Although they significantly strengthened an already strong squad during the last summer transfer window, one area that has still caused problems for FC Barcelona in the last few weeks is the defense. The Blaugranes saw several of their defenders suffer injuries and Hansi Flick was forced to use midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Brian Farinas to cover for the center-back position during the game against Alaves.
In such a context, reports suggest the Catalans can go into the market to bring some defensive reinforcements during the upcoming winter transfer window, and they will particularly look to sign a center-back. In this regard, they have been linked with several players in recent days, including the likes of Ruud Nijstad, [Levi Colwill](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-add-chelsea-defender-to-their-list-of-centre-back-targets/), Josko Gvardiol, and Alessandro Bastoni.
Meanwhile, [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20261113/1004250723/vinculan-barca-central-futuro-brasil.html) cites TeamTalk to report that Barcelona are also closely monitoring another young center-back, i. e., the Brazilian youngster Vitao, who is currently playing for the Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro.
Despite being only 18 years of age, he has established himself as a starter for Atletico Mineiro, making 18 first team appearances this season and scoring one goal. His good performances have taken his market value to €14 million, even though his club has no intentions of parting ways with him and wants to keep him at least till 2027.
Furthermore, other big European clubs, including Brighton and Hove Albion and Real Madrid, are also interested in him, which can make his pursuit even more difficult for Barcelona. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether the Blaugranes would make a move for him in the coming months or bet on another player to address their center-back position. They already have several young defenders in their squad, so the Catalans might ideally want to bring in a more experienced defender who can make an immediate impact for the team.