Barcelona are working on their January transfer window already, and have planned to make their first signing in the hope of strengthening their team for the second half of the season.
The Blaugrana spent big this summer, signing players such as Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde and others, and could add to that in the winter.
After an impressive start to the season that sees them sit on top of La Liga, they have been affected by several injury issues and that could threaten their season as they go into the World Cup break.
As a result, they are planning for the future, and are targeting a new defensive signing, with injuries affecting their current options at the back.
Barcelona eyeing defensive replacements
During the international break, Kounde suffered an injury while playing for France, and he is a doubt for El Clasico later this month as the league’s top two go head-to-head.
Ronald Aruajo suffered a similar fate while playing for Uruguay, and he has opted for surgery to benefit his long-term career, sacrificing the World Cup to get better by the time the new year rolls around.
They’ve had to use other options like Eric Garcia and Gerard Pique, with Andreas Christensen also suffering, forcing them to look into the transfer market.
As a result, Barcelona are eyeing a move for Athletic Club’s Inigo Martinez, a defender they’ve long been interested in, and may go for him in the January transfer window.
Martinez is a proven La Liga defender having previously had a good career at Real Sociedad, and Barcelona see him as the ideal option going forward.
The 31-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, meaning Barcelona can get him for a cheaper deal, benefiting them financially as well, something they severely need.
Barcelona will want to maintain their positive start to the season and not see their season derail in its later stages, making the signing of a new defender almost essential in January.
