Barcelona use AI to identify six January defensive targets within €4m budget

Barcelona are using artificial intelligence to help sporting director Deco identify a central defender who could be signed on loan in January, with the club’s available wage budget capped at €4m.

According to Sport, the system has produced a shortlist of six players who could move without a transfer fee as Barcelona seek to strengthen Hans Flick’s defence before the decisive stage of the season.

The club’s preferred solution is a centre-back on loan until the end of the campaign. Barcelona’s financial restrictions mean a significant permanent investment would not be possible unless they first sell a player.

Six names on Barcelona’s shortlist

The leading candidate is Manchester City defender Vitor Reis, who is comfortable in possession and has experience of La Liga from his time with Girona.

A six-month loan for the 20-year-old could suit all parties, Sport reports, although his lack of experience in high-pressure matches is viewed as a potential weakness.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Beraldo is another option. The 22-year-old is left-footed, confident in distributing the ball and familiar with operating in a high defensive line.

However, Barcelona would have to persuade Paris Saint-Germain to loan him to a direct European rival, which is considered the main obstacle to a deal.

Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie is described as the player who best fits Flick’s approach. The 24-year-old combines pace with an aggressive style and can play both at centre-back and left-back.

His contract with Arsenal runs until 2031, though, making a temporary move particularly difficult.

Chelsea’s Jorrel Hato also features on the list. Sport regards the 20-year-old as tactically intelligent and capable of starting attacks from defence, with qualities considered highly suitable to Barcelona’s style.

Chelsea see Hato as a long-term investment, which could make negotiations difficult.

The final two names are regarded as possible opportunities in the market rather than straightforward loan targets.

Experienced options

Milan defender Fikayo Tomori is one possibility. His contract expires in June 2027, potentially creating an opening for discussions over a loan.

The 28-year-old’s pace and international experience are considered a good match for the demands of Flick’s system.

Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez completes the shortlist and is described as the most experienced and attractive option of the six.

The 28-year-old is viewed as a true leader, is comfortable playing with his left foot and offers similarities to Inigo Martinez in his ability to build play from the back.

His contract with Manchester United also runs until 2027, with an option to extend. However, his wages and injury history are identified as two of the biggest barriers to a move.

Barcelona’s search comes as they prepare for the crucial part of the season, with the club’s financial limits leaving a low-cost loan as the most realistic route to reinforcing the defence.