The 5 options of Barcelona to strengthen their defense

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Barcelona Rayo Vallecano

31/08/26 21:30:00

1.18 7.50 13.00

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The Barcelona transfer market is looking for a center-back to strengthen the defense in the last week of the transfer window, following the loan of Ronald Araújo to Liverpool and in light of the possibility of Alejandro Balde leaving the team. Castello Lukeba, Gonçalo Inácio, Jorge Salinas, Aymeric Laporte, and Natan are among the names linked to Barcelona's plans.

Araújo's departure is now official: the Uruguayan will play on loan at Liverpool until June 30, 2027, with an option to buy for 55 million euros. Barça also frees up 100% of his salary during the loan period.

Barcelona prioritizes a left-footed center-back for its defense

The name that has gained relevance in recent days is Gonçalo Inácio, a left-footed center-back from Sporting CP, 25 years old. The Portuguese player is under contract until 2030 and has a market value close to 40 million euros, although reports suggesting his price to be around 60 million euros do not indicate a finalized deal.

Inácio fits Barcelona's need for a defender capable of playing on the left side. AS suggests that Balde's potential departure could ease a move for the Portuguese, while the future of the full-back remains uncertain after being left out of the squad against Elche.

Castello Lukeba is also on the radar. The RB Leipzig defender can play as a center-back and left-back, a versatility that could be crucial if Balde eventually leaves Barcelona. In the 2025/26 season, he played 2,177 minutes in the Bundesliga, scoring 1 goal and providing 0 assists.

Jorge Salinas and Laporte, two different profiles

Jorge Salinas, a 19-year-old defender from Racing de Santander, offers another option for Barcelona. The Spanish U-19 international can play as a center-back and left-back and played 34 matches with 7 assists last season.

His economic situation is clear: Racing holds a release clause of 16 million euros and already turned down an offer from Atlético de Madrid of 14 million plus a player and variables. Barcelona is not the only club monitoring Salinas, as Atlético and Premier League teams have also shown interest.

The case of Aymeric Laporte represents a different profile. The Athletic center-back is 32 years old, with 53 caps and 2 goals for Spain, and he has just returned to Spanish football after his time in Saudi Arabia.

Laporte is under contract with Athletic until 2028, and his international experience makes him a different option compared to Inácio, Lukeba, or Salinas. Furthermore, he will face Barcelona himself on August 27 when Athletic hosts the Catalan side.

Natan completes the list

Natan is another name linked to Barcelona's search, although there is not enough information to place him at the same level of certainty as Inácio or Salinas. Currently, Barcelona has multiple paths open and must decide whether to prioritize experience, potential, or versatility.

The next move will be influenced by the departures. Balde's situation remains unresolved, with Manchester United showing interest, while Barcelona approaches the final days of the market needing to determine if that deal will alter their plans for the defense.

With Gonçalo Inácio emerging as one of the leading options, Barcelona must finalize its strategy before the market closes: the priority remains strengthening the defense, with budget constraints and potential exits shaping which center-back will ultimately arrive at Camp Nou.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las 5 opciones del Barcelona para reforzar su defensa