Softfootball understands that Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has openly admitted that the club plans to strengthen their defence during the January 2026 transfer window, acknowledging that the current situation at the back is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his official X account, Flick didn’t shy away from the issue, stating plainly that one more defender is needed.
He said:
Hansi Flick confirms: When I look at the defensive line, I think we need ONE MORE player there. We’ll have to wait and see, it has to be something that makes sense — it’s not easy in January.
The urgency behind Flick’s comments stems largely from the injury suffered by Andreas Christensen, who missed the Barcelona 2-0 victory against Villarreal in La Liga after scoring a goal in Barcelona’s 2-0 victory against Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey.
The Danish centre-back picked up a partial ACL tear in late December during training and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
His absence has left Barcelona stretched thin, with just six senior defenders available to cope with commitments across La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
Christensen’s injury is a big blow, not only because of his defensive qualities but also due to his versatility and experience. His contract runs out in June 2026, which quietly raises questions about his long-term future at the club.
Sporting director Deco is working closely with Flick to assess the market. Several names have already been linked with the club. There is also internal debate about promoting from within, with Barça Atlètic captain Álvaro Cortés being monitored as a possible stopgap option.
Flick’s admission marks a noticeable shift from earlier confidence in the squad’s depth. With Ronald Araujo still not fully ready to return to the team and the fixture list tightening, the pressure is on Barcelona to act before January slips away.
