Barça has had to deal with the significant departure of Iñigo Martínez to Saudi Arabia. The Basque center-back, who arrived two years ago to bring experience, leadership, and a left-footed profile to the defense, has decided to accept Al Nassr's lucrative offer.
Iñigo was a starter alongside Pau Cubarsí and his departure leaves the club in trouble. Flick trusted him as the leader of the backline and his exit leaves the team with fewer options to face a long season.
A defense without left-footed center-backs
After the departure of the Ondarroa native, Barça is left with only four center-backs in its squad: Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen, and Eric García. Although all of them provide reliability, none is left-footed, which limits Flick's tactical possibilities.
This lack of a left-footed profile may force the German coach to use converted full-backs or make system changes. The absence of variety in this regard is a concern that Deco and his team will have to address, either in the next transfer window or before this one closes.
Bastoni, target for 2026
In this regard, Barça is clear that one of its main goals for next season will be to sign a left-footed center-back. That priority is joined by the search for a top-level "9," with names like Julián Álvarez or Alexander Isak on the list. For the defense, the most favored name is Alessandro Bastoni, from Inter Milan.
Bastoni is considered one of the best left-footed center-backs in the world, with experience on big stages and a style that would fit at Barça. However, signing him won't be easy due to strong competition from other top clubs and the high cost of such a deal.
Flick asks about a center-back
Meanwhile, Flick has directly asked Deco if there's a possibility of bringing in a center-back now to strengthen the squad this season. According to El Nacional, one of the options being considered is Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool.
The Frenchman has a contract expiring in 2026 and could leave for a reduced price if the English club decides to avoid letting him go for free later. However, Barça isn't the only interested party, as Madrid is also reportedly pursuing him with the idea of signing him for free next year. This competition adds difficulty to a deal that, if completed, would provide relief to a defense that has lost its starting center-back.