Barcelona rejects transfer links to Jakub Kiwior amid defensive restructuring

Barcelona has formally dismissed reports linking the club to Polish centre-back Jakub Kiwior, confirming that the defender is not on the sporting management’s shortlist for central defensive reinforcements. The denial contradicts recent claims that the club’s sporting director, Deco, had contacted FC Porto president Andre Villas-Boas to enquire about a potential transfer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan club has no active interest in pursuing a deal for the 26-year-old, who is currently on loan at Porto from Arsenal. The reports suggesting Deco’s engagement with Porto’s president originated from Poland, citing the website Meczyki, but the club has categorically stated it is not considering a move for the player.

Kiwior has enjoyed a productive season at FC Porto, featuring in 39 matches as a key defensive figure. Standing at 1.89 metres and possessing a left foot, the versatile defender is capable of operating as a centre-back, left-back, or defensive midfielder. Despite this performance, Barcelona appears unconvinced that he represents the calibre of addition required for their squad.

The club faces a specific requirement for left-footed central defenders, a search that has seen interest in Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni cool due to the Italian club’s financial demands. With the Bastoni pursuit stalling, Barcelona continues to look elsewhere for targets to shore up their defensive options for the coming season.

Kiwior’s contract situation remains distinct from Barcelona’s interests. FC Porto is expected to exercise a €17 million purchase option on the defender on 1 July, making him a potentially accessible target for other European clubs. Kiwior previously struggled to establish himself at Arsenal before his loan move to Portugal, a history that may have influenced Barcelona’s decision to disengage from transfer speculation.