— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) [August 7, 2026](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2085839780550516868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Barcelona, all of a sudden, therefore look somewhat short on options in central defence. As things stand, Hansi Flick has Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, the oft-injured Andreas Christensen and academy graduate Álvaro Cortés at his disposal.
Eric García and Jules Koundé are options, too, but both appear to have been converted to full-time full-backs.
For this reason, it should come as little surprise to hear of the Blaugrana board kickstarting a fresh search for central defenders on the market. Not only that, but Deco and his team of directors are understood to have an early frontrunner in mind…
As per a report from Barca insider Víctor Navarro:
‘Barça are considering (Aymeric) Laporte as Araujo’s replacement. Deco is already studying the operation.’
Laporte, currently on the books of Athletic Club, formed a brilliant partnership with none other than Pau Cubarsí en route to Spain clinching glory at this summer’s World Cup.
> El Barça piensa en Laporte como sustituto de AraujoDeco estudiando ya la operación ¿Os acordáis cuando avanzamos ese ofrecimiento, el día del España-Francia?
>
> Pues eso
>
> — Víctor Navarro (@victor\_nahe) [August 8, 2026](https://x.com/victor_nahe/status/2086078364595413315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Conor Laird – GSFN