FC Barcelona has launched systematic transfer planning and will conduct long-term scouting for three key positions: left-footed center-back, dynamic full-back, and top-tier center-forward. This list of transfer targets aims to ensure the team’s short-term competitiveness and long-term stable development.
Although the La Masia youth talents in the first team have successively signed contract extensions, the club’s management clearly recognizes that key upgrades to the squad must be made in the coming months. Starting from October, the scouting network will conduct continuous evaluation of potential targets based on tactical needs, providing a basis for decisions in the January transfer window.
Currently, the technical department has identified three clear reinforcement directions. First is a promising left-footed center-back. After Inigo Martinez’s sudden move to Al Nassr, despite having a complete setup of four center-backs in the current squad, the club still seeks to sign a left-footed defensive specialist with international experience. Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Schlotterbeck and Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio have entered the observation list.
In addition, the defensive line also needs attack-minded and defensively solid full-backs – head coach Hansi Flick has repeatedly emphasized the need to enhance wing penetration. Although Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde have performed adequately for the club, the second-half collapse in the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) exposed a clear gap between Barça’s wings and those of Europe’s top clubs.
Finally, Barcelona’s top management still intends to sign a top-tier center-forward who can decide matches – the biggest challenge facing sporting director Deco. Robert Lewandowski’s four-year spell at the Camp Nou is drawing to a close, and even if he stays, his role will gradually be marginalized. While top strikers such as Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez all meet the transfer criteria, the prerequisite for such deals is to generate funds through major player sales – a factor that is particularly important in an election year.
The transfer work for the center-forward position will become a key issue in the club’s presidential election year, and its success or failure may directly determine Barcelona’s competitive trajectory in the next few years.
