Barcelona identify two world-class defenders as top priorities for next summer | Barca Universal

"Barcelona's long-running search for a reliable, left-footed centre-back is beginning to take clearer shape, with reports from Mundo Deportivo confirming that the club has now reduced their focus to just two names. Internally, the club understands that the ideal scenario would be to secure at least one top-level centre-back who can anchor the back line for the next four or five seasons."

"At present, the financial reality complicates matters. Barcelona are still operating under restrictions and are not yet fully compliant with the 1:1 salary fair play rule. This means that, right now, moves of this magnitude are unrealistic. However, there is growing confidence inside the club that next summer could bring a return to normality. If Barcelona regain the ability to register players without major limitations, both Gvardiol and Bastoni would immediately become serious objectives."

"From a sporting point of view, Gvardiol is seen as the closest fit to Barcelona's needs. His comfort on the ball, ability to defend in space, and experience at the highest level make him an ideal profile for a team that builds from the back. The main obstacle, however, is Manchester City's stance. The Premier League team is reluctant to part ways with regular starters, especially defenders who play such a key role."

Barcelona has reduced its search for a reliable left-footed centre-back to Josko Gvardiol and Alessandro Bastoni. The club wants at least one top-level centre-back to anchor the defense for the next four to five seasons. Financial restrictions and non-compliance with the 1:1 salary fair play rule currently make immediate transfers unrealistic. Confidence exists that next summer could allow registration without major limitations, at which point both players would become serious objectives. Gvardiol is viewed as the best sporting fit due to ball comfort, defending in space, and elite experience, while Bastoni offers maturity, tactical intelligence, leadership, and several peak years ahead.

Read at Barca Universal