Barça's Summer Pivot: Bastoni Shadowed, Vuskovic Rising to Save the Mercato
30 March 2026
Barça's summer targets: striker and defender on the radar
Barcelona is targeting a striker and a central defender in the upcoming summer window, but only if they can hit the 1:1 financial balance demanded by the fair-play rules.
Vuskovic as an alternative with European exposure
Sport reports that Barcelona recognizes that the emergence of Gerard Martin covered the central-defense gap left by Inigo Martinez's departure to Saudi Arabia, the injury to Andreas Christensen, and Ronald Araujo's health-related absence.
Alessandro Bastoni of Inter has been floated as an experienced European option, but his contract runs through summer 2028, making a move far from straightforward.
Barcelona's plan also features a Croatian youngster, Luka Vuskovic (19), after a brilliant season on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham, and while he is not left-footed, his high ceiling has drawn heavy attention from the Catalan club.
Vuskovic's rise and why Barca is watching
His rise in Germany goes beyond a learning spell; he has already won the Bundesliga's Young Player of the Month award for the fourth time this season, establishing himself as a core player for his club.
The report highlights his defensive leadership and his attacking contribution, with five goals and an assist, making him a widely watched asset in Barcelona's summer planning.
Barça is monitoring Tottenham's situation, as the English club sits only one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League, a scenario that could ease a potential departure if the player refuses to play in the top tier.
The Hamburg loan has helped his side stay afloat, with the player posting an 83% success rate in direct duels in March and not committing a single error in the last three rounds.
Read also: Barcelona makes a decision regarding the return of its former player.
