Hansi Flick stated that Barcelona might consider signing a defender during the January transfer window due to Andreas Christensen‘s ACL injury, which has left them lacking depth at center-back before their 2-0 victory against Villarreal in LaLiga.
Christensen, whose contract expires next summer, is expected to be sidelined for months after injuring his knee during training on Saturday.
Ronald Araújo is also unavailable as he has been given a mental health break, which leaves Eric García playing in midfield and Jules Koundé filling in at right-back. Consequently, left-back Gerard Martín has partnered with Pau Cubarsí at center-back in recent weeks.
“We will see,” said Barça coach Flick during a news conference when asked about the possibility of bringing in a defender in January. “I will discuss it with [sporting director] Deco [on Monday].
“What’s paramount is that Andreas returns to fitness, and we all need to support him. He was in a great form.
“He performed excellently in the Copa and showed fantastic commitment in training. It’s unfortunate that he has another injury, and I wish him a speedy recovery.”
According to ESPN, Barça has prioritized securing a center-back for next summer after failing to replace Iñigo Martínez after his departure to Al Nassr at the season’s start.
Defenders such as Pau Torres and Nico Schlotterbeck have caught the club’s attention, although it seems unlikely that either would be available in January or that Barça would have the budget to finalize a deal.
On a more positive note, Flick alleviated concerns regarding Koundé’s injury after he was substituted in the second half of the match against Villarreal.
“I don’t think it’s a serious issue,” he said, noting that Koundé had been ill for three days. “Despite that, he insisted on giving his all. He mentioned that he just felt a cramp, so hopefully, it’s not a muscle injury, but we’ll need to assess it when we return home.”
Barcelona concluded 2025 with an eighth consecutive LaLiga victory, as a penalty from Raphinha and a goal from Lamine Yamal secured the win over Villarreal, extending their lead over Real Madrid to four points at the top of the table.
Yamal’s goal, his ninth across all competitions this season, occurred after Renato Veiga received a red card for a late tackle on the young Barça player.
This decision was met with discontent from Villarreal fans, who booed Yamal for the remainder of the match. However, Flick remarked that scoring was the best response to the hostility.
“That’s how it goes,” Flick stated about the booing. “I believe it was a clear red card. Following that, it was evident that they focused on Lamine, and he managed it well, scoring the second goal, which is the best way to respond.”
Villarreal coach Marcelino felt the red card should have been considered “more of an orange card,” but acknowledged that VAR likely ruled in favor of the on-field decision due to the nature of the tackle.
Marcelino also commended his team for their performance with ten players after the red card, stating Barça goalkeeper Joan García was the standout player with five crucial saves.
“You could see he played a significant role in helping us achieve a clean sheet,” Flick said about his goalkeeper. “He’s a vital player for us.
“I’m pleased with the win and proud of my players, even though they showed signs of fatigue today. The most important aspect is the three points and Joan’s clean sheet; he had a fantastic performance.”
LaLiga will take a break until the New Year, with the Barcelona players set to return to training on December 29, ahead of their next match away against city rivals Espanyol on January 3.