Barcelona consider January centre-back signing as Hansi Flick reviews defensive options

Hansi Flick has opened the door to Barcelona signing a centre-back in the January transfer window, with injuries reducing his defensive options and the club assessing how to improve its performances at the back.

The Barcelona manager said the club was regularly discussing ways to strengthen the squad while speaking at a news conference before the match against Deportivo Alaves.

“We always talk about what is best for the team and how we can improve,” said Flick. “We are working on it, and we have spoken with Deco, Bojan and my coaching staff. If it is possible, we will do it.”

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are monitoring four defenders: Manchester City’s Croatia international Josko Gvardiol, Inter Milan’s Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni, Argentina international Lisandro Martinez and Brazil defender Natan of Real Betis.

A move for Gvardiol appears particularly difficult because he is under contract with Manchester City until 2031. Bastoni is also not considered a complete priority for Flick, despite sporting director Deco’s interest in bringing him to Barcelona.

Lisandro Martinez and Natan are viewed as more achievable options in theory.

Barcelona’s interest in Natan is partly based on his experience of La Liga and the performances he has produced for Real Betis. His potential availability at a reasonable cost is another factor in his favour, while Gvardiol remains among the players being followed despite the difficulty of completing such a deal.

The Catalan club are also looking further ahead, with Stuttgart’s Finn Jeltsch and RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba among the other young players being assessed as possible future additions to the defence.

Any January signing will depend on whether the player fits Flick’s plans and whether Barcelona can make the finances work. The cost of a deal, together with the possibility that money may need to be raised through a player departure, could determine the club’s position. Alejandro Balde is among the players whose exit could help create room financially.

Flick’s current stance represents a change from his approach last summer, when he opted to keep the existing squad and focus recruitment efforts on improving the attack. With the winter window approaching, strengthening the defence has become a much more prominent possibility.

Real Betis and Malaga are listed for a La Liga fixture on 31 October 2026, while Barcelona are scheduled to face Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on the same date.