Barcelona Target Urgent Left-Back Reinforcement Despite Copa del Rey Triumph
Barcelona’s Copa del Rey victory over Real Madrid highlighted their resilience, but it also underlined key areas that need strengthening for next season. Following the final, manager Hansi Flick and club president Joan Laporta reached a decisive agreement: reinforcing the left-back position will be a top priority in the upcoming transfer window.
With Alejandro Balde sidelined through injury, Barcelona were forced to rely on youth prospect Gerard Martin during the final. Although Martin had performed admirably throughout the season, the high-pressure environment of the Clásico exposed his inexperience. He struggled both defensively against Real Madrid’s relentless attacks and failed to make an impact going forward.
According to El Nacional, while Martin’s contributions have been valuable in less intense fixtures, the Copa del Rey final made it clear that Barcelona requires a more dependable and experienced option for major games, especially when Balde is unavailable. Recognizing this, Flick met with Laporta after the match, with both fully aligned on the urgency of addressing the issue.
Flick has reportedly identified Spanish left-back Álvaro Carreras, currently at Benfica, as his top target. Carreras, known for his solid defensive skills and attacking support, impressed Flick during a recent match against Barcelona and is viewed as an ideal fit for the team’s needs. The plan would see Carreras offering competition for Balde while providing Flick with a reliable alternative when needed.
Joan Laporta, understanding the manager’s concerns, has already started working with Barcelona’s technical secretariat to secure a suitable signing. The club is prioritizing the left-back search, determined to finalize a deal swiftly to prepare for a demanding 2025–26 season, in which Barcelona aims to compete for every major trophy.
With full alignment between Flick and Laporta, the move to strengthen the left side of the defense is seen as a vital step in building a balanced and competitive squad for the next chapter of Barcelona’s ambitious project.
