Barcelona interest in veteran defender shot down

Barcelona are on the hunt for potential bargains in the January transfer market, as they attempt to bring in a serviceable defender until at least the end of the season. The loss of Andreas Christensen leaves an already short Barcelona defence looking especially stretched. However the answer to their problems is not to be found in Nicolas Otamendi, according to reports coming from the Portuguese capital.

The veteran defender was named as a surprise option for the Catalan giants, as one of several players that could potentially be available on a cut-price deal. At 37, Otamendi is experienced, well-versed at playing on the left side of defence, and has experience in La Liga. The departure of a leadership figure such as Inigo Martinez has also left something of void this season in the Barcelona backline, one that perhaps Otamendi could have helped with.

Otamendi interest shot down in Portugal

However, CNN Portugal, via Diario AS, have disputed claims that the Blaugrana are interested in the veteran Argentina defender. They deny that Barcelona are interested in moving for Otamendi, and report that there has been no contact between the two clubs. Otamendi is content in Lisbon for the time being, and despite being out of contract in the summer, looks set to remain there. When asked, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho declared that ‘Nobody has told me anything about Otamendi leaving. I have no reason to be concerned about that.’
A number of defenders have been linked to Barcelona since Christensen went down, and it would be no surprise to see agents utilising the situation to get the names of their clients into the public eye.

In Monday's open-door training session, Jules was the last to leave the pitch. He spent more than half an hour signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. He also gave away balls and was very down to earth with everyone. [@scapde_45] pic.twitter.com/sjRivAUlVq

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 30, 2025

Other players linked with Barcelona

Perhaps the two defenders most closely linked with Barcelona over the past week have been Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, and Manchester City’s Nathan Ake. Both represent tricky deals for Barcelona to pull off though. President Joan Laporta has a moratorium on paying for players in the final six months of their contract, as is the case with Senesi, which likely removes any incentive for Bournemouth to sell. On the other hand, Manchester City are pursuing a permanent exit for Ake, and have set a €25m asking price, which is likely beyond Barcelona’s January means.

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