Barcelona identify key position needing strength in the January window as Hansi Flick seeks reinforcements: Reports 

Barcelona are reportedly looking to strengthen the left-back position for the second half of the 2024-25 season. This is according to a report from fichajes.net, which claims that Blaugrana lack depth in this area of the pitch.

At the moment, Alejandro Balde is the only option in this position, which limits manager Hansi Flick's ability to rotate the player. Additionally, it is claimed by the aforementioned report that the German tactician wants competition for his Spanish defender.

However, there is some apprehension about the kind of quality Barcelona will be able to add to this department due to their financial constraints. Regardless, they have been linked with a move for left-sided defenders in the January transfer window, such as Crystal Palace star Tyrick Mitchell.

TBR Football has reported that the Catalan outfit want Mitchell but are set to face competition from Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur (via One Football). There is certainly a chance to move for the 25-year-old, given that his contract at Selhurst Park expires in the summer of 2025.

Therefore, the Eagles may be forced to sell their defender for a meager transfer fee in January in order to avoid losing Mitchell for free in the summer. He will certainly add quality to the Barcelona defense, given he's a regular in the Premier League for his current team.

Mitchell has made 24 appearances across competitions for Crystal Palace this season, bagging three assists.

---

Hansi Flick addresses future about Barcelona defender's future amid interest from Arsenal

Hansi Flick

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has urged Ronald Araujo to stay at Camp Nou amid interest from Arsenal. Speaking about the Uruguay international's future, Flick said (via Metro):

"I want Araujo in my team because he is one of the best defenders. He’s a professional and is now fit, having recovered from his injury, so he can help us."

"I have told the team: there is only outside noise, you have to be cohesive and strong," he added.

There is uncertainty over Araujo's future with Blaugrana, given that his contract expires in the summer of 2026. To make matters worse, recent reports state that the defender himself wishes for a January move and sees himself playing in the Premier League.

Up until this point, the 25-year-old has made 152 appearances across competitions for Barcelona, bagging eight goals and six assists. He's won the LaLiga trophy and the Copa del Rey once each, along with one other honor.