Barcelona's defensive woes are deeper than anyone initially imagined after Inigo Martinez's departure, and it turns out a potential solution was right under their noses! But here's the kicker: they passed on it. Let's dive into why.
The Catalan club is currently grappling with a noticeable lack of defensive solidity this season. This deficiency has made their need for defensive reinforcements painfully obvious. The departure of veteran centre-back Inigo Martinez has left a gaping hole, and finding a like-for-like replacement has proven surprisingly difficult – more so than many anticipated.
According to reports, Barcelona had a golden opportunity last summer to bolster their defensive ranks. They were offered the chance to sign none other than Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender, Beraldo. This revelation begs the question: why didn't it happen?
Beraldo, a 21-year-old Brazilian, is highly regarded as one of Brazil's most promising centre-backs. Observers have consistently been impressed by his technical ability and composure on the ball. He’s a left-footed player comfortable playing out from the back, a highly sought-after trait in modern defenders. Even at a club like PSG, brimming with talent, Beraldo is held in high esteem. Since joining the Parisian giants in 2024, he's already racked up a significant 67 appearances in competitive matches, indicating his value to the squad. And this is the part most people miss... a left-footed centre-back is invaluable to a team that wants to build patiently from the back.
So, what went wrong? Why did talks between PSG and Barcelona never materialize? The answer, reportedly, lies with then-manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco. Neither showed any interest in pursuing a deal for the young Brazilian. But here's where it gets controversial... some speculate that Barcelona's well-documented financial constraints also played a significant role. After all, they failed to sign any defensive replacements for Martinez during the summer window. Was it truly a lack of interest, or were their hands tied by budgetary limitations?
Looking ahead, Barcelona's defensive hunt continues. Rumors suggest they are now eyeing Marc Guehi, who could become a free agent at the end of the season. However, they face stiff competition from other top European clubs.
As for Beraldo, his situation at PSG isn't entirely secure. While he's a valuable squad member, he's currently behind Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, and Ilya Zararnyi in the defensive pecking order. Once Marquinhos returns to full fitness, Beraldo's playing time could be further reduced. This raises an intriguing possibility: could Barcelona get another chance to sign Beraldo in the upcoming January transfer window?
Could Barcelona have made a huge mistake in overlooking Beraldo? Given their current defensive struggles, it certainly seems plausible. What do you think? Should Barcelona reignite their interest in the Brazilian defender in January, or should they pursue other targets like Guehi? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
