Barcelona coach identifies Real Madrid target as a priority ahead of January transfer window

Barcelona may have enjoyed a prolific start to the new season, winning 11 out of 11 matches in all competitions.

But the club’s problems are mounting, with Hansi Flick notably devoid of any real depth in central defence following Andreas Christensen’s injury.

Gerard Martin’s performances have fallen compared to last season while both him, Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde picked up knocks against Real Betis.

Hansi Flick wants Finn Jeltsch

Jeltsch is a rising star in the Bundesliga. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

The lack of depth in defence could force Barcelona to look into the transfer market once again, with Hansi Flick already picking the club’s ideal target.

According to Diario SPORT, Flick has identified Stuttgart defender Finn Jeltsch as his preferred target in the upcoming January transfer window.

It is no secret that the German tactician is a keen observer of the Bundesliga and Jeltsch, to that end, has been one of rising stars in German football, even earning a call up to the national team recently.

It remains to be seen whether or not Barcelona make a move for Jeltsch in the upcoming January transfer window, but signing the defender could be a costly affair, as he is valued at around €50 million.

Not to mention, Barcelona could face stiff competition from Liverpool and arch-rival Real Madrid, who have been monitoring the young defender for quite some time.

Why Barcelona must remain cautious

Jeltsch doesn’t have much experience at the highest level. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Despite the cost involved, Jeltsch does bring a lot of quality to the table.

Standing at 1.85m, the German is an imposing figure in defence and is very useful when it comes to playing the ball out from the back.

The drawback, though, is that Jeltsch is a right-sided centre-back. Barcelona, right now, are in dire need of a left-footed centre-back, who can operate alongside Pau Cubarsi.

Not to mention, Jeltsch is also quite young whereas Barcelona ideally need some experience to replace Inigo Martinez. That is why the Catalans must hold off on their pursuit of the Stuttgart star and instead go after a more proven alternative.

Jeltsch’s national teammate Nico Schlotterbeck, to that end, could be an ideal alternative as the Dortmund star could be available on a cut price deal next summer and is a left-footed defender, who possesses brilliant leadership qualities.