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Barcelona's Long-Awaited Defender Quest: Will Senesi Finally Deliver the Shield?

29 December 2025

Barcelona's Long-Awaited Defender Quest: Will Senesi Finally Deliver the Shield?
Barça eyes Senesi as a low-cost fix to a shaky defence.

Barcelona Eyes Veteran Defender on Budget Plan

Barcelona's interest in Marcus Senesi, Bournemouth's centre-back, surfaces again as Europe's top clubs contest to sign him on a budget-friendly deal.

The Argentinian defender has become a pillar at Bournemouth, who are fighting to escape relegation after selling several stars in the summer.

According to the Spanish newspaper Sport, this is not the first time Senesi's name has appeared in Barça's management conversations.

From Argentina to Europe: A Long Road Back to Barça?

Back in autumn 2018, Senesi was strongly linked with a jump from the Argentine league to Europe, and Sport observed Barça watching the young talent directly from the stands.

With Thomas Vermaelen's injury issues and Gerard Piqué advancing in age, Barça kept tabs on the defender, but no concrete move materialised at the time.

Feyenoord took a chance on him months later, aiding his development and later selling him to Bournemouth for over €12 million.

Seven years on, the Argentine defender has matured to the level expected since his early days at San Lorenzo. After stints across Europe, Senesi is again a sought-after name for top clubs.

His contract at Bournemouth expires next summer, and he has shown no desire to renew, making him a valuable, low-cost option for sides seeking a veteran centre-back without a transfer fee.

This matches Barça's objective to strengthen the defence with a high-calibre player who does not require huge outlays. Yet Juventus has been in the hunt for weeks, and Atlético Madrid and Chelsea have joined the competition in the final hours.

End note: The saga keeps Barcelona's defence guessing, and the rest of Europe watching a man who could finally close a long-awaited chapter since 2018.

Punchline: If Barça signs him, the back line might finally stop leaking... joyfully.

Punchline: In defense, Senesi is so calm that even the ball goes quiet when he approaches.

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the player Barça is pursuing?

Marcus Senesi, Bournemouth's Argentinian centre-back who is entering a window of opportunity for a move.

What is his contract situation?

Senesi's Bournemouth contract expires next summer and there is no renewed deal on the table.

Which clubs are showing interest?

Barcelona is joined by Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and Chelsea in the pursuit.

What is Barça's motivation for this move?

To add a high-quality, low-cost defender who can strengthen the back line without a large transfer fee.