Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has insisted that he is not concerned by an apparent lack of centre-back options heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
The Catalan giants have allowed Inigo Martinez to join Al-Nassr this summer, and there have been suggestions that the club are now considering entering the transfer market for a new central defender.
However, Flick, during his press conference on Friday, said that he is not worried by a lack of options in that area, claiming that Gerard Martin is capable of playing as a centre-back.
Martin had a breakthrough 2024-25 campaign for the Catalan side, featuring on 42 occasions in all competitions, but he is primarily a left-back.
Marc Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo are set to be the starters in the middle of the defence when available, with Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen providing the back-up.
Gerard Martin celebrates scoring for Barcelona against Real Sociedad on March 2, 2025
Flick plays down the need of a centre-back signing this summer
Christensen had his injury problems last season and was linked with a departure earlier this summer, but the Denmark international is set to remain at Camp Nou.
The same can also be said for Garcia, who is likely to be needed as the back-up to Jules Kounde at right-back, with Hector Fort being tipped to depart before the deadline.
"No, to be honest, no. Gerard can also play in this position, and that’s something I really appreciate. He played fantastically this season and has also done well as a central defender this pre-season," Flick told reporters when asked whether he was concerned about his centre-back options.
Barcelona are currently preparing to begin their 2025-26 La Liga campaign against Mallorca on Saturday night, but a number of their first-team players are currently unregistered, including Martin.
Marcus Rashford signing for Barcelona on July 23, 2025
Flick addresses registration issues ahead of Mallorca clash
As it stands, Joan Garcia, Marcus Rashford, Roony Bardghji, Martin, Marc Bernal and Wojciech Szczesny have not been registered for the start of the 2025-26 La Liga campaign.
However, the situation is expected to change before Saturday's game kicks off.
“For me, it’s a situation that doesn’t make me too happy. I trust the club, we have to wait until tomorrow. Last season was like that too. We’re focusing on what’s in our hands," responded Flick during his press conference.
Garcia is widely expected to be registered in time to feature between the sticks, but if that is not the case, Barcelona would have a major issue in goal, as Marc-Andre ter Stegen is out following a back operation, while Szczesny is also yet to be registered.
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