Why Alessandro Bastoni Is the One Dream Signing That Could Fix Barcelona
Barcelona entered the summer without major concerns about their central defense. Iñigo Martínez had earned trust under Hansi Flick and looked set to start alongside Pau Cubarsí. But his surprise move to Al Nassr changed the picture completely. With just weeks to go before the season, Barcelona lost a key figure in their defensive plan.
Now the conversation has moved toward replacements, specifically, one name that keeps coming up: Alessandro Bastoni. The club may not be in a financial position to act immediately, but the long-term interest is already in motion.
Araújo’s Position No Longer Feels Secure
Ronald Araújo has struggled to maintain his status in Barcelona’s defense. The loss to Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinal drew harsh reviews, and since then, internal confidence in him has dropped. He currently trails both Pau Cubarsí and the recently departed Iñigo Martínez in Flick’s rotation.
There’s also a clause in his contract that complicates the situation. For ten days in July, a €70 million release clause becomes active. If another club activates it, Barcelona could gain immediate funds, potentially enough to pursue someone like Bastoni. That possibility has kept the club on its heels, quite literally.
A Defender Built for Flick’s Style
Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, prefers a high defensive line and a proactive approach without the ball. His system relies on defenders who can press early, recover quickly, and stay comfortable in possession under pressure. Bastoni has done all of that at Inter Milan. His ability to step into midfield or break lines with passes is exactly what Barcelona missed during the Champions League exit.
With over 200 appearances in Serie A and regular starts for the Italian national team, Bastoni offers both consistency and experience. He reads danger early and plays with enough control to influence the tempo, something most center-backs in their mid-20s don’t consistently offer. This is mainly why Flick has reportedly backed the idea of bringing him in during a future window.
Long-Term Balance Next to Cubarsí
Image via Wikimedia Commons/TabsArbs
So far, Pau Cubarsí has been one of the most encouraging developments in Barcelona’s defense. At only 18, he’s handled high-pressure matches with the calm of a veteran and earned Flick’s trust as a starter. With that kind of trajectory, the club has to be careful about who lines up next to him.
Building around a young defender means getting his partnership right. Bastoni’s profile makes him an ideal fit. He’s naturally left-footed and tactically disciplined, which allows Cubarsí to stay on the right side of the pairing.
Inter Holds Control, But Timing Could Shift It
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Sona Hovasapyan
For now, Inter Milan remains firm about keeping Bastoni, but Barcelona hasn’t backed away. The defender is tied to a long-term deal that runs through 2028, which gives Inter full control over any potential move. They’ve made it clear they won’t consider offers unless the fee is unusually high or the player pushes for a change.
But Barcelona knows the timing doesn’t favor them this year. That’s why the club is looking toward 2026. Financial forecasts suggest more room to operate next summer, and several planned departures could open space in the squad. Deco, the club’s sporting director, and his recruitment team are already preparing for that window, with Bastoni sitting near the top of their priority list.