Barcelona is facing a major defensive concern after Andreas Christensen suffered a partial tear to his anterior cruciate ligament in late December. The injury is expected to keep the defender out for several months and has forced the club to look at possible reinforcements in the January transfer window.
As reported earlier, Barcelona are assessing multiple options to strengthen the back line. However, due to strict salary-cap limits, the club must proceed carefully and focus on affordable, short-term or value-based solutions rather than expensive signings. Within these constraints, a few realistic market opportunities stand out.
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Stefan de Vrij
One option is Stefan de Vrij of Inter Milan. The 33-year-old brings experience, leadership and calmness at the back, having played at the highest level for both club and country. De Vrij is under contract at Inter until 2026, but recent reports suggest the Italian club could be open to letting him leave in January. This opens the door for Barcelona to secure him on a modest fee or a short-term loan with limited compensation. For Barcelona, de Vrij would offer immediate defensive stability while Christensen recovers, making him a sensible short-term fix.
Marcos Senesi
Another name on Barcelona’s radar is Marcos Senesi of AFC Bournemouth. Like de Vrij, Senesi’s contract runs until 2026, placing Bournemouth in a position where they may consider a January sale rather than risk losing him for free in the summer. Several reports have linked Senesi with interest from Serie A and La Liga clubs.
For Barcelona, he represents a younger, mid-term option who fits well into Hansi Flick’s ball-playing system. Reports suggest his January price could be in the low-to-mid-teens of millions, or possibly lower if Bournemouth choose to cash in early.
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La Masia returns
The third option is Mika Marmol of Las Palmas, a former La Masia player. Barcelona retained economic rights when Marmol left, giving the club a clear understanding of the player and potential financial advantages in negotiations. His release clause has previously been reported at around €10 million, but with limited time left on his contract, Las Palmas may be cautious about a January sale.
Any winter move would likely be structured to reduce immediate costs, making Marmol the cheapest option among the three. His familiarity with the club’s style also makes him a smooth tactical and cultural fit.
