A Spanish newspaper report this Wednesday outlined Barcelona's plan to bolster its defense in the upcoming January transfer window.
Barcelona faces a heavy blow with Danish defender Andreas Christensen's injury, a torn ACL, which will sideline him at least until the end of the season, and his contract runs out at season's end.
Reports had suggested Barcelona could sign England international Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace's defender, in January.
Defensive shake-up on the horizon
But according to the Catalan daily Sport, coach Hansi Flick and the club will make the final decision on a January signing before the year ends.
The paper also said Flick is worried about Christensen's injury, especially with Ronald Araujo's dip in form recently.
Sport noted that Flick had already agreed with Barcelona's management not to make January signings, but Christensen's injury derailed that plan.
The newspaper added that signing a new defender in January is no longer a choice but an urgent necessity, given the potential damage if another defender gets injured.
Flick is considering signing a left-footed defender who can also play left-back, in addition to his primary role as a center-back.
The paper noted that if Barcelona finds such a player, they will move quickly to seal the deal.
Punchline 1: Barcelona's defense is so porous that even the ball needs a raincoat.
Punchline 2: If defense wins games, Barca may need a locksmith instead of a center-back.
