Barcelona plot Rodri and Laporte double swoop amid Julian Alvarez uncertainty

Barcelona could redirect the money set aside for Julian Alvarez towards a double deal for Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Athletic Club defender Aymeric Laporte if their attempt to sign the Atletico Madrid forward fails.

The Catalan club have yet to complete an agreement for Alvarez, and the difficulty in securing the transfer is prompting a reassessment of their priorities in the market.

According to journalist Victor Navarro, Barcelona are considering Laporte as a possible replacement for Ronald Araujo, whose expected loan move to Liverpool would leave Hansi Flick needing another senior option in central defence.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has begun examining the possibility of making an approach for the Spain international, with the club viewing him as a suitable addition to a back line that could soon lose Araujo.

The proposed change in strategy is closely linked to Barcelona’s financial planning. If the club decide against signing Alvarez from Atletico Madrid, the funds allocated for that deal could instead be used to pursue Rodri, while also financing the arrival of Laporte.

That would allow Barcelona to strengthen two areas of the team without moving beyond the budget they had already prepared for their planned attacking addition. Rodri would provide reinforcement in midfield, while Laporte would add experience and depth in defence.

Laporte’s recent performances for Spain have strengthened his appeal. He was reported to have played a prominent role in Spain’s 2026 World Cup triumph and also formed an effective defensive partnership with Pau Cubarsi during the tournament.

That relationship could be particularly attractive to Flick as he considers the balance of his defence for next season. Barcelona see Laporte as an option who would fit alongside Cubarsi and provide an experienced presence in the back line.

The club’s plans are therefore dependent on the outcome of the Alvarez pursuit. A failure to reach an agreement with the forward would not simply end one transfer operation; it could lead Barcelona to redirect their resources towards a broader recruitment plan involving two Spain internationals.

Barcelona are also preparing to promote another product of their academy. Regardless of which defender they eventually sign, Flick intends to give Alvaro Cortes an opportunity within the first-team squad next season.

Cortes’ expected involvement means Barcelona’s defensive planning will combine an external signing with greater reliance on academy talent. However, the immediate focus remains on whether the club can resolve the uncertainty surrounding Alvarez and decide if the available funds should instead be used on Rodri and Laporte.

The proposed deals remain under consideration, with Deco assessing the defensive option and Barcelona weighing how best to distribute their transfer budget.