Barcelona are actively evaluating their defensive options ahead of the new year, with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi and Aston Villa star Pau Torres both emerging as prominent names on the club’s shortlist.
According to reports from Sport, the La Liga champions are increasingly focusing on strengthening the heart of their defense as injuries and long-term planning issues begin to pile up.
Guéhi and Torres have been omnipresent figures in their respective clubs.
Guéhi became one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-backs at Crystal Palace, combining leadership and composure in possession, while Torres was a key part of Aston Villa’s rise under Unai Emery, providing left-footed balance and intelligent positioning at the back.
Barcelona have identified their defensive targets
Their consistency has not gone unnoticed and Barcelona view both as players capable of making an immediate impact at the highest level.
Barcelona’s renewed focus on the central defender market has been accelerated by a serious injury to Andreas Christensen, which has left the Catalan side short of reliable options in central defense.
Although the club is aware that it is difficult to sign a top defender in the January window, both financially and logistically, internal discussions have recognized that reinforcements may be needed sooner rather than later.
Alongside Guéhi and Torres, Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck is also being monitored, reflecting Barcelona’s desire to keep several options open depending on availability and cost.
Guéhi tops Barça shortlist
Of all the names studied, Guéhi would be the one that Déco appreciates the most.
Above all, Guéhi has just over six months left on his contract at Palace, which makes his situation particularly intriguing from a market perspective.
However, a possible development in January seems highly unlikely. Palace manager Oliver Glasner has already confirmed that Guéhi will not sign a contract extension, but he has also made it clear that the defender will not be allowed to leave next month.
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