Journalist José Álvarez revealed that Barcelona's coach Hans Flick has requested the club's management to sign a left center-back during the upcoming winter transfer window, given the team's evident struggles defensively this season.

Álvarez pointed out that Barcelona has been significantly affected by the departure of Iñigo Martínez to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia last summer, leaving a gap in the backline that has yet to be filled.

He added that the club's task of signing a new defender will not be easy due to the financial constraints Barcelona is facing, as they will need to sell some players or reduce the wage bill to create space for new signings in accordance with financial fair play regulations.

Flick aims through this move to strengthen the defensive depth and improve performance at the back, especially in big matches that have revealed a clear fragility in the team's defensive organization.