Barcelona to sign new center-back only on one condition

Barcelona’s impressive defensive record in La Liga has given the club license to prioritize other positions in the summer transfer window. Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araújo and Jules Kounde have all been brilliant this season, helping Marc-André ter Stegen keep more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues.

Even Marcos Alonso, who plays his best football as a wing-back with the freedom to stay higher up the pitch, has been a reliable presence at the heart of the defense when called upon by Xavi. The former Chelsea man played as a center-back against Manchester United in the Europa League first leg and did relatively well against Marcus Rashford. He also gave Barcelona the lead with a towering header.

At the same time, Alonso has been a solid option at the left-back position as well and has kept Barca veteran Jordi Alba on the bench for large parts of the season.

The Spain international’s versatility could allegedly have a big say on how Barcelona approach the summer window.

Barcelona to sign new center back only on one condition

As per journalist Gerard Romero, the Blaugrana outfit will only sign a new center-back if Alba departs Camp Nou. Alonso, meanwhile, would then play as left-back. But if the former Valencia star stays, the 32-year-old will be considered as an option in the middle of the defense and a new central defender will not be signed.

However, earlier this week club president Joan Laporta suggested (via The Athletic) the club will be in the market for a right-back as well as a center-back. The La Liga leaders have been linked with Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte.

While Alba’s future hangs in balance, Barcelona are considering renewing the contract of another veteran, Sergio Busquets. Xavi wants the defensive midfielder to stay in Catalunya for one more year.