Barcelona have made a big transfer decision ahead of January, with a plan to sign a central defender ‘activated’. The Catalans have numerous options on their shortlist, including Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez.

Although Hansi Flick’s side made a strong start to the season, recent losses to PSG and Real Madrid have brought the Blaugrana back down to earth.

One of the sources of trouble has been pinpointed as the defence. President Joan Laporta has offered Flick the possibility of signing Tottenham’s Pedro Porro, but according to Mundo Deportivo, the real action is about to take place in the heart of the defence.

Barcelona’s defensive shortlist revealed

Barcelona had looked at signing a centre-back in the summer and came close to a deal for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, but they ultimately backed off as they instead focused on bolstering their attack, where Anthony Gordon was the marquee arrival.

The Italy international is still on Barca’s shortlist heading towards January, though Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol is seen as the ‘dream’ signing. That would only be possible, though, if Enzo Maresca’s side are handed a harsh sanction before them.

Neither of these players is seen as being financially viable at present, with a deal for Bastoni described as ‘a difficult option’.

Barcelona, though, could take advantage of the mayhem at Manchester United to land an additional player in the form of Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentine spoke out publicly about the Red Devils’ lack of ambition in the transfer market last summer, and while he has not officially been blacklisted by the club, the 28-year-old’s status is certainly under threat. This is particularly the case given his form when he’s been on the field has not been impressive.

However, there is one major concern that could block Barcelona moving for the ex-Ajax star: his injury record. In the last three years, he has suffered five separate injuries that have kept him out for 30 days or more, including a serious foot problem and a long absence due to an ACL rupture. He has also struggled to gain full fitness this term due to a hamstring problem sustained in the summer.

Lisandro Martinez’s attractive price

Lisandro’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has plummeted off the back of these problems, with the Argentine now worth only €29.3 million – his lowest figure since leaving Ajax to join United in 2022.

His contract situation is also keeping this figure artificially low. Although his current deal expires in 2027, United hold a one-year additional option. Lisandro is not in their long-term plans, but while he still holds significant market value, allowing him to leave on a free is also not on the cards. In effect, he still has 18 months left on his deal, which is something his ETV does not currently take into account.

Certainly, there is no prospect of the Red Devils recouping the €57m they spent on the player, so it will be a case of damage limitation with his fee.

Barcelona can take advantage of this, with the Catalans likely to have around €30m to spend.

Real Betis’ Natan is the final member of their shortlist and is thought to be available for around that figure.

With January approaching, Barca are keeping their options open, but Lisandro is arguably the most attractive possibility on their shortlist at present.