FC Barcelona have now shifted their focus to the summer transfer window after seeing eight of their players lift the World Cup in New Jersey on Sunday.

Central defence seems to be an area the club could look to address, with a potential move for Spanish defender Aymeric Laporte on the cards.

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However, other reports have also revealed that Barça are not treating the signing of a new centre-back as a priority at the moment.

Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are keeping Cristian Romero on their list of possible defensive targets, but only if one of the current defenders leaves.

Romero is expected to leave Tottenham this summer, with Inter Milan working on a possible deal and direct talks with the defender’s representatives expected.

Romero is an option, not a priority move

Romero will leave Tottenham this summer. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

That distinction is important. Barça are not currently presented as being in an active race to sign Romero, nor is there any indication that negotiations with Tottenham have started.

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Instead, the club appear to be monitoring an opportunity that could become relevant depending on how Hansi Flick’s defensive options change during the rest of the transfer window.

Romero would bring an obvious level of experience and aggression.

He is a World Cup winner, has played at the highest level in the Premier League and is comfortable defending with intensity, qualities that could suit Flick’s demanding approach.

Barcelona need exits first

The obstacle is squad planning.

Barcelona already have several options at centre-back, so adding another senior defender without first creating room would make little sporting or financial sense.

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Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia are going nowhere, Andreas Christensen has just renewed his contract, Gerard Martin has established himself as a reliable option and Alvaro Cortes from the academy is showing promise.

Araujo’s exit could open the door for Romero. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That leaves Ronald Araujo as the only likely candidate to leave. Barça will not stand in the captain’s way should he seek an exit this summer, although chances of that happening appear slim.

Inter’s interest also means Barcelona cannot expect Romero to remain available indefinitely.

Deco has a decision to make if the door opens

Romero would be an attractive addition, but signing another centre-back should not come at the expense of more urgent priorities elsewhere in the squad.

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The key will be what happens with Barcelona’s current defenders. If no significant exit takes place, Romero is likely to remain simply a name on the club’s list.

It remains to be seen how things develop on this front between now and the end of the summer transfer window.