The Spanish newspaper 'Sport' clarified that FC Barcelona is considering entering the winter transfer market, but the sports management and technical staff tend not to make signings in January, while monitoring potential opportunities to strengthen the defense line. The newspaper confirmed that the club is focusing on the center-back and right-back positions, anticipating any suitable loan deals, while major signings will remain dependent on the summer period.

The newspaper mentioned that the Catalan club faced a difficult summer due to salary cap restrictions. Even registering players Marc Bernal and Bardhi required direct guarantees from the management, which prevented strengthening the right-back position or compensating for the departure of Iñigo Martínez to Saudi Arabia. Although Flick was ready to intervene, he understood the situation and agreed due to Eric Garcia’s multiple roles, who started the season as a full-back.

The newspaper pointed out that Barcelona is suffering from clear gaps in the backline this season, especially in the Champions League, where Eric Garcia had to play as a center-back or defensive midfielder, while Koundé gets little rest. With most injured players recovering, the possibility of resorting to the market remains in case any new defender gets injured, with available options for loan deals including purchase options if necessary.

The newspaper continued that the club plans to hold out until the end of January before making any final decisions, monitoring the players’ physical condition. The management promised to provide all necessary tools to support the team, including the possibility of signings if the need arises. The newspaper noted that any potential move would be to strengthen the defense line, focusing on applying the 1:1 rule and exploiting the leverage from selling VIP boxes when the market opens. This could include the departure of Ter Stegen if he regains his fitness.

The newspaper mentioned that the club’s sporting goal for the future is to reinforce the defense line with a young and highly talented player, nominating Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund and Gonzalo Inácio from Sporting Lisbon as the main options. Both players’ contracts end in 2027, and they do not intend to renew. The deal value could reach about 45 million euros. The winter market might also include signing a winger and a pure striker if suitable opportunities arise, while the current situation remains calm until January.