Significant activity is expected in the central defender position at FC Barcelona in the coming months.
Special focus is on the Barça Atlètic team. Whether or not they get promoted, a major squad renewal under Juliano Haus Bellei is anticipated. Several players are reaching the end of their time with the reserve team, necessitating many changes.
Among the key defenders from Juvenil A led by Pol Planas, who will help promote several young players to Barça Atlètic, 8 to 10 departures are expected. The central defense line will see many modifications. Team captain Álvaro Corés remains indispensable and a leader. Previously, Andrés Cuenca and Mamadou Mbacké (recovering from knee injury) were regulars here, and Alexis Olmedo has also returned after injury.
Dutch defender Juwensley Onsein has been signed to gain experience with Juvenil A and the reserves, aiming to secure the position of left central defender for Barça Atlètic in Primera RFEF starting this summer. He is only 18 with strong physical attributes and great potential.
The club plans to renew Álvaro Corés’ contract until 2027. He has grown considerably and had offers from Andorra and several top-tier European clubs last summer, but the technical secretariat preferred he stay. Still, a loan move might happen this summer.
Barça also aims to sign a top-level, preferably left-footed, central defender in the next transfer window. Gerard Marín’s role conversion has helped coach Flick, but defensive reinforcement remains a priority. Andrés Cuenca, currently on loan at Sporting, agreed to sign with Como this summer with Barça retaining a percentage of any future sale.
Alexis Olmedo, another central defender with a contract until 2027, may either renew and go on loan or be sold, with multiple options under consideration.
Overall, the club expects busy summer activity focused on revamping the central defense position.
