Barcelona is reportedly interested in Aston Villa defender Pau Torres, as they have prioritized the acquisition of a left-sided centre-back for the upcoming summer transfer window, according to various sources.
The recent transfer of Iñigo Martínez to Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League has left coach Hansi Flick in search of a reliable replacement in the backline.
Currently, Barcelona has options such as Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo, Eric García, and Andreas Christensen available for central defense, but Flick has faced challenges in finding a consistent pairing throughout the season.
Recently, with Araújo on a mental health break and García stepping into a midfield role, Flick has even utilized left-back Gerard Martín as a makeshift centre-back.
Flick’s decision to position Martín in that role highlights the advantage of having a left-footed player for better ball distribution from the back.
Thus, Barcelona is actively searching for a long-term partner for Cubarsí, who has appeared as a central figure in defense this season. Sources indicate that Torres remains on the club’s radar due to his skill set both defensively and in aerial duels.
The LaLiga leaders had previously considered Torres during his time at Villarreal, before he made a €40 million ($47 million) move to Villa in 2023.
Barcelona understands that negotiating with Villa won’t be straightforward, given Torres’s integral role in Unai Emery’s squad. However, sources have suggested that the player, whose contract extends to 2028, would be open to a return to Spain should a serious offer be made.
Nonetheless, Torres is just one of several options Barcelona is eyeing to strengthen a defense that has conceded 31 goals across 23 matches this season.
Barcelona May Also Target Nico Schlotterbeck
Previously reported by ESPN, Barcelona is also exploring the possibility of signing Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund. They have been monitoring him since his emergence at SC Freiburg.
The German international’s contract with Dortmund lasts until 2027, which may allow for a reduced price next summer if he does not renew, especially with other top clubs also keeping an eye on his availability.
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Barcelona’s potential signings will ultimately depend on their financial capabilities as they work to comply with LaLiga’s financial fair play regulations. Their ability to create financial room for new signings could hinge on offloading high-earners, with both Christensen and Robert Lewandowski seeing their contracts expire at the end of the season.
While no final decisions have been made regarding Christensen or Lewandowski’s futures, should the Danish defender depart, it would further emphasize Barcelona’s need for a new centre-back.