Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona have advanced talks to sign Marcos Senesi, who is out of contract with Bournemouth in the summer
- The Catalan side are prioritising defensive reinforcements after a difficult season at the back
- Atletico Madrid, Napoli, Juventus, and several Premier League clubs have also shown interest in the Argentine defender
Defensive Struggles Prompt Transfer Attention
Barcelona have endured a challenging campaign defensively, prompting the club to prioritise reinforcements at the back. While recruiting a successor to Robert Lewandowski remains a central focus for director of football Deco, adding a central defender is a close second on the agenda. The club’s precise summer budget is yet to be confirmed, but they reportedly have at least one target within financial reach.
🚨 Marcos Senesi has had his head turned by interest from Barcelona and will choose them over any other club who're interested in signing him.
(Source: @TEAMtalk) pic.twitter.com/6N1XQCviur
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 18, 2026
Left-Footed Gap Following Departures
Since the departure of Iñigo Martínez – Barcelona’s only left-footed central defender – last summer, Pau Cubarsí has frequently partnered Eric García in central defence. This partnership, however, has yet to deliver consistent success as the team’s defensive frailties continue to surface.
Marcos Senesi Emerges as Preferred Solution
Barcelona have considered high-profile names such as Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni and Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, but financial constraints have directed focus onto a more affordable solution. Marcos Senesi, currently at Bournemouth and out of contract at the end of the season, has emerged as a key target after initial links in January. According to TeamTalk, Barcelona represent a ‘huge lure’ for Senesi, making the move ‘tough to ignore’ for the player.
The Blaugrana have reportedly accelerated discussions in recent weeks and are preparing an offer that Senesi’s camp consider the most appealing to date.
Cubarsí: “At the beginning of the season I played more on the left, now more on the right. I feel comfortable on both sides, maybe on the right a little more because it allows me to filter passes that is one of the things I like the most, but on the left I also think I’m doing…”
Interest Mounts Across Europe
Given the potential for a free transfer, Senesi has attracted widespread attention. Atletico Madrid and Serie A contenders Napoli have made their interest known, while Juventus are reported to be in discussions with his representatives.
Premier League sides are also monitoring the situation. Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Sunderland, and Chelsea have all shown interest, though reports indicate Chelsea have not engaged with his agent recently. The lure of the Premier League could result in a more lucrative offer for the Argentina international.
| Club | Status of Interest in Senesi |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | Advanced talks; preparing an offer |
| Atletico Madrid | Interest expressed |
| Napoli | Interest expressed |
| Juventus | Talks with agents |
| Tottenham Hotspur | Interest expressed |
| Everton | Interest expressed |
| Aston Villa | Interest expressed |
| Newcastle United | Interest expressed |
| Sunderland | Interest expressed |
| Chelsea | No recent contact with agents |
Outlook for Barcelona’s Pursuit
Senesi represents a cost-effective solution for Barcelona as they look to bolster their struggling defence. However, the club may wait until the summer to assess their financial position, a strategy that comes with the risk of losing Senesi to rival suitors elsewhere in Europe.
