Barcelona weigh Andrea Cambiaso option amid uncertainty over defensive departures

Barcelona are assessing possible defensive reinforcements for the upcoming winter transfer window as doubts grow over Alejandro Balde’s future at the club.

Balde’s role has diminished under manager Hansi Flick, prompting Barcelona to examine several scenarios in case the left-back leaves in the coming months. According to Sport, the club have renewed their interest in Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso.

Calciomercato reports that Barcelona continue to monitor the Italy international and could revive their pursuit if there is movement among the club’s full-backs during the next transfer period.

Juventus are understood to value Cambiaso at about 30m euros. The 25-year-old remains under contract with the Italian club until June 2029.

The latest reports have added significance because El Messaggero says Balde’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has offered the player to Roma. That development has increased the possibility of Barcelona needing to consider alternatives in the full-back positions.

Cambiaso’s versatility is believed to be one of the main reasons he appeals to Barcelona. He is capable of covering long distances on either side of the pitch, can operate at both right-back and left-back, and regularly advances to support attacks.

His ability to play in more than one position could provide Flick with additional options when organising his defence. It would also allow Barcelona to consider a player who can adapt to different roles rather than being limited to one flank.

Cambiaso is not currently enjoying the strongest period of his Juventus career either. An ankle injury kept him out for several weeks, while, at the beginning of the season, Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti preferred Zeki Celik at left-back.

That competition for a starting place, together with the uncertainty surrounding Barcelona’s defensive squad, could influence the Italian’s situation during the winter window.

Calciomercato has also linked Barcelona’s potential interest in Cambiaso to speculation over Jules Kounde’s future. Kounde is attracting interest from Bayern Munich, and any departure involving the France international could create another vacancy for Barcelona to address.

For now, Barcelona are monitoring developments rather than committing to a transfer. Their plans are expected to depend on whether Balde or another defender leaves and on how the club’s options develop before the winter market opens.