Barcelona’s summer rebuild appears far from finished.
After wrapping up a deal for Anthony Gordon and continuing their efforts to bring Julian Alvarez to the club, the Catalan giants remain focused on strengthening other key areas of the squad.
One position that continues to attract attention is central defence. Hansi Flick is keen on adding a naturally left-footed centre-back, a profile that can significantly improve Barcelona’s build-up play from the back.
While Alessandro Bastoni was heavily monitored in recent weeks, Barcelona have cooled their interest in the Inter Milan defender for the time being.
Instead, Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has emerged as another name under consideration.
The Croatian international has been offered to Barcelona and would welcome a move to Catalonia if he decides to leave England.
Although the Blaugrana have not made any decisive move for him yet, his profile makes him an intriguing option for Flick.
Should Barcelona eventually move for Gvardiol, his arrival could give the German manager several tactical possibilities.
As a centre-back
Josko Gvardiol in Barcelona lineup
Gvardiol could pair up with Pau Cubarsi.
The most straightforward role for Gvardiol would be alongside Pau Cubarsi in central defence.
Since Cubarsi established himself as a starter, Barcelona have lacked complete stability regarding his long-term partner.
Injuries, rotations and inconsistent performances have often forced changes in the back line throughout the season.
Gvardiol would immediately offer a different dimension. His left foot would improve Barcelona’s build-up structure, allowing the team to progress possession more comfortably under pressure.
This is particularly valuable for Flick, whose teams often rely on defenders to initiate attacks rather than simply defend.
Beyond his passing ability, Gvardiol combines physical strength with impressive recovery pace and that combination would allow Barcelona to maintain a high defensive line, something Flick generally prefers.
A Cubarsi-Gvardiol partnership could therefore offer balance.
The former would continue acting as the primary organiser and distributor from the right side, while Gvardiol would provide aggression in duels, ball carrying and defensive cover on the left.
As a left-back
Another possibility would see Gvardiol deployed as a defensive-minded left-back.
Josko Gvardiol in Barcelona lineup
Gvardiol can also play as a left-back
Flick enjoyed considerable success last season with the Gerard Martin-Cubarsi relationship on the left side of defence.
Rather than disrupting that structure completely, Gvardiol could also slot into a hybrid full-back role similar to the one he frequently occupied under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
In this position, he would not operate as a traditional overlapping full-back.
Instead, he could tuck inside during possession phases, creating an additional centre-back when Barcelona build from deep.
This would allow the more attacking players ahead of him greater freedom while also providing extra protection during defensive transitions.
Against stronger opponents, such a setup could significantly improve Barcelona’s defensive solidity without sacrificing control of possession.
A third centre-back
Perhaps the most interesting possibility involves a shift to a back three.
Josko Gvardiol in Barcelona lineup
Flick can switch to a three-match defensive structure
Although Flick has largely relied on a four-man defence since arriving in Barcelona, Gvardiol’s versatility could open the door to a tactical variation for specific matches.
At Manchester City, some of Gvardiol’s strongest performances have come as the left-sided centre-back in a three-man defensive structure.
From that position, he has been able to step forward aggressively, carry the ball into midfield and support attacks without leaving large defensive gaps behind him.
A potential back three of Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo and Gvardiol would give Barcelona a blend of technical quality, physical strength and defensive security.
If not that, Eric Garcia can replace Araujo, and there is a case of Jules Kounde as well. The fact of the matter is, Flick will have no shortage of manpower in this approach.
Such a system could prove particularly useful in Champions League matches or against opponents who defend deep and force Barcelona to dominate possession.
Wing-backs would gain greater attacking freedom, while Gvardiol’s comfort on the ball would help progress play through central and wide areas.