Barcelona receive official transfer request after Champions League drubbing

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has reportedly requested three major new signings in 2026 following their 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

A Jules Kounde own goal and strikes from Estevao Willian and Liam Delap succumbed the Blaugrana to their heaviest defeat in Europe since being beaten 4-1 by Paris Saint-Germain in April 2024 and Flick is eager to be backed in the market next year.

The Spanish giants spent just €27.5 million this summer, with Joan Garcia, Roony Bardghji and Marcus Rashford (loan) their only new additions, and Flick has requested the signings of a centre-back, a winger and a striker in 2026, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Inigo Martinez’s departure on a free transfer to Al-Nassr has left Flick without a left-footed central defender at the club and signing a suitable replacement for the Spaniard is therefore regarded as top priority by the Camp Nou outfit.

In fact, Barca would like to address this issue during the upcoming January transfer window, rather than waiting until the summer.

The Spanish giants have reportedly identified Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP) and Luis Benedetti (Palmeiras) as their four key targets, with Pau Cubarsi expected to be shifted back across to the right if a new option arrives.

Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is also understood to be on Barcelona’s radar due to the fact he will be a free agent next summer. The England star is right-footed but he has typically played as a left-sided central defender throughout his senior career.

Who will Barcelona sign next year?

In addition to purchasing a new centre-back in January, it’s reported that Flick would also like to sign a winger and a centre forward next summer.

The Blaugrana landed the aforementioned Rashford on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United after failing to finalise a deal for Nico Williams and signing the England international permanently is an option under consideration by the hierarchy.

However, AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao is also regarded as a potential option, while the club may need to find a replacement for Raphinha if he departs for Saudi Arabia amid significant interest from the Middle East.

Finally, Flick is keen to land a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski. Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez is regarded as a top target by Barcelona, with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane also wanted.

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