FC Barcelona sporting director Deco is prioritizing the signing of a young left-footed centre-back before the transfer window closes, according to reports from SPORT. The search follows the club’s recent roster changes, including Ronald Araujo’s departure to Liverpool on a season-long loan and academy defender Álvaro Cortés’s exit to Royal Antwerp.
Deco Focuses on Left-Footed Centre-Back Target
According to SPORT, strengthening the defensive line with a left-footed centre-back has emerged as the primary objective for Barcelona’s sporting department in the final stretch of the window. Earlier in the summer, the club evaluated potential targets like Alessandro Bastoni. However, manager Hansi Flick expressed confidence in Gerard Martín’s capabilities in that role, leading the sporting management to shift their approach and reconsider tactical fits for a high defensive line.
The urgency increased after academy graduate Álvaro Cortés chose to leave the club for Royal Antwerp. Cortés made the move because he anticipated limited first-team opportunities, knowing that the club was actively scouting the market for a left-footed defender.
Rather than seeking a temporary fix, Barcelona’s recruitment team is targeting a younger profile with long-term developmental potential. While the club completed an agreement for 16-year-old centre-back Mikael Baza from Hamburg to join the youth setup, the search continues for options to strengthen Hansi Flick’s senior squad.
Scouting Targets for the Senior Squad
Standing 1.95 meters tall, the 18-year-old Dutch left-footed centre-back has made a rapid breakthrough into Twente’s first team.
Barcelona’s interest in Nijstad is well-documented by club officials. Sporting director Deco and head of scouting Joao Amaral have traveled twice to meet with the player’s representatives, reflecting the club’s serious evaluation of his physical and technical qualities. Nijstad fits the profile of a modern defender comfortable with building play from the back, despite remaining at an early stage of his professional career.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Deco is working to finalize the squad additions, mirroring the swift approach taken to secure Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus earlier in the window.