Barcelona keeping an eyeing on five centre-back as club look to replace Inigo Martinez | OneFootball

Following the departure of Inigo Martinez to Al Nassr, Barcelona have found it difficult to find balance in the defensive unit.

Coach Hansi Flick has failed to find an ideal defensive partner for Pau Cubarsi. Ronald Araujo, after coming back from injury, has not made any real progress.

The Uruguayan international has struggled for consistency and could be asked to leave. Andreas Christensen, too, could leave next summer if his performances do not improve.

Keeping that in mind, Barcelona could be looking at major reinforcements in the defensive unit, and as per Mundo Deportivo, at least five names have been proposed to Deco’s management.

Who are these five players?

The most striking option for Barcelona in the market right now is Goncalo Inacio. The Portuguese international is seen as an ideal candidate due to his technical prowess and the fact that he is left-footed.

Deco has recently met Inacio’s agent, with the player’s contract at Sporting CP expiring in 2027. However, Barcelona may have to fend off strong competition in order to attain his services.

Goncalo Inacio could be an ideal target for Barcelona. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Another defender Barça are keeping an eye on is Murillo Santiago from Nottingham Forest, who has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in the Premier League and is valued at €55 million by Transfermarkt.

Barcelona are also attentive to the situation of Marc Guehi, whose last-minute move to Liverpool failed on transfer deadline day.

Guehi is an English international and has enjoyed success in the Premier League. His contract at Crystal Palace expires in 2026, making him an ideal target for Barcelona, although the Catalans will have to compete with Real Madrid and Liverpool.

The fourth option is Luis Benedetti, a Brazilian currently plying his trade with Palmeiras and is regarded as one of Brazil’s most talented up-and-coming defenders.

Benedetti has impressed onlookers with his ability to play out from the back and has already attracted the interest of Napoli and Arsenal.

The final player on this list is Lucas Beraldo, a Champions League winner who has lost his place to William Pacho in PSG’s central defence and could be up for a move away from the French capital in the near future.