Barcelona consider Laporte and Rodri deals after Alvarez setback

Barcelona could redirect the money earmarked for Julian Alvarez into a double signing for Rodri and Aymeric Laporte if they fail to complete a deal for the Atletico de Madrid forward.

The Catalan club’s difficulty in concluding an agreement for Alvarez is understood to have prompted a rethink of their transfer priorities. According to journalist Victor Navarro, Barcelona are considering a move for Laporte, the Athletic Club defender, as they prepare for the expected departure of Ronald Araujo to Liverpool on loan.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has begun examining the possibility of making an approach for the Spain international, with the defender viewed as a potential solution to the expected change in the club’s defensive options.

The proposed strategy is closely linked to Barcelona’s transfer budget. If the club decide against signing Alvarez from Atletico de Madrid, the funds allocated for that deal could instead be used to pursue Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, as well as bringing in a new central defender in the form of Laporte.

Barcelona regard Laporte as a suitable candidate to strengthen their back line. His experience and recent performances with Spain have added to his appeal, particularly after he played a prominent role during the 2026 World Cup.

Laporte was described as one of the important figures in Spain’s World Cup triumph. He also formed an effective defensive partnership with Pau Cubarsi, a combination Barcelona believe could work well at club level.

That relationship could make Laporte an especially attractive option for Hansi Flick, who is looking to shape a defence capable of meeting Barcelona’s requirements. The possibility of pairing Laporte with Cubarsi would give the manager a partnership that has already shown promise in the Spain team.

Barcelona’s potential change of plan would therefore represent more than a simple switch from one transfer target to another. The club could move away from an expensive pursuit of Alvarez and use the available budget to address two areas of the squad: midfield, through the signing of Rodri, and defence, with Laporte providing additional experience.

However, the identity of the defender who ultimately joins Barcelona remains separate from another decision being considered by Flick. Regardless of whether Laporte arrives, the manager intends to give Alvaro Cortes, a product of Barcelona’s academy, an opportunity during the coming season.

The proposed use of Cortes would underline Barcelona’s continued willingness to rely on academy talent while also assessing whether further defensive reinforcement is required. For now, the club’s transfer plans remain dependent on the outcome of negotiations for Alvarez and the financial room that would be created if that move does not go ahead.