Open competition at full-back in Barcelona squad for 2026/27

There could also be movement in defence. The club’s plan is to sign a top-level centre-back if conditions allow, with Alessandro Bastoni as the main target. Andreas Christensen, meanwhile, could be a candidate to leave.

Full-back position gets competitive

As reported by SPORT, there is set to be a lot of competition in the two full-back positions at Barcelona in the 2026/27 season.

As things stand, both Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde are expected to remain unless substantial offers arrive.

Hector Fort will be back in the summer. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

On top of that, Barcelona’s priority is to secure the continuity of Joao Cancelo, either by extending his loan from Al-Hilal or by signing him permanently. He has the trust of Hansi Flick and has even been preferred ahead of Balde in recent weeks.

So, Balde, Cancelo, and Gerard Martin, who has been used as a centre-back this term, would be options on the left side, competing for a starting berth.

On the right-hand side, Barcelona have some decisions to make as Hector Fort will return from loan at Elche. The La Masia defender suffered a shoulder injury just as he was beginning to perform well at his new club and has now returned for the final stretch of the season.

His intention is to earn a place in the Barcelona squad, although this will depend on several factors, particularly whether Flick considers him ready. After all, Xavi Espart has enjoyed a breakthrough season and has earned the manager’s trust.

It remains to be seen how Flick and Deco will resolve the situation. They must decide whether Fort should be transferred or sent on another loan, or whether Espart should go out on loan instead.