As Barcelona prepares to face Club Brugge tonight, it’s not just a Champions League matchup, it’s also a tactical and scouting showcase. Brugge has quietly built one of the most dynamic and balanced squads in Europe, blending athleticism, structure, and technical flair.
If Barça were to look toward Belgium for reinforcements, several players stand out as ideal fits for the club’s philosophy: intelligent off-ball movers, technically secure under pressure, and physically capable of executing a modern pressing game.
So, look no further Barcelona scouts. Here are three Club Brugge players who could realistically strengthen Barcelona’s current squad.
Joel Ordóñez - a modern center-back
Joel Ordóñez (21) is one of Club Brugge’s most intriguing young defenders, a composed, intelligent center-back from Ecuador with a maturity. Calm in possession and comfortable building from the back, he already demonstrates traits that Barça value in their backline.
One of his standout qualities is his ability to play vertical passes between the lines always looking to break pressure and connect midfield quickly instead of settling for sideways recycling.
Defensively, Ordóñez with his height (188cm) brings strength in duels both on the ground and in the air. He times challenges well and has the body control to stay balanced when defending fast forwards. His physical presence is paired with intelligence in positioning, making him dependable in 1v1 situations and in a high defensive line.
Ordóñez may not yet have the global spotlight, but his profile suggests that if Barcelona were to look toward Belgium for their next defensive anchor, they might find a future Camp Nou quality center back waiting in Bruges.
Carlos Forbs - the two-way winger
The Portuguese (21) originally developed at Manchester City, carries the trademark traits of a player raised in a possession-dominant football culture, strong technical foundation, smart positioning, and composure in tight pockets.
Unlike many positional play wingers who prefer to receive to feet, Forbs embraces the opportunity to run in behind and attack open grass. That makes him especially valuable against low blocks, where his timing and acceleration can unbalance compact defenses.
Forbs also stands out for his work rate without the ball. He presses with intensity, tracks back willingly, and fits the modern demand for two-way wide players.
His decision making and finishing continues to grow, but the raw tools such as pace, dribbling aggression, strong ball control at speed are already at a high level.
Simply put, Carlos Forbs is the type of winger who forces discomfort, shifts structure, and creates chaos in the right moments and that’s often exactly what Barcelona’s possession-heavy system needs.
Aleksandar Stanković - midfield engine Barcelona could use
Aleksandar Stanković may still be at the beginning of his professional journey, but the young Serbian midfielder has already made a strong impression at Club Brugge.
At just 20 years old, he combines size, intensity, and midfield maturity that points toward a very high ceiling and yes, the pedigree matters. As the son of former Inter midfielder and Serbian legend Dejan Stanković, Aleksandar carries the mentality and discipline of someone who grew up in elite football environments.
What stands out most in his game is his physical presence. Stanković covers ground with purpose, competes hard in duels, and brings a level of defensive bite. He doesn’t shy away from contact, presses with conviction, and plays with that Balkan edge - tough, direct, and unafraid of big-moment responsibility. Beyond the physical aspect, there’s an intelligence to his positioning and ball circulation. He keeps the game simple, protects the ball well, and plays with composure for his age. While he’s still developing as a deep playmaker, his defensive instincts, energy, and vertical pressing already stand out.
Stanković offers shades of a young Arturo Vidal, ball-winning discipline, aggressive, dynamic, and always engaged in the flow of the match.
Still early in his career, Stanković represents the type of modern, high-energy holding midfielder Barcelona could use more of. Someone who in the right system could grow into a valuable rotational piece and long-term asset.