Barcelona identifies four defenders to strengthen their backline in January

FC Barcelona has begun to take action to bolster its defense during the upcoming winter transfer window, following defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, which revealed the team's need to sign an experienced centre-back capable of providing an immediate impact.

According to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo", the management of FC Barcelona is seeking to address the defensive shortfall, after the budget did not allow for further strengthening of the backline during last summer, despite bolstering the attack and midfield and signing a replacement for goalkeeper Juan García.

Josko Gvardiol, the Croatian defender of Manchester City, tops the list of preferred options within FC Barcelona, but he is tied to a contract until 2031, making his acquisition difficult unless the English club faces severe penalties for financial violations before the end of the upcoming transfer window.

Barcelona are interested in Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, but signing him appears complicated due to his contract running until June 2028 and the difficulty of convincing the Italian club to negotiate in the middle of the season.

Meanwhile, the chances of signing Argentine Lisandro Martínez, defender for Manchester United, and Brazilian Natan, player for Real Betis, seem more realistic; Martínez's contract ends next June, while Natan's value is estimated at around 30 million euros, plus financial variables.

The Spanish newspaper indicated that Barcelona's ability to complete the deal will depend on the departure of some players and the financial returns from their sales, as the club seeks to sign a ready defender to strengthen the backline during the second half of the season.