joao Cancelo back and gave Javi Espart an opportunity. Cancelo has not provided the defensive security required, while the left-back position remains a concern for Flick’s coaching staff.

Injuries have made the situation more difficult. Flick has been without Eric Garcia and Kounde, while Andreas Christensen continues to experience physical problems.

Flick rates Eric Garcia highly and considers him important to the organisation of the defence, whether used at full-back or centre-back. Pau Cubarsi is regarded as the most dependable defender currently available to Barcelona.

Salary limits could restrict January activity

Barcelona’s need for defensive cover is being complicated by their limited room within the wage bill. The club may have to sell one of its full-backs before it can complete another signing.

Balde returned against Paris Saint-Germain after a lengthy absence from competitive minutes but lacked match rhythm. Kounde, meanwhile, has seen his standing fall and is now at risk of losing his regular starting place.

Barcelona have potential targets at both full-back and centre-back, but any deal will depend on the club’s financial position and whether space can be created on the wage list.

After Flick prioritised attacking reinforcements in the summer, the defeat by Paris Saint-Germain has given Barcelona another reason to reassess their defence before deciding whether to act in January.