Two center backs in Barcelona's sights for the winter market: Who are they?
Published New:4/09/2025 - 22:53h
Updated New:4/09/2025 - 22:53h
The summer market has just ended and there are already names that sound on Barça's radar for 2026. The club does not rule out going for a center back if there is any departure in January
The board of directors of FC Barcelona has in sight two possible market priorities for 2026: a center forward and a central defender. The possible departure of Robert Lewandowski next summer opens the door to another '9', while in the rear, after the departure of Iñigo Martínez and doubts regarding the continuity of Andreas Christensen, may also lead to the arrival of another defender.
Christensen's contract ends in 2026 and, for the moment, there is no progress related to his renewal. Hansi Flick is counting on him, but in case of not being able to extend his contract before the end of the year, the club will look for a way out in January. With 'Lewy', the most sensible thing points to letting him go with a letter of freedom next summer, when the Pole approaches his 38th birthday.
In that sense, Deco continues to comb the market in search of alternatives for a Barça that, in 2026, hopes to finally operate normally in the market. The summer ended without the expected return to 1:1, a major obstacle in recent years to sign. As for central defenders, there are two very interesting alternatives on the radar of the azulgrana sports director.
Murillo Santiago, is he a priority target for Deco?
The first alternative, the best valued by Deco due to his youth and quality, is Murillo Santiago. The Brazilian landed in England with Nottingham Forest in 2023 and has established himself as one of the South American defenders with the best projection of today.
His transfer was closed at 12 million euros, but the 23-year-old player, trained by Corinthians, is already listed for around 55 'kilos' in Transfermarkt. Although he is naturally left-footed, he can play without problems on the right. Although he is not very tall (1.80 m), he is safe in the aerial game and very fast in the cuts.
In two years with Forest he has accumulated a couple of goals and assists in 78 official matches. Considering that his contract ends in 2029, he will hardly leave Nottingham for less than 60 million.
Deco has been following him for months and would try to sign him for a price close to 50 M€. According to the British portal 'CaughtOffSide', the 'red' team knows that it will be difficult to retain the Brazilian after the World Cup, with which they expect an offer similar to that of Real Madrid for Dean Huijsen. The Whites signed the Spaniard (Bournemouth) for 62.5 M€ this summer.
Lisandro Martínez, possible 'low cost' alternative for next summer
On the other hand, the latest information points to Lisandro Martínez on the departure ramp of Manchester United. The Argentine international hopes to return to action at the end of 2025, after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last February.
Rúben Amorim will count on him after his return, but the one from Gualeguay, who turns 28 years old next January. Barça had him in sight in 2022, when United paid 57 'kilos' to Ajax for his transfer. Although his time at Old Trafford has been difficult, Martínez remains a well-regarded defender in English football.
At the moment, his market value remains at 40 million. Considering that his contract ends in 2027, the 'red devils' could let him go for a similar price, depending on his evolution when he receives medical discharge.
Naturally left-footed, Lisandro also stands out for his versatility, as he also has experience covering the left side and as a libero in a line of three central defenders. If he completely overcomes his knee problems, he will undoubtedly be a highly sought-after central defender next summer and Barcelona would resume interest in his signing.
