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- 13 hours ago
Barcelona target THREE stars after Fabrizio Romano confirmation
Tom Weber
- Updated: 30 Dec 2025 07:53 GMT
- 5 min read
News
Barcelona are planning to source their new centre-back from the Bundesliga, according to Spanish media.
The reigning LaLiga champions are looking to bolster their defence in 2026. Hansi Flick's high line has been exposed on countless occasions this season, while Andreas Christensen has suffered an injury, prompting sporting director Deco to take action.
Barcelona, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, will make a defensive signing in 2026, although it is not yet entirely clear when. Ideally, the Catalans would like to bring in a reinforcement in January already.
Current ETV
Ronald Araujo
D (C)
Barcelona
Ronald Araujo
D (C)
Barcelona
ETV Range
€33.5M - €40.9M
However, the club's ongoing issues with LaLiga's salary cap make that unlikely as things stand. Barcelona will only be able to pounce on cheap market opportunities next month, whereas waiting until the summer could enable the signing of a long-term solution.
Ronald Araujo, who was granted a leave of absence to deal with personal issues after his red card against Chelsea in the Champions League, returned to team training on Monday, alleviating the need to bring in a short-term fix in January.
Barcelona to raid the Bundesliga?
Bournemouth defender Marco Senesi is on Barcelona's shortlist heading into 2026, but Sport claims that the Spanish champions are primarily looking to the Bundesliga for a potential new signing.
Nico Schlotterbeck, who was handed his senior Germany debut by Flick, is known to be held in high esteem by the Blaugrana hierarchy. He would be expensive in the summer, with recent reports suggesting that Borussia Dortmund have increased his price tag from €50 million to €70m.
The report adds that Wolfsburg star Konstantinos Koulierakis and Hamburg wonderkid Luka Vuskovic have also been added to Deco's shortlist, but they are unlikely to be much cheaper than Schlotterbeck.
22-year-old Koulierakis has impressed at Wolfsburg since joining last year and has been the frequent subject of links to bigger clubs, particularly in the Premier League.
18-year-old Vuskovic, meanwhile, is only on loan at HSV. The Croatia international is owned by Tottenham, but there is no guarantee that he will end up making a senior appearance for Spurs.
The Vuskovic family has a special connection with HSV, which has given rise to some utopian dreams that the promoted Bundesliga outfit could sign the youngster permanently from Spurs. These dreams have been fuelled by Luka stating that he wants to play for HSV with his brother Mario.
The elder Vuskovic, like his younger brother, used to be a hugely promising centre-back for the club until he tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) in 2022. His initial two-year ban was extended to four years, and he will be eligible to play again next November.
Vuskovic, the first footballer to be banned for EPO usage, has maintained his innocence, and HSV have supported him unconditionally during his legal battle. His numerous failed appeals and punishment have sparked a debate about the efficacy of current anti-doping laws in Germany and Europe in general.
The younger Vuskovic knows that Tottenham ultimately control his future, but Sport confirms that the teenager does not intend to return to North London. While his comments suggest that he would like to stay at HSV beyond this year, he surely wouldn't turn his nose up at a move to Barcelona.
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