Barcelona weigh Lisandro Martinez and Uruguay prospect in January defensive search

Barcelona have sent a scout to watch Argentina’s 2-1 defeat by Uruguay at La Bombonera as they continue their search for a new centre-back ahead of the winter transfer window.

The club’s representative was primarily monitoring Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, while also assessing Uruguay prospect Juan Rodriguez, who did not come off the bench.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona sporting director Deco and manager Hansi Flick remain determined to sign a defender in January, despite the difficulties involved. The club’s sporting department has been working on the deal for several weeks without reaching an agreement.

Barcelona are examining the available options while trying to improve the squad without upsetting the club’s delicate financial balance. Representatives have already been seen watching several defenders, including Yeltch, Njegstad and Vuskovic.

The Catalan club’s attempts to sign Jonathan Tah on loan from Bayern Munich from January were also reported to have failed.

Martinez remains on Barcelona’s radar

The 28-year-old Martinez is among Barcelona’s leading targets and has been publicly linked with the club in recent weeks. His Manchester United contract expires at the end of the current season.

Martinez is an experienced defender known for his strength in one-on-one situations and direct challenges, despite standing 1.76 metres tall. His future at Manchester United could nevertheless be affected by the possible arrival of Mauricio Pochettino as manager.

Until a few days ago, Martinez had reportedly made clear both publicly and privately that he wanted to leave Manchester United and begin a new chapter as soon as possible.

He played the full 90 minutes against Uruguay, recording 90 interventions. He completed 71 of 78 passes, giving him a 91% success rate, made six recoveries and three clearances, and won two of his four duels.

Although Martinez did not have a poor game, he was unable to prevent Argentina from losing.

Rodriguez watched from the bench

Barcelona also wanted to assess Juan Rodriguez, the 21-year-old left-footed defender who currently plays for Cagliari.

Rodriguez has become an important first-choice player for his club and is considered to have made significant progress during the opening months of the season. He has also become a regular presence in the Uruguay squad, although he remains a substitute behind established defenders including Ronald Araujo and veteran Jose Maria Gimenez.

Rodriguez did not play against Argentina, meaning Barcelona’s scout could not assess him in a competitive setting. Uruguay manager Diego Forlan selected Araujo and Matias Olivera at centre-back and made no change in that position, leaving Rodriguez on the bench until the final whistle.

The two players represent different types of signing: Martinez would offer experience and an immediate contribution, while Rodriguez is viewed as a promising defender with considerable potential.

Cagliari are understood to value Rodriguez at no less than 15m euros. The club paid Penarol about 4.5m euros for him just over a year ago.