Flick Draws the Features of Barcelona's Defense for the 2026/2027 Season

Barcelona Club continues to work on building its roster for the upcoming 2026/2027 season, focusing currently on strengthening the frontline while simultaneously studying the shape of the defensive system that coach Hans Flick will rely on, amidst ongoing uncertainty regarding some names within the backline.

The Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo' confirmed that Barcelona has ruled out signing Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni, despite him being considered for a long time as the first choice to strengthen the left center-back position. The current indications suggest that the continuation of Joao Cancelo might represent the only defensive addition to the team, while his agent Jorge Mendes is working to find a solution with the Saudi club Al Hilal to decide the future of the Portuguese player.

In the right-back position, Flick places his trust in Jules Kounde, although the club's management does not rule out the idea of his departure if a suitable offer is received, especially with his name being linked recently to Liverpool. The available options in this position include Cancelo and Eric Garcia, alongside the young duo Xavi Espart and Geoffrey Torrents from the youth sector.

As for the center-back position, Flick currently relies on Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen, and Eric Garcia. According to the Spanish newspaper, Araujo does not wish to leave Barcelona, while Christensen is waiting for the resolution of his contract renewal, and Eric Garcia prefers to participate in the center-back position. Cubarsi is considered an untouchable cornerstone within the team, while Gerard Martin delivered outstanding performances in this position last season.

On the left side of the defense, Barcelona places its trust in Cancelo if he remains, alongside Gerard Martin in his natural position, as well as Alejandro Balde, whose name has been linked with a possible departure recently, although he does not wish to leave the Catalan club.