Barcelona make decision on signing new centre-back amid Aymeric Laporte links | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are not currently planning to sign a new centre-back this summer, despite several defenders being offered to the club and recent links with Aymeric Laporte.

According to MARCA, Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco believe the current squad already contains enough options in central defence to compete during the 2026-27 season.

Barcelona can currently call upon Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martin in central defence, while Flick also has promising options emerging from La Masia.

That depth has convinced the club that spending money on another defender is unnecessary at this stage of the transfer window.

The report specifically plays down the possibility of an immediate move for Laporte. The Spain international has been linked with Barca following an excellent World Cup alongside Cubarsi, but there are no active or advanced negotiations over his signing.

Deco continues to receive calls and proposals involving defenders, and Barcelona are monitoring potential opportunities. However, signing a centre-back is not currently considered a priority.

Araujo departure could change Barcelona’s plans

The situation could still change if there is an unexpected departure before the transfer window closes.

Araujo appears to be the only senior centre-back whose exit has been considered a possibility, although such a scenario is now viewed as highly unlikely. The Uruguayan has returned to pre-season and is determined to fight for his place under Flick.

Without a major departure, Barcelona’s resources are likely to be directed towards other areas of the squad.

That approach makes sense given the options already available to Flick. Cubarsi is now firmly established at the highest level, while Eric’s versatility, Christensen’s experience and Araujo’s physical qualities give the coach different profiles.

Laporte could certainly be an attractive market opportunity, particularly after showing such strong chemistry with Cubarsi for Spain. However, unless the defensive picture changes, Barca appear unwilling to add another salary and transfer expense simply because an interesting player becomes available.

For now, Flick is satisfied with what he has. Only an unexpected late development is likely to push Barcelona back into the market for another centre-back.