Barcelona have placed Aston Villa centre-back Pau Torres at the top of their defensive recruitment list for summer 2026, a move that reveals as much about Hansi Flick's tactical priorities as it does about the club's current vulnerabilities.
The departure of Iñigo Martínez to Al-Nassr left Barcelona without a natural left-footed option in central defence, and the consequences have been evident throughout this campaign: 31 goals conceded in 23 matches across all competitions.
The tactical rationale behind Torres
Flick's insistence on building from the back requires defenders comfortable receiving under pressure and capable of switching play efficiently. A left-footed centre-back on the left side of the defensive pairing allows for more natural ball progression and opens passing angles that right-footed alternatives cannot replicate.
Torres fits this profile precisely. During his time at Villarreal and now at Villa, the 28-year-old has demonstrated exceptional distribution skills. Last season in the Premier League, he completed over 1,200 passes with an 89.3% accuracy rate, including four progressive passes per 90 minutes – figures that place him among Europe's elite ball-playing defenders.
Barcelona's defensive crisis
The situation at Camp Nou has deteriorated beyond simple personnel issues. Ronald Araújo is currently taking a mental health break, while Eric García has been deployed in midfield to address other squad gaps. Flick has resorted to using left-back Gerard Martín as a makeshift centre-back simply to have a left-footed option for build-up phases.
The club's current centre-back options – Pau Cubarsí, Araújo, García, and Andreas Christensen – offer quality but lack the specific profile Barcelona need. Finding a long-term partner for the emerging Cubarsí has become a strategic priority.
Villa's negotiating strength
Torres signed a contract until 2028 when joining Villa from Villarreal for £33 million in 2023. This security gives Unai Emery's side significant leverage in any negotiation. Barcelona's well-documented financial constraints mean any deal would require creative structuring – a reality Villa have no obligation to accommodate.
However, sources indicate Torres would be receptive to discussing a return to Spain. Having spent his entire career in La Liga before moving to England, the prospect of joining Barcelona reportedly appeals to the defender.
Alternative targets
Barcelona are also monitoring Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck. The Germany international's contract expires in 2027, potentially making him a more financially viable option if renewal talks stall. Schlotterbeck offers similar left-footed qualities and has proven himself at Champions League level.
The coming months will clarify which path Barcelona pursue. What remains certain is Flick's determination to address the left-sided centre-back position – a gap that continues to undermine his team's defensive stability.
