Íñigo Martínez's departure to Al Nassr has altered Barça's defensive outlook, leaving a gap on the left side of the backline. However, the club doesn't plan to go to the market immediately to fill his absence. The idea is to make use of the resources already available and give prominence to players who've shown good performances during preseason.
Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araújo, and Eric García will be the main pieces in the defensive axis, with the young Gerard Martín as an alternative, despite being a full-back by training. Even Jules Koundé could play a temporary role in the center of defense if necessary. The approach is clear: keep stability and work with what's already there, at least in the short term.
The main medium-term goal
While there won't be immediate signings, in the sports planning there's a name that stands out as a goal for the summer of 2026: Alessandro Bastoni. The Inter Milan center-back is the profile Deco considers ideal to strengthen the left side of the defense and partner with Cubarsí in the future. Left-footed, with great ball distribution and experience in elite competitions, Bastoni fits perfectly into the blaugrana playing model.
Deco's plan is to use this season as a transitional stage, with Cubarsí establishing himself as a reference and the rest of the center-backs alternating positions. The operation for Bastoni will depend on the club reaching a more favorable economic scenario, something Barça expects to achieve in two years to face important negotiations.
Mutual interest, culé seal
In Italy, people are already talking about the connection between Bastoni and Barça, and the player himself has hinted at his admiration for the Catalan club's playing style. He has also shown interest in the emergence of Lamine Yamal, whom he has publicly praised as one of the most promising talents in world soccer. That personal bond could make his arrival at Camp Nou easier when the time comes.
For now, the key will be to keep patience and follow the financial roadmap. Inter will try to retain its defender, but the player's desire to wear blaugrana could tip the balance. If everything goes as planned, Bastoni would join the project in 2026 as a strategic piece for a defense that combines youth, quality, and potential.