Barcelona sporting director Deco is intensifying his efforts to sign a left-footed centre-back before the transfer window closes, with the club’s move for Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus believed to be close.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, finding a left-sided central defender has become the main focus of Barcelona’s activity during the final stage of the transfer market.
Manager Hansi Flick acknowledged before the match against Rayo Vallecano that Deco was still working to complete the squad. At that point, attention was concentrated on the defence, following a week in which the club had adopted the slogan “Julian or nobody”. However, Deco then surprised observers by swiftly completing a deal for Gabriel Jesus.
The search for a left-footed centre-back has been one of the most discussed issues at Barcelona throughout the summer. Several months ago, signing a player in that position appeared to be among the club’s leading priorities ahead of the current season.
Alessandro Bastoni was regarded as a particularly strong possibility and at one stage appeared to be close to joining Barcelona. The club’s sporting plans eventually moved in a different direction, however.
That change was influenced significantly by Flick’s view of his existing squad. The German coach has full confidence in the abilities of Gerard Martin, who can operate in the position. There have also been doubts about whether Bastoni would be ideally suited to Barcelona’s style, especially the demands of defending with a high line.
Another factor in the situation was Alvaro Cortes. The Barcelona academy player began pre-season training with the first team and initially appeared capable of remaining part of Flick’s group. He chose to leave the club several days ago instead.
Cortes’s decision was based mainly on two considerations. He believed he would have limited opportunities to play, while he also understood that Barcelona were active in the transfer market in search of a left-footed centre-back.
The club’s recruitment process has now entered a more intensive phase. All indications suggest Barcelona are looking for a player with significant potential: a young defender who could develop into a long-term project for the team.
Among the first-team options being considered, 18-year-old Dutch defender Ruud Nijstad is one of the players most admired by the club. Nijstad is left-footed, stands 1.95 metres tall and has already made a rapid breakthrough into the first team at FC Twente.
Barcelona view him as a modern centre-back capable of helping to build attacks from deep, although he remains at a very early stage of his career. His characteristics have led to comparisons with defender Dean Huijsen.
Nijstad has also indicated on more than one occasion that he would like to play for Barcelona. He has admitted that he would particularly enjoy the prospect of lining up alongside Pau Cubarsi.
Even so, Deco could yet produce another surprise, just as he did with the late move for Gabriel Jesus. It cannot be ruled out that the sporting director is working on an unexpected deal that has not yet been reported in the media.
