Tottenham will demand at least €50 million for wantaway defender liked by Barcelona | OneFootball

Although FC Barcelona’s priority this summer is strengthening the attack, the club continues to monitor the market for an experienced central defender who could add leadership and depth to Hansi Flick’s squad.

Sporting director Deco and the German coach both believe another top-level centre-back would improve the team if the right opportunity arises.

For now, two names stand above the rest: Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Club and Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur.

Romero wants La Liga

According to SPORT, Romero is determined to leave Tottenham this summer and wants to continue his career in Spain.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are both monitoring his situation, although the Argentine’s preferred destination is believed to be Camp Nou.

Romero wants to join Barcelona. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)

However, the biggest obstacle remains the transfer fee. As per the report, Tottenham are expected to demand at least €50 million before considering any sale unless relations with the player deteriorate significantly during the window.

Within Barcelona, Romero has long been viewed as the ideal option should the club decide to reinforce the defence.

Flick and Deco value his aggression, experience at the highest level and natural leadership, qualities they believe would complement one of Europe’s youngest squads.

Sales needed first

Any move, however, would depend on Barcelona first creating space in the squad through the sale of a defender, something that has yet to happen.

For the moment, therefore, the Blaugrana are simply gathering information and maintaining contact regarding Romero as well as Laporte.

Before making any move, the club would first need to sell either a centre-back or a full-back.

Barcelona will only sign a new defender is someone leaves. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde have all been mentioned as potential candidates, but none appears willing to leave.

Araujo remains committed to staying despite his diminished role, Kounde has attracted interest from Bayern Munich without showing any desire to move, while Balde has also made it clear he wants to remain at the club.

As things stand, creating room for a new defender is proving extremely difficult.

Flick’s current defensive plans

With the squad unchanged, Flick is expected to continue with Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin as his first-choice central defensive pairing after the way they finished last season.

Behind them, Araújo and Andreas Christensen will provide competition, while Eric Garcia is likely to continue in his versatile role, capable of playing as a centre-back, defensive midfielder or right-back whenever required.

Unless there is movement in the outgoing market, Barcelona’s interest in Romero is likely to remain just that: interest.