Barcelona keeping an eye on Serie A defender as a low-cost alternative for top summer target | OneFootball

As we enter the final stretch of the season, Barcelona have already started preparing for the campaign ahead.

One of the club’s primary objectives is to sign a new defender, who can complement the likes of Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia.

Alessandro Bastoni has largely emerged as the main transfer target for Barcelona, as far as the defensive unit is concerned.

However, the Catalans do realise that signing the Italian international would require a lot of capital, which is why the club are already looking for backups.

Barcelona eyeing a move for Evan Ndicka

According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are eyeing a move for Evan Ndicka as a potential low-cost alternative for Bastoni.

Will Evan Ndicka be an ideal signing for Barcelona? (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Currently plying his trade for AS Roma, Ndicka is a fierce central defender whose style of play is not similar to Bastoni’s at all.

While the latter is more technical and gifted on the ball, Ndicka shines when it comes to raw strength, versatility and tactical flexibility.

Despite being a centre-back, Ndicka is capable of operating as a left-back – something he did during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt. He is adept at operating in a three-man backline as well.

The Ivorian joined AS Roma on a free transfer in 2023 and is currently valued at around €30 million by Transfermarkt, with his contract expiring in 2028.

Therefore, he could be available for much cheaper than Bastoni in the coming summer, although Romano does clarify that Barcelona have yet to take a final call on the move.

A lot could depend on the moving parts surrounding Barcelona, including how much the club choose to invest in attacking reinforcements.