‘Barcelona desperately need top-level defenders’ – Thierry Henry offers advice after Champions League exit

GIRONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 16: Gerard Martin of FC Barcelona talks with Eric Garcia of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Girona FC and FC Barcelona at Montilivi Stadium on February 16, 2026 in Girona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Former Barcelona star Thierry Henry says the Catalan giants are in desperate need of some top center-backs following their Champions League defeat to Atletico.

Barcelona saw Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia sent off over the two legs against Diego Simeone’s side, and Henry says they must invest in their backline this summer.

“This Barça desperately needs top-level defenders. We can talk about the referee all night, but we also have to do self-criticism and here there are many things to improve and they must do it. If nothing changes, in the next ten years we will continue to see the same thing and it’s a shame,” he said on CBS.

“Playing with a defensive line forward in these big European games, with this type of defensive approach, everything is complicated. I’ve been saying it for two years: this Barça offers opportunities to the opponent even when they dominate and so it’s very difficult to get through the knockout rounds”.

“We can’t aspire to stay at this level without first-class stability. I’m sorry, but this team desperately needs elite centre-backs next season. If you don’t have the stamina or agility to cover that space, you’re exposing yourself to a real nightmare. This is not just a bad night, it is a structural problem that needs an immediate solution.”

Barcelona have been linked with center-backs recently, with Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni believed to be top of their list ahead of the summer transfer window.