FC Barcelona are reportedly open to sign a new centre-back during the January transfer market. And no, before you mention it, they’re not expected to target Matthijs de Ligt until next summer.
Right now Los Blaugranas are looking for a “faster” solution at centre-back due to their rash of injuries on the defensive end. Samuel Umtiti has been dealing with a knee problem, Sergi Roberto has missed games as well, and now Thomas Vermaelen suffered another injury.
This leaves Barca with Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet as their lone natural centre-back alternatives, so they could certainly use reinforcements.
One of the alternatives that has been mentioned is a six-month loan for Andreas Christensen, who is currently out of favour at Chelsea. The Denmark international has yet to start a Premier League match since the arrival of Maurizio Sarri, and would certainly get more playing time with the current Liga title holders.
Other names that have been linked with a potential Camp Nou switch are Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly – who could be super expensive – and Real Sociedad’s Diego Llorente, who has been getting more and more minutes in the Spain national team under the tutelage of former Barcelona coach, Luis Enrique.
Through the first 16 games of the season, Barcelona have only conceded 19 times although they are yet to allow a goal in their last three league matches.
