Barcelona no longer planning to sign a centre-back in January

If there's no change of plans, Barcelona will leave defensive changes until the summer. The performances so far this season at the back have been one of the keys to Ernesto Valverde's successful start. 

The coach has made the team more solid and they concede few goals. Therefore, right now, there are no plans to sign a centre-back in January despite the ongoing search for one. 

The idea is to side a young defender in June, with Vermaelen and Mascherano likely to leave the club. 

valverde's CHANGE OF OPINION 

It's no secret that Valverde wanted a centre-back in preseason. He wasn't completely happy with his options and the name Inigo Martinez came up. 

However, Barça felt his release clause (32 million euros) was too high and blocked the deal. Since then, the coach has been happy with the work of his four centre-backs: Pique, Umtiti, Mascherano and Vermaelen. 

Pique and Umtiti are first choice and the Frenchman's progress has been impressive. Mascherano is the backup and is a reliable alternative, while Vermaelen is the fourth choice. Despite injuries, Valverde's happy with the Belgian and likes the way he plays. 

MAINTAIN THE STRUCTURE 

So, the plan is to keep those four until the summer. And things will only change in the case of an injury to Vermaelen or if he pushes to leave in search of regular football in January. 

The Belgian is free to decide his own future and may look to leave in a World Cup year. 

From June, the club will be in a position to sign two defenders. There's a long list of options, but Valverde wants players with a certain amount of experience who can offer performances immediately.