Barcelona make enquiry for 26-year-old Serie A centre-back – report | OneFootball

Barcelona continue scanning the transfer market ahead of next summer with a clear objective. The sporting department wants to strengthen the heart of the defence with a left-footed centre-back, a profile they consider important following the departure of Inigo Martínez.

For the moment, however, no final decision has been made about which defender will be targeted. The choice will depend heavily on financial conditions, particularly the club’s ability to operate under the 1:1 spending rule.

Evan Ndicka scouted

Names like Alessandro Bastoni, Nathan Ake, and Micky van de Ven, among others, have been touted as possible targets.

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona have made initial enquiries about Evan Ndicka, the Ivorian centre-back currently playing for AS Roma.

The 26-year-old defender fits several of the characteristics that the club is looking for – a tall, left-footed central defender who is comfortable in possession and capable of building from the back.

Ndicka is enjoying a solid season with Roma. During the current campaign, he has played 31 matches, accumulating 2,511 minutes, scoring three goals. His consistency and strong physical presence have made him an important figure in the Italian side’s defence.

Evan Ndicka an option for Barcelona. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Sources from the Giallorossi say they have not received any direct contact from Barcelona, reinforcing the idea that the Catalan club only approached the player’s entourage rather than the club itself.

Nevertheless, Roma do not rule out the possibility of selling him next summer if the right offer arrives.

Only preliminary enquiry

Despite the interest, it is important to place the situation in context. Barcelona’s approach is currently nothing more than an exploratory enquiry designed to understand the player’s contractual situation and market conditions.

There is no negotiation underway, nor have Barcelona formally communicated any concrete intention to sign him.

Ndicka is simply one of several names being monitored as part of the club’s normal scouting and evaluation process ahead of the summer transfer window.

For now, Ndicka’s name is just one among many under consideration. Barcelona’s sporting department will continue analysing profiles before making any definitive decision regarding defensive reinforcements for the summer transfer window.