Barcelona are considering major changes to their defence during the January transfer window. According to SPORT, they want to sign a centre-back but may need to sell several players to do so.
Financial restrictions remain the main obstacle. The club are around €3–4 million over the salary limit, so they prefer a loan with an option to buy. Raphinha's contract extension until 2030 could improve the situation slightly.
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is considered one potential target. Barcelona are also monitoring Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig and Ruud Nijstad of Twente. However, the German club do not want to sell Lukeba in the winter, while Nijstad is valued at more than €20 million.
Barcelona could also part with Jules Kounde, who has lost his place in the starting line-up. Chelsea and Bayern Munich are interested in the Frenchman. Journalist Matteo Moretto explained:
Kounde could be one of the players Barcelona can raise money by selling, possibly to sign a centre-forward or another right-back.
Alejandro Balde is another candidate to leave. His agent Jorge Mendes is already in talks with interested clubs. Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham are monitoring the situation, along with several European clubs.
A loan with an option to buy is considered the most likely arrangement for Balde. Barcelona hope regular playing time will help the defender increase his transfer value ahead of next summer.
