Barcelona’s defensive woes have reached a tipping point, and it’s not just about the players on the pitch. The shocking departure of Inigo Martinez last summer has left a gaping hole in their backline, one that’s proving harder to fill than anyone anticipated. While the club’s struggles this season are evident in their lack of defensive cohesion, there’s a twist to this story that’s bound to raise eyebrows. But here’s where it gets controversial: Barcelona had the chance to sign PSG’s rising star, Beraldo, last summer—but they passed. Why? According to Mundo Deportivo, neither Hansi Flick nor Deco showed any interest in the 21-year-old Brazilian prodigy, despite his impressive technical skills and 67 competitive appearances for PSG since 2024. Was this a missed opportunity, or a strategic oversight?
Beraldo, a left-footed center-back with a knack for playing out from the back, is highly rated at PSG, though he’s yet to cement his place in the starting lineup. He trails behind the likes of Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, and Ilya Zararnyi in the pecking order, and his game time could shrink further once Marquinhos returns to full fitness. And this is the part most people miss: Barcelona’s financial constraints likely played a role in their decision to skip on Beraldo, as they failed to sign any defender to replace Martinez. But could this change soon? Rumors suggest Barcelona is now eyeing Marc Guehi, who’ll be a free agent at season’s end. Is this a smart move, or are they too late to the party?
The bigger question remains: Will Barcelona get another shot at Beraldo in the January transfer window? With his potential and PSG’s crowded defense, it’s a possibility worth watching. But here’s the real debate: Should Barcelona have prioritized Beraldo last summer, or were they right to look elsewhere? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one transfer saga that’s far from over.