This summer, Florentino Pérez has once again shown his ambition in the transfer market. Real Madrid's president has finalized the arrival of Dean Huijsen, a Dutch center-back who has already established himself as one of the most promising defenders on the planet. At just 19 years old, his potential and football maturity have caused unanimity: he is one of the best young center-backs in the world and is expected to lead the white team's backline.
Huijsen's addition has been seen as a statement in the eternal rivalry between Madrid and Barça. The player was being followed by several European giants and by Barça, and his signing strengthens the youth-focused policy that Florentino has implemented at the white club.
Barça reacts after Íñigo Martínez's departure
On the other side of the trench, Barça hadn't considered strengthening its defense this summer. With Eric García, Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, and Pau Cubarsí, Hansi Flick believed the position was covered. However, the unexpected departure of Íñigo Martínez to Saudi Al Nassr changed the outlook.
Now, the sporting management admits that a reinforcement in the backline is necessary, both to complete the rotation and to plan for the future. According to Diario Sport, Barça is already very close to finalizing a signing that fits the club's policy: young, with potential, and financially viable.
Luis Benedetti, Barça's bet
The chosen name is Luis Benedetti, a 19-year-old center-back who stands 6 ft. 6 in. tall (1.97 meters), currently playing for Palmeiras. The young Brazilian defender has become one of the most desired gems in the South American market thanks to his physical power and solidity.
Barça isn't the only club interested. Real Madrid and Napoli are also closely monitoring him, aware that he is a generational talent who can make a difference in the future. However, the persistence of the blaugrana sporting management and the good relationship with Palmeiras could tip the balance toward Camp Nou.
A future pairing with Pau Cubarsí
If the deal goes through, Barça would secure one of the most exciting defensive additions in recent years. Benedetti would arrive not only to strengthen the current squad but also to form, in the medium term, a center-back partnership expected to dominate Europe: the one he would form alongside Pau Cubarsí.
The homegrown player has established himself as an undisputed starter and is considered non-transferable. With Benedetti by his side, Barça would have a pair of young, complementary defenders with a very high ceiling. This is a move that fits Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick's vision: to build a competitive project for the present, but above all, one that is secured for the future.