Barcelona keeping an eye on La Liga for possible winter defensive reinforcements | OneFootball

With the January transfer window just around the corner, FC Barcelona are seriously considering signing a new centre-back as a temporary fix.

After all, Andreas Christensen is ruled out for four months due to a partial ACL rupture, and Ronald Araujo is taking a break for mental health reasons.

With Eric Garcia getting moved to defensive midfield, there are concerns about a lack of depth in the centre-half position despite Gerard Martin’s emergence as an option.

As such, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and director Deco are taking a close look at the market for potential targets to strengthen the defensive ranks for the second half of the season.

Barcelona monitoring La Liga

To that end, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are keeping an eye on La Liga for potential reinforcements in the centre-back department.

The idea is to scour the market for established defenders in the Spanish top flight who have not played much for their clubs and would look at a move to the Spotify Camp Nou as an opportunity.

Barcelona held an interest in Juan Foyth in the past. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Some of the names who could be considered as possible options, as per the report, are Diego Llorente of Real Betis, Luiz Felipe of Rayo Vallecano and Juan Foyth of Villarreal.

All three players have been on the radars of Barcelona in the past, and the club could consider revisiting their interest if required.

However, it must be noted that Llorente is out injured until mid-January, while Felipe has also struggled with fitness problems at Rayo Vallecano, limiting his minutes.

Foyth is a player Barça were heavily linked to not very long ago, and his ability to play at centre-back and right-back can make him an appealing target. However, Villarreal are unlikely to offload him, given that they are pushing for a top-two spot in La Liga.

What is clear is that Barcelona are studying all possible avenues as they consider making use of Christensen’s long-term absence to reinforce the defensive line.