Barcelona name City and Man Utd centre-backs in transfer shortlist

Barcelona have added Manchester City centre-back Josko Gvardiol and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez to their transfer shortlist ahead of a defensive revamp, Mundo Deportivo reports.

The Blaugranas want to strengthen their defence in January after back-to-back defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid exposed the defensive issues in Hansi Flick’s team.

Barcelona started the season in incredible form. They won 11 consecutive games, including nine in La Liga and two in the Champions League.

However, defeats at the Parc des Princes and in El Clasico ended that impressive run, leaving many wondering whether they have what it takes to go head-to-head with Europe’s best teams.

Barcelona’s sporting department made several changes to the squad last summer. 

They signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund, and Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal to bolster their attack.

They also signed Ballon d’Or winner Rodri from Manchester City to add quality and experience to their midfield, while retaining Joao Cancelo following his successful loan spell.

Barcelona also bought Dominik Livakovic to back up first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia. However, their financial limitations prevented them from strengthening their backline.

Plans to sign another centre-back and a full-back were abandoned after the club failed to raise enough money through player sales.

Flick instead decided to keep Andreas Christensen alongside Pau Cubarsi, while Eric Garcia became an option at right-back. Jules Kounde can also cover at centre-back if needed.

The recent defeats have increased the urgency to improve the back line. 

Barcelona have struggled with similar problems in previous European campaigns, particularly against Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan, when opposition counter-attacks caused significant damage.

The club now wants an experienced centre-back who can hit the ground running, but their transfer plans will again depend on player sales and available funds.

Gvardiol is believed to be Barcelona’s dream target. The 24-year-old can play both centre-back and left-back, but his contract runs until 2031, making a deal extremely difficult. 

Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is another player Barcelona admires. However, convincing Inter to sell mid-season would be difficult as his contract runs until 2028. 

More realistic alternatives include United’s Martinez, whose contract expires next June. He could be available in January, but his injury record is a concern for Barcelona.