Barcelona Target Jakub Kiwior as Flick Vetoes Bastoni Move, Porto Demand €70m Release Clause

Barcelona’s summer defensive recruitment drive has taken a fresh direction, with the club reportedly turning their attention to Porto centre-back Jakub Kiwior following the collapse of their pursuit of Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, according to reports.

Head coach Hansi Flick is said to have raised objections to the signing of Bastoni, reportedly expressing concerns that the Italy international lacks the physical aggression and recovery pace necessary to operate within his high defensive line system. The development has shifted responsibility to sporting director Deco, who has since been tasked with identifying alternative candidates.

Kiwior, 26, has emerged as the leading option under consideration. The Poland international is understood to be viewed by the Blaugrana hierarchy as both tactically compatible with Flick’s demands and a more financially prudent acquisition — an important consideration given Barcelona’s reported priority to allocate the bulk of their transfer budget toward a striker capable of replacing the departing Robert Lewandowski.

The defender’s credentials have been substantially boosted by a standout season in Portugal. After joining Porto on loan from Arsenal in the summer of 2025, Kiwior established himself as a key figure in Francesco Farioli’s backline, contributing to an exceptionally resilient defensive campaign. Porto conceded just 15 league goals across the entire 2025/26 Primeira Liga season, with the club ultimately claiming the title.

Kiwior’s performances prompted Porto to exercise an option to make the transfer permanent earlier this month. The Portuguese club paid Arsenal an initial fee of €17 million, with a further €5 million in conditional add-ons, and secured the defender on a four-year contract running until June 2030.

The move to Porto marked a significant turn in Kiwior’s career trajectory. During his time at Arsenal, the centre-back struggled to command regular minutes, largely restricted to a backup role behind first-choice defensive pairing William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães. The consistent playing time in Portugal has allowed him to re-establish himself at the highest level.

Any approach from Barcelona, however, faces a substantial financial obstacle. The newly formalised contract at the Estádio do Dragão includes a €70 million release clause — a figure that represents a considerable outlay for a club simultaneously pursuing a marquee forward signing. Porto’s strong negotiating position, underpinned by a long-term contract signed only weeks ago, means any transfer negotiation is unlikely to be straightforward.

Barcelona’s defensive needs heading into the 2026/27 campaign are well-documented. Flick’s system demands centre-backs capable of holding a high line and engaging in aggressive one-on-one duels, requirements that have evidently shaped the club’s evaluation criteria as they weigh their options in the summer window.