La Liga
Deco has authorized FC Barcelona to enter the transfer market in search of another center-back after the departure of Ronald Araujo to Liverpool. With about three weeks remaining before the deadline, Hansi Flick wants to bring in an experienced defender if a financially sustainable deal arises.
The immediate priority for the sports management is to finalize the ongoing operations. Barça is working towards sealing the deal for Rodri Hernández by Wednesday, August 12th at the latest, while the situation regarding Julián Álvarez may be clarified earlier, within around 48 hours.
Deco activates the search for a center-back for Hansi Flick
Araujo's departure has altered the defensive setup. Without the Uruguayan, Hansi Flick would initially have Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Andreas Christensen, and Eric Garcia as options for the center of defense, although the coach also intends to use Eric on the right-back as an alternative to Jules Koundé.
The name of Álvaro Cortés, a 21-year-old, is on the table. The Barça Atlètic captain has seized the opportunity during the pre-season to gain ground, and in his recent performance against Alavés, he completed 87 out of 92 passes, won 7 duels, and made 8 defensive interventions. However, the coaching staff would prefer to add experience to that position.
Deco’s directive does not mean signing at any cost. FC Barcelona will only move forward for a player who can directly compete for a starting position and whose signing fits the club's financial conditions. The club has also received offers from players in the Premier League, some of whom may be available on loan by the end of the transfer window.
Cristian Romero and Laporte, two options on the table
Cristian Romero, 28 years old, is one of the considered center-backs. Tottenham has set his price above 40 million euros and does not consider a loan. The issue for Barça lies in the competition: the Argentine is close to a move to Atlético Madrid, and his situation could be resolved before the necessary space is freed up at the Catalan club. Recent reports even suggest that Atlético has gained a definitive advantage in the operation.
Another player looked at by Deco is Aymeric Laporte, 32 years old. The defender is under contract with Athletic Club until 2028, but there are conflicting reports regarding the financial terms of a possible exit. Bilbao has reportedly valued him at 80 million euros, a figure that could deter Barça from pursuing the deal.

Keen to avoid issues with Athletic
The club also aims to prevent a new conflict with Athletic following tensions caused by previous interest in Nico Williams. Only a clear and financially viable contractual arrangement would allow the Laporte option to progress.
Deco’s planning is now entering its crucial days. Firstly, the departure of Araujo must be officially confirmed. Then Barça hopes to resolve the situations of Rodri and Julián Álvarez, and with the available salary margin, decide whether to bring in that final center-back. If no opportunity surpasses what Hansi Flick currently has, Álvaro Cortés will continue to have real chances to start LaLiga with the first team.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Deco quiere más fichajes para el Barcelona
