Barcelona come up with intriguing Plan B for January if centre-back search proves futile | Barca Universal

"The priority is to find a centre-back who can play on the left side, preferably left-footed, as this is the clear preference of Hansi Flick for January. The challenge, however, is considerable. The player would need to be in a situation where his club is willing to let him leave mid-season, must not represent a major financial outlay for Barça and, above all, he must have the requisite qualities to perform immediately in Flick's demanding system."

"Finding such a profile is far from easy. Faced with this difficulty, Barcelona have been forced to consider alternative tactical options in order to broaden the range of potential winter reinforcements who could cover Christensen's absence. According to Mundo Deportivo, if it proves impossible to sign a reliable, top-level centre-back, the alternative is to look for a defensive midfielder who can also operate in the heart of the defence."

"This would provide solutions in two positions. Not only because the midfielder in question could drop into defence, but also because it would allow Eric Garcia to return to his natural role as a centre-back. In short, a midfield signing could give the coach more options to fill the gaps in central defence. Eric remains a centre-back by trade, even if he is currently performing very well as a pivot."

Andreas Christensen suffered a serious injury that could sideline him for around four months, prompting Barcelona to seek centre-back reinforcements for January. Hansi Flick prefers a left-sided, preferably left-footed centre-back, but suitable targets must be allowed to leave mid-season, be affordable for Barça and be ready to perform immediately in Flick's system. Difficulty finding such a profile has led Barcelona to consider a Plan B: signing a defensive midfielder capable of operating as a centre-back. Such a signing would provide cover and allow Eric Garcia to return to his natural centre-back role, increasing defensive options alongside Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Ronald Araujo.

Read at Barca Universal