FC Barcelona continues working on the planning of its squad, and one of Hansi Flick's priorities is to strengthen the defense. The team has shown a good version in several stretches of the season, but injuries and the lack of depth in the backline have complicated the task for the German coach.
Tonight, at 9:30 PM, Barça faces Valencia in the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey. A key duel in the season, but also a perfect showcase for a footballer who has caught the attention of the blaugrana board.
The winter market has already closed, so any operation will have to wait until the next transfer window. However, Joan Laporta already has a clear plan to strengthen the defense and has set a priority target at Mestalla.
Barça needs more options in defense
Hansi Flick has found in Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez his most reliable pair of center-backs in recent months. However, the age of the former Athletic player and the lack of high-level alternatives have made the need to sign a defender evident.
Ronald Araújo remains a pillar in the defense, but he has had physical problems and has also been linked to several Premier League clubs. Jules Koundé has alternated between the right flank and the center of the backline, but hasn't reached his best version.
Additionally, Eric García isn't convincing Flick. With all this context, Flick has asked the board for a reliable reinforcement, with projection and who can quickly adapt to the blaugrana style.
A Valencia in crisis and an opportunity for Barça
Meanwhile, Barça continues competing in all competitions, Valencia's situation is much more delicate. Carlos Corberán's team is fighting to avoid relegation in LaLiga, and the club's financial problems have forced the board to consider selling some key players.
Barça has identified a Valencia player as an ideal option to strengthen its defense. A young player, with great physical capacity and who has been one of the revelations of LaLiga.
At Mestalla, they don't want to part with him easily, but the club's delicate financial situation and the offer Barça is preparing could be decisive in the outcome of this operation.
Joan Laporta and Deco know that this signing is key to ensuring the team's defensive stability in the future. Therefore, they are willing to make a significant investment. Barça will offer 25 million euros, an amount that could convince Valencia, considering their financial problems.
The Che club will try to retain him at least until the end of the season, but if Barça maintains its interest, it will be difficult to prevent his departure in the summer.
The player Flick wants
The footballer in question is none other than Cristhian Mosquera, the young center-back who has become one of Valencia's great revelations.
At 19 years old, Mosquera has shown impressive maturity. His speed, anticipation, and ability to play the ball out make him an ideal profile for Barça.
His height (1.88 meters) (6 feet 2 inches) gives him an advantage in aerial play, something the blaugrana team has missed in several matches. Additionally, his room for improvement is enormous, and under Flick's tutelage, he could become one of the great center-backs of the future.
If the operation is completed in the next transfer window, Mosquera could form a promising duo alongside Pau Cubarsí. Barça bets on young talent, and the Valencia defender is the next target on the reinforcement list.