Barcelona reached the midpoint of the 2025-2026 season as The League leaders, but have shown certain weaknesses that cast doubt on their ability to compete seriously on all fronts. With the January transfer window open, head coach Hansi Flick a clear signal to the club management.
During Friday’s press conference prior to the derby against Espanyol, Swipe was asked for his opinion on the team’s chances with the current squad during the decisive phase of the season. “We’re not ready yet, as of today,he admitted candidly, according to Sport.
The coach then pointed out the specific area of the field where he believes the team has shortcomings that need to be addressed as soon as possible. “If you look at our backline, I think we need one more.” Hans explained.
Flick was of course referring to the defensive problems Barcelona have experienced this season. The unexpected departure of Inigo Martinez Unpleasant Al Nassr created a problem last summer that has yet to be resolved, despite constant changes to the central defensive personnel.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi.
Pau Cubarsi is Barcelona’s most reliable defender, but Flick is struggling to find the ideal partner. Ronald Araujo has underperformed, while other options such as Eric García, Andreas Christensen (currently injured), and Gerard Martijn have not been convincing.
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Barcelona’s January transfer search
Hansi Flick’s desire to sign a centre-back during the January transfer window is no secret. In fact, there has been speculation for weeks about several players who could go straight to Barcelona.
Nathan Aké, Alessandro Bastoni, Stefan De Vrij, Marc Guehi and Nicolas Otamendi have all been mentioned as potential reinforcements for the Catalan side, although reports indicate that advanced negotiations have not begun for any of them. Other clubs also like it Real Madrid is also looking for a player with this profilewhich certainly hampers Barcelona’s chances.
“This market is not easy,Hansi Flick acknowledged this during the same press conference, aware that Barcelona’s financial limitations will be an obstacle in pursuing reinforcements. “We’ll have to see… I think we’ll do something, but it has to make sense.”
A solution from Saudi Arabia?
Although Barcelona’s priority appears to be a centre-back, the possibility of signing exists Joao Cancelo could fill the team’s needs. The Portuguese full-back is about to leave Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League this window, and he reportedly wants to return to Europe.
Inter Milan and Barcelona seem to be the two main options. According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, quoted by SportCancelo’s salary in Saudi Arabia is €15 million per year. That means he owes €7.5 million for the rest of the season. Of that amount, Al Hilal is expected to cover about half to facilitate the transfer €3.75 million (approximately $4 million) for the club that signs the Portuguese defender.
If Barcelona can cover that amount, they would be able to negotiate Cancelo’s return. The defender would give Flick the option to play on the right or left, with the important detail: if he is deployed as a right back, he can play freely Jules Konde to play as a centre-back, potentially solving Barcelona’s ongoing problem in that position.
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