Barcelona leave door open for late centre-back signing under two conditions

Barcelona have left the door open for a late centre-back signing, but only under two specific conditions. According to SPORT, the club's search for a new striker is not the only transfer issue they are currently considering. The possibility of a centre-back acquisition remains, but its feasibility depends heavily on the outcome of the striker transfer.

If Barcelona spend a significant amount on a new striker, they would likely face limited financial resources for defensive transfers. However, if the striker deal fails to materialize, the club could have the necessary funds to make a more substantial investment in a proven centre-back. This would allow Deco, the man overseeing these transfers, to work on two fronts simultaneously - that of a striker and a centre-back.

Barcelona's centre-back plans are contingent on the striker situation. If a new No. 9 is a significant investment, the club would likely look for a cheaper defensive option. This could involve scouting young centre-backs with potential or exploring the option of bringing in a player on loan. Such a move would provide head coach Flick with additional defensive flexibility without incurring another major transfer expenditure.

However, the situation could evolve dramatically if Barcelona fails to sign their priority striker. In this scenario, the club might redirect a larger part of their budget towards the defence, targeting an established player who could make an immediate difference. Aymeric Laporte is one such player who remains on Barcelona's radar.

The Spanish international would bring valuable experience and quality to the team, and his profile fits the need for a centre-back capable of competing at the highest level. However, completing a deal for Laporte could be challenging due to Athletic Club's recent return of the player from Saudi Arabia, along with a lucrative contract.

This situation makes it unlikely that Athletic will be willing to negotiate Aymeric Laporte's departure in such a short time frame.