Barcelona seek left-footed centre-back: Deco eyes two options | OneFootball

Barcelona are already working with the next transfer window in mind. Although there are still months to go before the January window opens, one of Deco’s priorities is to strengthen the heart of the defence with a left-footed centre-back who can partner Pau Cubarsí.

The club’s sporting department is studying different options and, according to Sport, there are currently two paths on the table: bet on a young centre-back with potential or bring in an experienced defender who can deliver immediately.

Arthur Dias, the bet on youth

One of the names on the radar is Arthur Dias, a Brazilian centre-back aged just 19 who plays for Athletico Paranaense.

The defender has caught Barcelona’s attention to the point that he was recently watched by Joao Amaral, the club’s head of scouting, who closely followed his performances.

Dias has also been called up by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies against India and Australia, an opportunity that could further increase his international exposure.

Barcelona’s reports particularly highlight his ability to play out from the back, his passing accuracy and his composure on the ball. The areas marked for improvement are his aggressiveness and intensity in defensive actions.

His youth and a potentially more affordable fee make the Brazilian an attractive profile for a medium- to long-term deal.

Experience is also on the table

The other option Deco is considering is completely different: bringing in a defender with top-level experience who can compete from day one.

Barcelona have already seen the impact this type of signing can have with Iñigo Martínez, whose experience ended up becoming an important asset for the Blaugrana side.

In fact, during last summer’s transfer window, the Catalan club looked into the possibility of signing another player with similar characteristics: Aymeric Laporte, then at Athletic Club.

The 32-year-old Spain international represented exactly that profile of an experienced centre-back who can provide authority and top-level know-how.

Deco will have to choose the path

The search is still in its early stages, but the need is clear: a left-footed centre-back capable of partnering Cubarsí and expanding Hansi Flick’s defensive options.

Now Deco will have to decide whether Barcelona go for the potential of a youngster like Arthur Dias or once again turn to the experience of an established defender.

The decision will depend both on the team’s sporting needs and on the financial room the club has to carry out the deal in January.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.