According to a report by Barca Universal on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Barcelona are reportedly reassessing their transfer strategy ahead of the January window after their 4-2 Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain highlighted concerns about their defensive depth.

The Catalan club are said to be considering the possibility of bringing in an experienced centre-back or full-back to strengthen Hansi Flick’s squad. However, the club’s financial restrictions could make it difficult to complete a deal midway through the season.

Barcelona’s potential change of direction comes after they opted against signing a central defender during the summer transfer window. That decision was made despite Ronald Araujo’s loan departure and Andreas Christensen’s persistent fitness issues, which have left Flick with fewer reliable defensive options.

Their defeat against PSG further exposed weaknesses in the back line, with defensive errors and vulnerabilities on the flanks allowing the French champions to create several dangerous opportunities. Although goalkeeper Joan Garcia produced important saves, Barcelona struggled to contain their opponents throughout the contest.

The result has renewed questions about whether the current squad has enough defensive quality to compete consistently against Europe’s leading teams. While Barcelona remain capable of causing problems in attack, their defensive shortcomings could undermine their ambitions if they are not addressed.

Flick had the opportunity to reinforce his defence during the previous transfer window but ultimately chose to work with the players already available. Financial constraints and his belief in the existing squad reportedly influenced that decision. However, recent performances have raised doubts about whether the available options are sufficient for the demands of the campaign.

The situation has become more complicated following injury concerns involving right-back options Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde. Christensen’s continuing fitness problems have also limited Flick’s choices, increasing the pressure on the defenders who remain available.

Eric Garcia’s absence is particularly significant because of his versatility. His ability to play both right-back and centre-back gives Barcelona additional tactical flexibility, while his positional awareness helps the team maintain its defensive organisation.

With several alternatives unavailable or facing uncertainty, Pau Cubarsi has become an increasingly important figure in Barcelona’s back line. The club will be keen to keep the young defender fit as they navigate a demanding run of fixtures.

Signing an experienced defender in January could provide Flick with greater depth and reduce his reliance on a limited group of players during the second half of the season.

Nevertheless, Barcelona’s financial difficulties remain a major obstacle to any potential deal. The club may need to sell a player or free up room within its salary limit before registering a new arrival.

Alejandro Balde has reportedly been mentioned in discussions surrounding a possible January departure, although no final decision has been confirmed. Barcelona’s next steps are therefore likely to depend on both their financial flexibility and the availability of suitable defensive targets.