It’s been a busy transfer window for Barçelona, with plenty of new arrivals adding depth, quality, and filling gaps left by departing players. But one gap remains open. With only a few hours left before the window closes, it’s being reported that Barca could still sign a center-back.
While the 5-2 win against Rayo Vallecano showed how this squad can outscore almost anyone, it also highlighted how opponents continue to exploit defensive gaps. With Barça competing on multiple fronts, squad depth will
be required in all positions.
The departure of Álvaro Cortés has further heightened the current issues at center-back, leaving Barça with only three senior central defenders: Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, and Andreas Christensen. (Eric García and Jules Koundé are being used at right-back, so they don’t really count here.)
Cubarsí and Martín have emerged as Flick’s starting centre-backs for the big matches, and they’ve earned his trust. Against Athletic Club, the pair looked composed and calm. Christensen is a capable deputy, but his injury record remains a concern. Any injury to Cubarsí or Martín would leave Barcelona looking short on options.
While Eric or Koundé are versatile players who can play at center-back in such a scenario, Barcelona could do with one more player to provide depth. The signing doesn’t need to be a key player or someone who starts important matches, just a reliable backup who can step in for an injured regular or start the occasional match against lower-tier teams to rest key players. Deco needs to work his magic and sign a low-cost center-back who adds depth. A loan could also work.
Barcelona are reportedly interested in Ruud Nijstad to solve this problem. An 18-year-old left-footed center-back playing for FC Twente, the player has a dominant physical presence with a towering height of 195 cm (6’5”) and has impressed onlookers with his defensive qualities, along with his ability to carry the ball out from the back.
The signing still looks difficult as FC Twente obviously don’t want to sell their prized young defender, and Nijstad only just signed a contract that runs to 2029, but he has previously admitted that he’d love to play with Cubarsi at Barca.
So, today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Do Barcelona need a center-back on deadline day? And is Nijstad the answer, or is there a better option?
Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and answers in the comments section below!
