Van Dijk among Barcelona's options to strengthen defence

Virgil van Dijk is among the options being considered to strengthen FC Barcelona's defense, as the club searches for a new centre-back to provide more solutions for coach Hans Flick, according to "El Nacional".

The newspaper indicated that Virgil van Dijk could represent an immediate solution thanks to his vast experience, if he can be signed on a free transfer, while the Frenchman Castello Lukeba is seen as a future option.

In contrast, Flick is monitoring the development of young Ghanaian defender Hafiz Gariba, who is 19 years old, after he has become an important player for FC Barcelona Atlètic and participated in first-team training during the pre-season preparations.

Gariba gives FC Barcelona an option to develop a centre-back from within the club instead of spending large amounts in the transfer market, but the newspaper believes that the player still needs to gain experience and establish himself at the senior level.