According to a report from SPORT, Barcelona are planning significant changes to its defensive lineup for the upcoming season.
The club is working on finalising the acquisition of Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, with the hope of securing him on a free transfer this summer.
If this move goes through, it will lead to at least one or two defenders leaving the team.
It is said that Hansi Flick is a strong advocate for signing the German international. He believes Tah’s style of play is a perfect fit for the team, and Flick sees him as a player who could immediately compete for a starting spot in the squad.
However, Tah’s arrival would mean some of the current defenders would need to be sold or moved on. Several players’ futures are up for discussion, and Barcelona will have to make some tough decisions regarding their centre-backs.
Barcelona are in advanced talks
Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, has already met with Tah’s agents to move the deal forward.
Despite receiving a more lucrative offer from Bayern Munich, the player is keen to join Barcelona, a decision influenced by Flick’s strong desire to make him a key part of the team.
Tah’s agent, Pini Zahavi, who also represents Robert Lewandowski and Flick, is working in Barcelona’s favour to make the transfer happen, as long as the financial terms are agreeable.
What is Barcelona’s plan?
Hansi Flick is ready to sanction Eric Garcia’s sale. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s long-term defensive plans include making young talent Pau Cubarsi a central figure in the squad.
Flick also wants to keep Inigo Martinez, valuing his experience, leadership, and his left-footed playing style.
With these three players forming the backbone of the defence, Barcelona will need to decide on the future of other defenders.
It appears that Eric Garcia is not in the club’s plans for the upcoming season, with Flick already suggesting that the player could leave as early as the January transfer window. However, he has expressed his reluctance to leave just yet.
Then there is Christensen
Another key decision revolves around the future of Andreas Christensen. While the Danish defender has a contract until 2026, there has been no offer for renewal, and Barcelona had initially considered selling him.
Christensen, however, has made it clear through his representatives that he has no intention of leaving the club, despite interest from the Premier League.
This leaves Barcelona with more complex decisions to make regarding its defensive depth as they look to strengthen for next season.