Araújo Is Gone — Now Barça Want a Left-Footed Centre-Back

Barcelona are actively searching for another centre-back following Ronald Araújo’s loan move to Liverpool. AS reports that Deco has established a very specific profile: left-footed, experienced and affordable. Álvaro Cortés remains an internal option, but the club are not convinced he should be relied upon as the fourth senior centre-back.

Barça have assessed several defenders, including Jon Martín, Castello Lukeba, Josko Gvardiol, Alessandro Bastoni and Pau Torres, but price and experience have ruled out or complicated different options. Real Betis defender Natan has resurfaced in the discussion, although his name had already been linked with Barcelona and there is still no confirmed new bid.

The requirements are straightforward enough: quality, experience, a left foot — and preferably a very friendly price tag. With Araújo already at Liverpool, Deco now has to find someone who somehow satisfies all four.