The transfer window in Barcelona comes with a lot of problems with interest in their players and the issue of registering players through the financial issues may prevent the new signings.
Therefore, no major moves in the January transfer window were expected in original plans but injuries in defense have forced a rethink. The main reason for the change in plans is that Andreas Christensen, one of Barcelona’s centre-backs, is out for several months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Discussions between Deco and Hansi Flick about the situation, and the urgency surrounding those talks, have fueled speculation that Barcelona could sign at least one defender in the winter transfer window.
The wrong decisions cost money
Committing to a permanent signing in January can be viewed as a decision made out of necessity rather than planning, and one that could bring long-term regret. A particular theme we have seen with the club in previous years.
Instead, Barcelona should prioritize short-term deals and alternatives, such as a loan transfer, to cover their needs for the remainder of the season while preserving flexibility for more strategic options in the summer.
Bringing in an experienced defender on a short-term deal would help stabilize the back line without committing the club to a long and expensive contract. Players such as Nathan Aké or Stefan de Vrij fit that profile well, offering top-level experience and the tactical intelligence needed to step in immediately during a crucial part of the season.
Aké, in particular, would be an excellent option for the left side of defense, an area where Barcelona value ball-playing ability and positional awareness. His comfort at left centre-back, and even at left-back when needed, would give Flick and the first XI selectors flexibility, while his familiarity with possession-based football would ease the transition into Barcelona’s system.
The other Dutchman on the list, De Vrij, meanwhile, brings leadership and consistency, and could also operate on the left side of a central pairing, providing calmness and reliability in high-pressure matches.
A loan move for the Dutch players would allow Los Cules to keep their long-term plans intact. By avoiding a permanent January signing, the club could target a defender whose contract expires in the summer, such as Marcos Senesi or Marc Guehi,securing them on a free transfer ready for a new season
This approach balances short-term necessity with long-term squad planning, ensuring Barcelona address their immediate defensive needs without compromising future opportunities.