Barcelona are actively planning to bolster their backline ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with sporting director Deco tracking four young central defenders. The recruitment push follows a growing injury list that has severely stretched manager Hansi Flick's defensive options.
The Catalan club's current problems deepened after Andreas Christensen suffered a left thigh muscle injury that has kept him out of action since September. With Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia also sidelined, and young player Xavi Espart facing an extended recovery from an ankle problem, Flick was recently forced to play midfielder Frenkie de Jong in central defence next to Pau Cubarsi against Alaves.
According to a report by Sports Mole, Deco is prioritising a left-footed defender who can comfortably build attacks from deep and operate effectively in Flick’s aggressive, high defensive line. Heading the list of candidates is 23-year-old Ajax defender Youri Baas, who is left-footed and can also fill in at left-back. Baas is under contract in Amsterdam until June 2028 and has drawn interest from several German and English clubs, as well as Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are also keeping tabs on younger prospects to develop for the future. Manchester City’s 20-year-old Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis, who has spent time on loan at Girona, is under consideration despite logging only 199 minutes across four appearances.
Deco's transfer radar extends to 19-year-old Brazilian talent Arthur Dias from Athletico Paranaense, who is viewed as a long-term development signing. Barcelona are likewise monitoring 18-year-old Dutch defender Ruud Nijstad from FC Twente, though they face stiff competition from European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
Any potential move will require careful economic balancing for the Camp Nou side. The club remains constrained by strict salary cap limits, meaning Deco may need to sanction player departures before completing new signings to reinforce Flick's defence.
