Deco Plans One Final Signing for Barcelona
Barcelona’s sporting director is not ready to close the transfer window just yet and is looking to strengthen the defense with a top-level center-back before the deadline.
Barcelona are preparing for the final days of the transfer window with several moves still pending. While the club’s board works to finalize departures and free up salary space, Deco still has one final signing in mind to complete Hansi Flick’s squad.
The sporting director’s priority is to strengthen the heart of the defense with a top-level player, preferably a left-footed center-back. The departure of Ronald Araújo has once again made the position one of the Catalan club’s main needs, although Barcelona are also looking to complete other deals before turning their full attention to a new defender.
Deco Is Looking for a Top-Level Center-Back
The sporting department had already tried to strengthen that area earlier in the summer. One of the names considered was Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan, but the deal did not progress because of the high price tag and difficulties in reaching an agreement.
At the moment, Hansi Flick can call upon Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Andreas Christensen and Eric García as defensive options. Youngster Álvaro Cortés is also highly rated within the club. However, the intention is to add experience and immediate quality to give the coach more alternatives.
The profile being sought is similar to what Iñigo Martínez provided: a defender capable of bringing stability from the moment he arrives and with the qualities needed to adapt to a system that requires taking risks and playing an active role in building from the back.
Laporte and Lukeba Emerge as Options
One candidate who has gained momentum is Aymeric Laporte. The Athletic Club defender fits the characteristics Barcelona are looking for, although the conditions required to complete the transfer represent a major obstacle. The Basque club reportedly have no intention of making negotiations easy.
Another alternative is Castello Lukeba, the RB Leipzig center-back who has been closely monitored by Barcelona’s scouts. His ability to build from the back, combined with his youth and physical strength, makes him an attractive option for Flick, although his price tag could complicate any late move.
Barcelona also have other transfer priorities, with Rodri and João Cancelo among the players identified as targets. Once those potential deals and the necessary departures are resolved, Deco will look to make his final move: signing a center-back to complete and strengthen the squad for the 2026/27 season.
