FC Barcelona continues to work on planning for next season, and strengthening the defense has become one of the club’s biggest priorities. The sporting department led by Deco is actively searching for a top-level left-footed center-back to reinforce the backline of coach Hansi Flick.
Among the names currently under consideration, one stands above the rest: Alessandro Bastoni. The Inter Milan defender is widely admired within the Barça offices, although the club is aware that signing him would be extremely difficult.
Bastoni, the dream target
Journalist Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that Bastoni is one of the most desired players inside Barcelona’s sporting project.
According to Romano, the Italian international is considered a perfect fit for the team’s defensive structure.
“One of FC Barcelona’s dream targets is Bastoni. They absolutely love him at the club, but Inter see him as a crucial player,” Romano explained.
The defender is currently a key figure for Inter Milan and one of the defensive leaders under coach Simone Inzaghi. Because of that importance, Inter are not expected to make any move that would easily facilitate his departure.
The transfer depends on Barcelona’s budget
Barcelona understands that any potential move for Bastoni will largely depend on the club’s financial situation next summer.
Romano explained that the Catalan club’s transfer planning includes several important investments across different positions in the squad.
“It will be a complicated operation and it will also depend on how much Barcelona invests in other positions,” the journalist noted.
One of the major financial commitments expected is the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford, a deal that could cost around €30 million. In addition, the club is also exploring options to strengthen the center-forward position.
Because of these priorities, any move for Bastoni would depend heavily on the remaining financial margin.
Ndicka emerges as an alternative
Due to the complexity of the Bastoni operation, Barcelona has already begun exploring alternative defensive targets.
One of the names recently followed by the club is Evan Ndicka, currently playing for AS Roma.
According to Romano, Ndicka offers a different defensive profile compared to Bastoni.
“Barcelona have been watching and monitoring Ndicka in recent weeks. He brings a different profile compared to Bastoni,” Romano said.
The Ivory Coast international stands out for his physical strength, European experience and his ability to play as a left-sided center-back.
Vušković also appears on the radar
Another name on Barcelona’s defensive shortlist is Luka Vušković, one of the most promising young defenders in European football.
The Croatian player belongs to Tottenham Hotspur and is currently on loan at Hamburger SV, where he is gaining valuable playing time to continue his development.
Romano confirmed that interest in the defender is genuine, although Barcelona are far from being the only club monitoring him.
“Many big clubs in Europe are interested in Vušković. It will be a long race,” he explained.
Deco keeps several options open
Inside Barcelona there is a clear understanding that reinforcing the defense will be essential in the next transfer window.
Bastoni remains the club’s dream target, but the financial demands of the operation force the sporting department to prepare alternative solutions.
For that reason, players like Ndicka and Vušković remain firmly present in the club’s internal scouting reports as Barcelona prepares for the summer market.
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