Barcelona will pursue at least two defenders next summer if they have the money to do so, with youngsters Hector Fort and Gerard Martin set to make their backup positions this season. In particular, the left-back position was underlined as a priority.
The Deco Sports Directorate has already explored the options for both places next summer. A choice that has been made for the position of left back is that the Blaugrana will not look for a player to tie to the position for one or two years, as was the case with the veteran Marcos Alonso, who left last summer. Instead, they intend to sign a real alternative to Alejandro Balde.
Flick: “This is one of the most beautiful grounds, with a spectacular atmosphere… I like this fantastic atmosphere, which motivates the players a lot. There have been matches in which we have shown our quality… And it is normal sometimes have parties that are not so good.”
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 10, 2024
One name mentioned is AS Monaco Caio Henrique. The Brazilian has been linked with Barcelona on several occasions in the past, and will once again be on Deco's shortlist, they say. Sport. His contract is up in 2027, but he will be looking for a move next summer.
While he has played most of their games, Henrique has not been an automatic starter for AS Monaco this season, starting 11 of their 19 games, but is considered a more defensively sound option than Balde. Other reports in the Spanish press say that Barcelona identified Balde's defensive abilities as one of their problems, and something that needs to be addressed.
