What Are The Options?
Why Has the Situation Changed? and What the Options Are
Barcelona urgently needs to sign a centre-back, and this is no longer just fan opinion. Even Hansi Flick has publicly hinted at it. After the match against Villarreal, when asked about injuries, Flick admitted he would speak to Deco and acknowledged that signings may be required.
This is a major shift. Earlier in December, Deco had insisted there was no need for winter reinforcements. But circumstances have changed and the squad depth issues are now impossible to ignore.
A Defence Held Together by Improvisation
Barça fans were briefly alarmed when Jules Koundé was substituted recently. Thankfully, it was only a minor injury. But it exposed a bigger problem: there is no margin for error.
At the start of the season, Eric García was meant to be Koundé’s backup at right-back.
Gerard Martín was Baldé’s backup at left-back.
But now
- Eric García is playing right-back, centre-back, and defensive midfield
- Gerard Martín is playing centre-back
- Pau Cubarsí is starting almost every game
- Andreas Christensen is injured with an ACL issue and out for over 4 months.
One player covering three positions is not squad depth, but rather a desperation.
Injury Risks and the Christensen Factor
Christensen’s injury is a massive blow. Even when he returns, questions remain about match fitness and rhythm. Can Barcelona really gamble on the entire season going smoothly, hoping no further injuries occur?
This is not sustainable and especially if Barça wants to compete seriously in big matches.
Financial Reality: Why Big Names Are Unrealistic
Names like Bastoni or Schlotterbeck sound great, but they are simply not realistic in winter. Barcelona cannot dream of €80m signings when they struggle to find €20m.
This isn’t about ambition, it’s about reality.
The good news? La Liga rules allow Barcelona to use 80% of Christensen’s wages to register a replacement if the injury is officially verified. This creates a pathway, but money still needs to be found.
Barcelona’s current financial state is the result of years of poor decisions and failed big-money signings. Now, Deco has to work within constraints, whether through sales, amortisation, or smart deals.
Possible Transfers
Nathan Aké (Manchester City)
Nathan Aké has reportedly been offered to Barcelona. While the source may be questionable, the profile makes sense. He is 30 and a left-footed CB. He has won the Champions League and 6 Premier League titles. He can play both as a centre-back and left-back.
Aké would bring experience, composure, and ball progression. He fits a possession-based system and could adapt quickly.
My major concerns are Injury history and Wages (Premier League level)
If City are open and Aké accepts a pay cut, a €15m deal could make sense as a short-term, reliable solution.
Axel Disasi (Chelsea)
This is one rumour that makes little sense. He has limited game time and is not in good form or sharpness. He has a long contract until 2029.
Barcelona cannot afford to take risks on players lacking rhythm. This option should be dismissed.
My Transfer Picks
Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Top Choice
Senesi is the standout option. He is 28 and a left-footed center back. His contract is until 2026. His valuation is ~€22m.
He is one of the most underrated defenders in the Premier League. Calm on the ball, strong in distribution, reliable in availability, and excellent in progressive passing. He played every match with the team except the one against Everton.
Key strengths:
- Elite defensive metrics (blocks, recoveries, clearances)
- Strong aerial presence
- Comfortable carrying the ball forward
- Fits Barcelona’s vertical build-up style
The challenge is Bournemouth’s willingness to sell mid-season, especially after already losing defensive players. But with a respectful offer, this deal is possible.
Jhon Lucumí (Bologna)
Lucumí is another quality option. His contract is until 2027. His valuation is €25–30m.
He is a regular starter in Serie A and Europa League.
He is excellent on the ball and experienced in build-up systems under Thiago Motta. However, the price tag makes a winter move extremely difficult. He is a strong player, but financially risky.
David Affengruber (Elche)
A highly interesting La Liga option. He is only 24. His contract is until 2027. His valuation is ~€9m.
Affengruber plays in a possession-heavy system similar to Barcelona’s. His numbers are impressive:
- Strong aerial duel success
- High progressive carries
- Solid passing metrics
He profiles as a budget-friendly, high-upside backup and could even develop into more. At €12–15m, this is one of the smartest realistic options.
Valentín Gómez (Real Betis) , Future-Oriented Pick
This is the most exciting long-term option. He is also young (Age: 22). He is also left-footed and his contract is until 2030. His valuation is ~€12m. He came from Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield.
A modern centre-back: comfortable on the ball, confident carrying forward, and strong in duels. He initially didn’t play that much. But now he’s already playing full 90s in La Liga and Europa League.
Why he stands out:
- Excellent dribble success
- Progressive passing
- Tactical fit for vertical football
- Similar stylistic profile to an early Lisandro Martínez, but taller
If Barcelona can negotiate a €15–20m deal, this would be a brilliant investment.
Key Player Comparisons
● Marcos Senesi vs Nico Schlotterbeck
Schlotterbeck is stronger in ball-carrying, dribbling, and offensive involvement, but Senesi competes or outperforms him in several defensive metrics, including recoveries, clearances, and positional reliability. Overall, Senesi offers a more balanced and stable profile—especially at a much lower cost.
● Marcos Senesi vs Nathan Aké
Senesi compares very well statistically with Aké. His dribble success, aerial duel rate, and clearance percentage are notably strong, while also offering progressive passing and confidence stepping forward. Senesi emerges as the more complete, long-term option.
● Marcos Senesi vs Marc Guéhi
While Guéhi is more hyped and significantly more expensive due to Premier League demand, Senesi provides similar defensive output at a far lower cost, making him the more realistic and efficient option for Barcelona.
● David Affengruber vs Marcos Senesi
Affengruber matches Senesi closely in minutes played and actually edges him in forward pass percentage, aerial success, and ball carrying. Senesi remains superior in accuracy and top-league experience, but Affengruber profiles as a budget “lite” version with strong upside.
● Valentín Gómez vs Marcos Senesi
Despite being six years younger, Gómez surprisingly outperforms Senesi in areas like dribble success, creation actions, and non-penalty xG involvement. Senesi is more polished, but Gómez’s ceiling is higher.
● Valentín Gómez vs Lisandro Martínez (early profile)
Gómez resembles an early Lisandro Martínez stylistically—left-footed, aggressive, progressive, but with more height. He fits Barcelona’s vertical build-up model extremely well.
Final Verdict
Barcelona must sign a left-footed centre-back. Flick has said it. The squad structure proves it. The risks are too high to ignore.
Priority order:
- Marcos Senesi (best balance of quality and realism)
- Valentín Gómez (best long-term project)
- David Affengruber (best budget option)
If Barcelona fail to reinforce this position, the season will become unnecessarily long and fragile.
What Do You Think?
Which centre-back would you sign? Any underrated defenders around the €20m mark worth scouting?
Let me know and comment on my youtube video and I’ll prepare a full scouting report next.
Barca NEEDS To Sign A Centre Back! | What Are The Options?
