Barcelona has officially decided to sign a new central defender this coming January, after back-to-back defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid exposed the need for Hansi Flick’s side to reinforce its backline.
According to Sport, Lisandro Martínez has emerged as the most viable option among the candidates considered—which also include Josko Gvardiol, Alessandro Bastoni, and Natan—given the difficulty of finalizing alternative high-profile deals during the winter window.
The Argentine defender is undergoing a turbulent period at Manchester United, where he was handed a financial fine, according to As, following his public criticism of the club’s management and recruitment policy after a 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atlético Madrid on October 13.
Martínez said at the time: “I expect more from our sporting director. We, as players, must deliver more, but it is crucial to build a strong squad,” directing his criticism toward Jason Wilcox over what he perceived as a failure to sufficiently strengthen the team to compete for titles.
Although the player subsequently issued an apology after a meeting with club officials and manager Michael Carrick, doubts over his long-term future persist. His primary contract runs until June 2027, with United holding an option to extend for an additional year—amid reports that management is hesitant to trigger it.
Gvardiol remains the most enticing target for Barcelona due to his versatility in playing both as a center-back and a left-back; however, Manchester City slammed the door on his departure by extending his contract until 2031. Mundo Deportivo linked any potential exit solely to the possibility of the English club facing severe sanctions over its financial infractions case.
Meanwhile, Bastoni was previously considered during the summer transfer window, and Barcelona retains a keen interest in him. However, his commitment to Inter Milan until June 2028 and his vital role in the Italian side’s setup make a mid-season transfer extremely difficult to execute.
Natan features as a practical alternative with strong familiarity with La Liga, having established himself at Real Betis, who bought out his contract from Napoli and tied him down until 2030. Mundo Deportivo estimates the cost of securing his signature at around €30 million plus add-ons.
The 28-year-old Martínez would offer Barcelona valuable experience honed at Ajax, Manchester United, and the Argentina national team—with whom he won the 2022 World Cup—alongside his elite left-footed ball-playing distribution, though his injury history remains the main reservation within the Catalan club regarding his signing.
