FC Barcelona has started the search for a new top-level center-back, capable of partnering with Pau Cubarsí over the coming years. Iñigo Martínez's departure has been a tough and unexpected blow, but it shouldn't change anything in the planning. There won't be a major signing for the defensive line this summer, with the intention of postponing the desired addition until 2026.
Deco is working on an elaborate list of possible targets to strengthen Barça's squad sooner rather than later. What he's looking for is a center-back who can deliver immediate results, has experience at the elite level, and comes at an affordable cost. He seems to have found one, focusing his efforts on signing a defender who will be a free agent in a year and is willing to seek a new challenge.
Deco finds a "good, beautiful, and cheap" center-back
The intention of Barça's sporting director is to start contacts with his camp in the coming months. Marc Guéhi, Crystal Palace's center-back, will be a free agent on June 30, 2026 and will be able to negotiate his arrival freely starting January 1.
Madrid-Barcelona has learned that the English defender is highly regarded at Barça, with the belief that he has the qualities to build a career in the first team. He is 6 ft. tall (1.82 meters), is good at playing out from the back, and can perform well in both center-back roles. As of today, he's valued at just over 40 million euros, so by waiting a year, there would be a total saving.
So far, Marc Guéhi has rejected all proposals to renew with Crystal Palace and is willing to leave. Not only FC Barcelona is closely monitoring his progress. In the Premier League, he has several top-level offers, including Liverpool, the most recent champion of the competition.
Marc Guéhi fits at Barça
FC Barcelona has Marc Guéhi on its radar to strengthen the center of defense. The English international is highly valued by the sporting management for his solidity, tactical maturity, and physical profile. At 25, Guéhi has stood out in the Premier League for his strength in duels, good positioning, and notable ability to play out from the back under pressure.
Deco sees Guéhi as an ideal center-back to partner with Pau Cubarsí in the heart of the defense. While the academy graduate brings game reading, intelligence, and composure, Guéhi adds aggression, physical power, and experience in high-stakes matches. Their qualities are complementary, which could result in a very balanced partnership at Camp Nou.
From Barcelona, his ability to adapt to high defensive lines, something key in Hansi Flick's famous style, is also highly valued. In addition, his profile fits perfectly with a center-back like Cubarsí, making it easier to play out from the back. If his arrival is finalized, Camp Nou could enjoy a defense for both the present and the future with Pau Cubarsí and Marc Guéhi as the pillars of the new Barça.