Barcelona still haunted by the same defensive flaw

It is a familiar feeling for Barcelona supporters. The club reach the semi-finals or quarter-finals of the Champions League, produce some of the most spellbinding attacking football in Europe, and then unravel in the space of a few minutes. Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 (when Ronald Araujo saw red), Inter in 2025 (when the high line was repeatedly exposed and seven goals were conceded), and Atletico in 2026 (a red card for Pau Cubarsi in the first leg and a sending-off for Eric García in the return) - each campaign has ended in the same painful fashion.

There is clearly something missing at center-back, and it is a void that has grown since Iñigo Martínez left the club. Those defensive frailties continue to raise serious questions about how far Barcelona can actually go in Europe.

A shifting backline this summer

This season could look different, however. Araújo has already departed on loan to join Liverpool, while the future of Alejandro Balde at left-back remains uncertain. If the full-back were to leave, a defensive reinforcement would look increasingly likely - and the club's priorities would quickly turn to the left side of the back four.

According to reports, coach Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have been clear on their wish list: they want someone fast, comfortable in possession, and capable of holding a high line. Three names in particular keep cropping up.

Three candidates under consideration

Aymeric Laporte - Athletic Club

The experienced defender is a proven leader at center-back. During Spain's World Cup run, he combined superbly with Cubarsi, with Spain adjusting to just a single goal conceded in eight matches together. Athletic only signed the players in last September on a contract until 2028, however, and have no interest in selling to a direct rival.

Sporting director Mikel González has already insisted Laporte is going nowhere this summer. With relations between Barcelona and Athletic remaining tenues and a reported price tag in the region of €80 million, it would take serious negotiation - but if Barca could broker a fee, he would represent an excellent short-term fix.

Castello Lukeba - RB Leipzig

The raw France Under-21 international is viewed as a long-term solution for the position. Lukeba has been made over 80 Bundesliga appearances in three seasons at Leipzig, plus 12 Champions League games. Last year he completed more than 90% of his passes well over, won half of his aerial duels, and recorded 127 ball recoveries.

He is physical, quick and comfortable carrying the ball forward, even if aerial duels are not yet his strongest attribute. Leipzig value around him at €60 million and are in no hurry to sell - the club have just waved goodbye to Yan Diomande in a deal worth €125 million and have Lukeba tied down until 2029. Both Flick and Deco seem to fancy him most, but this is a tough deal to unwind.

Natan - Real Betis

The Catalan have reportedly held preliminary talks with Real Betis, with the defender valued at around €25-30 million. He checks pragmatic many of the boxes Blaugrana:he stands 6-foot-2, ranks among the fastest players in La Liga with an average speed above 33.5 km/h, is good on the ball, dominant in the air, and front-footed enough aggressive defender to thrive in Flick's high line.

A midfielder can only solve a midfield problem

Here is where the debate becomes genuinely interesting. The arrival of Rodri has already eased some of Barcelona's defensive worry. He is a world-class midfielder who can drop deep, control the tempo and take pressure off the centre backs. But he is a midfielder solving a midfielder-problem - he will not go winning headers in his own box or produce the last-ditch tackle when everyone else has been beaten. And those, the exact moments in which Barcelona have lost three consecutive Champions League ties.

So the question goes back to the fans: do Barcelona still need to sign another center-back - and if so, who among Laporte, Lukeba and Natan?