FC Barcelona Coach Flick Confirms New Defender For First Team

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has announced that the club will be adding a new defender to its first team ahead of the 2026/2027 season. Jules Kounde, who was a recent target of speculation, might be sold, and Kounde's injury issues last season have made Eric Garcia a more reliable option at right back. Flick has Garcia training in the position as the Catalans prepare for a friendly match away at Basel on Sunday.

The departure of Ronald Araujo to Liverpool on loan has left the team short of a right back, despite the Uruguayan's primary focus on central defense. Sporting Director Deco has commissioned the signing of a top-level central defender, but no official announcements have been made yet. With two weeks left in the transfer window, Alvaro Cortes might be the best option, but he may lack the experience to be a solid choice for the elite squad.

Flick is currently considering Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Gerard Martin as his primary picks for the right back position, which does not bode well for depth. Joao Cancelo can also operate at right back, but his permanent move from Al-Hilal is complicated by his impressive loan spell with the club last season, where he played as left back more often than not and displaced Alejandro Balde from the first XI.

Eric Garcia will be more of a right back at FC Barcelona, and his experience in the position, particularly during the league-deciding El Clasico against Real Madrid in May, suggests he is a strong contender for the spot.