​Barça Could Have Only Cubarsí & García as Center-Backs Next Summer; Guéhi Emerges as Top Free Agent Target

  
November 29 – According to Spanish media Sport, aside from signing a center-forward, another clear objective for Barcelona in the upcoming transfer market is to bring in a central defender. Currently, the only two players confirmed to stay and occupy this position are Pau Cubarsí and Eric García, who is finalizing the details of a contract renewal. Andreas Christensen's contract expires on June 30, while Ronald Araújo, despite extending his contract until 2031 in January, continues to face questions over his performances.

Given Barcelona's ongoing delicate financial situation, the sporting department continues to scout the market. A priority, provided the profile fits the team's needs, is to target players whose contracts expire in the summer and who could arrive as free agents without a transfer fee.

In this context, 25-year-old English defender Marc Guéhi has emerged on Barcelona's radar. His contract with Crystal Palace also expires on June 30. According to contract regulations, the player is free to negotiate with other clubs starting January 1. Besides Barcelona, clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich are also in the race for the player. Real Madrid, for whom English players are not a priority, are in a more passive position, and their interest would depend on other market movements.

According to Transfermarkt, Guéhi's current market value is estimated at €50 million. Since Euro 2024, he has become a mainstay in England's national team defense and might even be in his final weeks at Crystal Palace. The London club is aware of the player's appeal and his desire for a move, and has not completely ruled out selling him in the winter window to secure a transfer fee.

Should this option not materialize in Barcelona's favor, the Barcelona sporting department has other names on the shortlist to reinforce the defense next summer, including: Nico Schlotterbeck, Gonçalo Inácio, Dayot Upamecano, or Castello Lukeba.

Source: Sport