Barcelona’s long-running search for a reliable, left-footed centre-back is beginning to take clearer shape, with reports from Mundo Deportivo confirming that the club has now reduced their focus to ...
Barcelona’s long-running search for a reliable, left-footed centre-back is beginning to take clearer shape, with reports from Mundo Deportivo confirming that the club has now reduced their focus to just two names.
Internally, the club understands that the ideal scenario would be to secure at least one top-level centre-back who can anchor the back line for the next four or five seasons.
With that in mind, the technical staff have identified Josko Gvardiol of Manchester City and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan as the two candidates who best match what Barcelona are looking for.
A move is still off
At present, the financial reality complicates matters. Barcelona are still operating under restrictions and are not yet fully compliant with the 1:1 salary fair play rule.
This means that, right now, moves of this magnitude are unrealistic. However, there is growing confidence inside the club that next summer could bring a return to normality.
If Barcelona regain the ability to register players without major limitations, both Gvardiol and Bastoni would immediately become serious objectives.
Alessandro Bastoni is on Barcelona’s radar. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
From a sporting point of view, Gvardiol is seen as the closest fit to Barcelona’s needs.
His comfort on the ball, ability to defend in space, and experience at the highest level make him an ideal profile for a team that builds from the back.
The main obstacle, however, is Manchester City’s stance. The Premier League team is reluctant to part ways with regular starters, especially defenders who play such a key role.
What about Bastoni?
Bastoni, on the other hand, represents a different but equally attractive option. At 26, he combines maturity with several peak years ahead of him.
However, just like City, Inter consider Bastoni a cornerstone of their project.
That said, Barcelona admire his consistency, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities. For now, though, both names remain part of a long-term plan rather than an immediate operation.
If Barcelona’s financial situation stabilises, the club already knows exactly where they want to invest.
Category: General Sports
