Barcelona leave door open for late centre-back signing under two conditions

Barcelona’s search for a new striker is not the only transfer issue occupying Deco in the final stages of the window.

The club is still looking closely at the market for a centre-back, and SPORT suggests another defensive signing cannot be ruled out. 

The interesting part is that Barcelona’s next move at the back could depend heavily on what happens with the long-awaited No. 9.

If the club spend heavily on a centre-forward, their options in defence would naturally become more limited. 

But if the striker deal fails to materialise, Barcelona could have the financial room to make a more ambitious investment in a proven centre-back, leaving Deco working on two fronts.

As per the outlet, Barcelona are continuing to monitor potential opportunities in the centre-back market regardless of whether a new striker eventually arrives.

The profile of the player they pursue, however, could change dramatically.

Barcelona are looking for a new centre-back. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

A major investment in a new No. 9 would mean Barcelona looking for a cheaper defensive solution. 

In that scenario, the club could target a young centre-back with potential or explore the possibility of bringing in a player on loan.

Such a move would give Flick another option without forcing Barcelona into another major transfer expenditure.

However, the situation could be very different if Barcelona fail to sign their priority striker.

Without a significant investment in attack, the club could redirect a larger part of their budget towards the defence and pursue a more established player capable of making an immediate difference.

On that note, Aymeric Laporte is one of the names admired at Barcelona.

The Spanish international would bring experience and quality, while his profile would also fit the need for a centre-back capable of competing at the highest level.

Aymeric Laporte continues to be on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

However, completing a deal for Laporte would be far from simple because Athletic Club paid around €10 million to bring him back from Saudi Arabia and also handed him a lucrative contract.

That makes it difficult to imagine Athletic being willing to negotiate his departure so soon after securing his return.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the striker signing, Deco is continuing his work, remaining in contact with agents to assess the opportunities that could emerge before the window closes.

The possibility of a young signing or a late loan is considered a realistic route if the club decide they need another centre-back without committing to a major transfer fee.

On that note, the UEFA Champions League is an important factor in that thinking.

This is because Flick wants enough depth to rotate throughout the season and avoid reaching the decisive months with key players exhausted or carrying physical problems. 

Hence, another centre-back would give the German more freedom to manage his defensive resources.