Barcelona monitoring Laporte and Romero but not rushing center-back deal

Barcelona are keeping tabs on two high-profile center-backs but have not made a defensive signing a priority for the summer window. According to Sport.es, the Catalan giants have been watching Athletic Bilbao’s Aymeric Laporte and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero. However, bringing in a new central defender is not at the top of the list at this stage. The club is satisfied with the development of Gerard Martin, who has formed a solid partnership with Pau Cubarsi. Barcelona would only move for a new defender if one of the current options leaves. Laporte, who has been performing well at the 2026 World Cup, is seen as a player who could slot in seamlessly alongside Cubarsi. Romero, meanwhile, has also caught the club’s attention amid speculation over a potential exit from Tottenham. Earlier reports suggested the Argentine center-back could be on his way to Inter, with talks reportedly already underway. The defender’s price tag — around €50 million — plus Laporte’s contract situation make a move to Barcelona complicated for now. At this point, Barcelona are not actively negotiating for either player. The club is simply evaluating the options before making a final call.