Barcelona director makes contact with Porto for 26-year-old defender - report | Barca Universal

Barcelona have shifted focus toward signing a centre-forward first while continuing work on centre-back recruitment. Interest in Alessandro Bastoni has cooled due to factors including a high transfer fee. Jakub Kiwior of FC Porto has emerged as a possible target, with reports stating that sporting director Deco has contacted Porto president Andre Villas-Boas about a potential move. The contacts indicate concrete interest, though no advanced deal exists yet. Kiwior recently played a key role in Porto’s Portuguese league title win and matches Barcelona’s defensive profile as a left-footed, aggressive, ball-comfortable player. Porto’s loan arrangement from Arsenal includes a €2 million loan fee and a €17 million permanent transfer, with offers around €40 million potentially acceptable.

"While the search for a new centre-back may have taken a backseat with the focus on signing a centre-forward first, FC Barcelona continue to work on both fronts in the market. Alessandro Bastoni had been touted as the priority to strengthen the centre-back department, but multiple factors, including a high transfer fee, have led to the Catalans cooling down their interest."

"Building on that, Polish journalist Tomasz Wlodarczyk reports that Barcelona sporting director Deco has made contact with Porto president Andre Villas-Boas over a potential move for Kiwior. While there is nothing advanced at this point, the contacts taking place seemingly suggests that the Blaugrana do hold a concrete interest in the 26-year-old Polish defender."

"Kiwior is coming on the back of an impressive season at Porto as he played a key role in their league title triumph in Portugal. The 26-year-old also fits the profile of players Barça are looking for in defence - left-footed, aggressive, and comfortable playing with the ball at his feet."

"The Polish international has been at Porto on loan from Arsenal (€2 million loan fee), with the transfer set to become permanent at the end of the season for €17 million. So, as per the journalist, the Portuguese champions could be open to offers of around €40 million for the centre-back. With Deco now holding talks with Andre Villas-Boas, it remains to be seen if this materialises into something substantial in the weeks to come."

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