Barcelona’s long-term planning for defensive reinforcements is already taking shape, and a new name has emerged at the very top of the club’s wishlist. According to an exclusive report from The Touchline, Barcelona sporting director Deco has identified Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni as his preferred option to strengthen the heart of the defence next summer.
As Barcelona continue to balance sporting ambition with financial realities, the search for a reliable, elite-level centre-back has become a priority. While the club already boasts quality options like Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen, and Pau Cubarsí, internal discussions suggest that Deco is keen on adding a left-footed, ball-playing defender who can elevate the team tactically and stylistically.
Alessandro Bastoni fits that profile almost perfectly.
The Italian international has been a cornerstone of Inter Milan’s success in recent seasons. Known for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and exceptional positional awareness, Bastoni has developed into one of Europe’s most complete modern defenders. At Inter, he thrives in a high-line system, contributes heavily to build-up play, and remains defensively solid against elite attackers — qualities that align seamlessly with Barcelona’s possession-based philosophy.
Deco’s admiration for Bastoni is not just about defensive solidity. The former Portuguese international is understood to value Bastoni’s leadership, maturity, and experience at the highest level, including deep Champions League runs. These are traits Barcelona believe are essential as the club looks to compete consistently on both domestic and European fronts.
However, any potential move would be far from straightforward. Bastoni remains a key figure at Inter Milan and is under a long-term contract. Inter have no immediate intention of selling, meaning Barcelona would likely need to present a compelling financial package or wait for a more favorable contractual situation. Given Barça’s ongoing efforts to comply fully with La Liga’s financial regulations, any deal would require careful planning, possible player sales, and strategic timing.
Still, the interest itself is telling. It highlights Deco’s vision for the future: building a defence that blends youth, experience, technical quality, and tactical flexibility. While no official approach has been made, Bastoni’s name being placed at the top of Deco’s list sends a clear message about the level of defender Barcelona are targeting.
As the summer window approaches, this is a story worth watching closely. If Barcelona can find a way to make the numbers work, Alessandro Bastoni could become a statement signing — and a new pillar at the back of the Blaugrana defence.
