Barcelona Plans to Sell Two Defenders for Tah Transfer

FC Barcelona has reportedly decided on which two players to sell in order to free up space for a potential new signing, according to a recent report from SPORT. The news comes as the club looks ahead to the summer transfer window for the 2025/2026 season, even as the January transfer window is just around the corner. The decisions made by Barcelona’s management indicate that the club is already preparing for the future and positioning itself for potential improvements to its squad.

Among the rumored signings is Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, a central defender who has been closely linked with a move to the Catalan club. SPORT reports that Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco, has already held talks with Tah’s representatives in anticipation of a potential free transfer. With only six months remaining on his contract at Leverkusen, Tah is now eligible to negotiate with other clubs starting from January 1. This opens the door for him to make a move to La Liga, and everything points to a potential transfer to Barcelona.

Tah, who has been a key figure for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, is expected to sign a five-year contract with Barcelona, running until 2030, according to Mundo Deportivo. This potential deal has sparked considerable interest, as Barcelona looks to reinforce its defensive lineup with the addition of a reliable and experienced player like Tah. However, with his arrival looming, it is clear that departures from the squad will be necessary to accommodate him.

Currently, Barcelona’s defense is anchored by Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez, two players who have established themselves as integral members of the team. Cubarsi, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, is seen as one of the club’s brightest young prospects. At just 19 years old, Cubarsi is expected to play a significant role in the club’s future. Alongside Lamine Yamal, another promising talent, Cubarsi is considered one of the building blocks for the club’s long-term success. Martinez, on the other hand, is a seasoned player whose contract is nearing its expiration. As a left-footed central defender, Martinez offers something unique to the squad, and it is widely believed that his contract will be extended by another year to maintain his presence in the team.

Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, has made it clear that he values the stability and depth of the club’s defense. As the only left-footed central defender at Barcelona, Martinez’s position appears secure for the time being. However, his contract situation remains a point of uncertainty, with talks over a possible extension ongoing. Despite this, it is almost certain that Martinez will remain at Barcelona for at least another year, ensuring that the club has an experienced and reliable defender in their ranks.

On the other hand, Barcelona is under pressure to resolve the futures of other central defenders, particularly Ronald Araujo. Araujo has been a key player for Barcelona since his arrival, but his contract is set to expire in 2026, and the club has been pushing for an early renewal. If Araujo does not agree to a new contract in the coming months, he could be placed on the transfer market as Barcelona seeks to avoid losing him for free. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Araujo is still regarded as an important part of Barcelona’s first-team defense, and the club would prefer to secure his services for the long term. If negotiations over an extension are successful, Barcelona could boast at least four top-quality central defenders, further strengthening their defensive options.

However, not all players in Barcelona’s defense are guaranteed to stay. According to SPORT, two defenders are likely to be sold in order to make space for the new signing. Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen are the two players reportedly on the chopping block. Both defenders arrived at Barcelona on free transfers, meaning the club stands to make a profit if they are sold. Garcia, who joined from Manchester City, has faced criticism for his performances in recent seasons, and Barcelona could look to offload him in the near future. Christensen, who arrived from Chelsea, has also struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup and is seen as surplus to requirements.

Both Garcia and Christensen are under contract until mid-2026, which means Barcelona has some time to make a decision on their futures. However, with the club looking to streamline its defense and make space for new signings, both players could be sold at a reduced price in the summer of 2025. While their departure would likely result in a smaller fee than expected, it would still allow Barcelona to make a profit on their initial free transfers and reduce the wage bill.

In conclusion, FC Barcelona is taking proactive steps to reinforce its squad ahead of the 2025/2026 season. The club’s decision to offload Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen signals a desire to refresh the defense and make room for new players. With Jonathan Tah a strong possibility to join Barcelona in the summer, the club is positioning itself for the future, making strategic decisions about its squad and ensuring that it remains competitive on both the domestic and international stage. As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Barcelona’s next moves, and the decisions made in the coming months will likely shape the club’s trajectory for years to come.