Barcelona keeping January transfer wildcard for defensive reinforcement

Barcelona have decided to build Hansi Flick's squad from front to back, with sporting director Deco and the manager prioritising their attacking options while keeping the January transfer window available for a possible defensive addition, according to SPORT .

It must be remembered that Barcelona focused heavily on strengthening the forward line this summer, while the defence was left without the left-footed centre-back Flick had wanted.

The Catalan club did make a late attempt to address that need by trying to sign Ruud Nijstad from FC Twente, but the move could not be completed before the transfer window closed.

Rather than forcing another deal, Deco and Flick have opted to wait.

Hence, the defensive situation will be monitored during the first part of the season, with the winter market effectively being kept as a safety net.

Flick's preference for a left-footed central defender was clear, but the German coach remains committed to the tactical principles behind his football.

As per the outlet, Barcelona will continue pushing their defensive line extremely high, using pressure as one of the foundations of their game.

That requires defenders to be aggressive, disciplined and comfortable defending large spaces behind them.

Pau Cubarsi is the only guaranteed starter at Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

It also explains why technical ability in possession remains so important.

Flick wants Barcelona to move the ball along the ground and do so at the highest possible speed, meaning his defenders have to contribute to the team's build-up rather than simply defend their own box.

At present, Pau Cubarsi is the only clear starter at centre-back, while the battle for the position alongside him remains open, with Gerard Martin and Andreas Christensen among the candidates.

Eric Garcia is another possibility, although his role has increasingly shifted towards right-back .

Barcelona's full-back positions remain competitive

As such, Eric Garcia appears to have an early advantage on the right, although Jules Kounde remains an important option.

On the opposite flank, Alejandro Balde faces another opportunity to establish himself at the level Flick expects, especially after he decided not to leave this summer.

The same applies to Kounde, with both players needing to continue developing within the team's demanding tactical structure.

Joao Cancelo is expected to compete strongly for a starting role after returning to Barcelona, but the veteran has already encountered an unexpected challenge from Xavi Espart .

Xavi Espart has made a strong impression early in the season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Espart has emerged as one of the more intriguing young players at the club and, despite originally being trained as a midfielder, is demonstrating that he can operate effectively as a full-back.

Barcelona may return to the market in January

The biggest question remains what happens if Barcelona lose another centre-back.

With Ronald Araujo now at Liverpool, there is an argument that the squad could have benefited from another defender capable of providing greater security.

Finding the right player is not straightforward, as Barcelona's defensive system places unusual demands on centre-backs, particularly because they are expected to defend high up the pitch while also helping the team circulate possession quickly.

A player who is simply strong defensively may not necessarily fit Flick's requirements.

That is why the decision to leave the January window open makes sense.

Barcelona can assess how Cubarsi, Christensen, Garcia and the other defensive options cope with the demands of the campaign before deciding whether intervention is necessary.