Barcelona explored the possibility of signing Josko Gvardiol before the Manchester City defender committed his long-term future to the Premier League club.
The Croatian centre-back had emerged as a target for Barcelona during the previous season as Hansi Flick looked for a defender capable of filling more than one role. Gvardiol's ability to operate centrally or at left-back made him particularly attractive to the Catalan club.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona examined the possibility of a deal but found the operation difficult to complete. Gvardiol was already an established part of City's defence and the club was working on improved terms for the player.
Barcelona subsequently turned to other options, with Alessandro Bastoni among the defenders considered as the search for defensive reinforcements continued. The club's interest in Gvardiol had nevertheless underlined the profile Flick wanted: a left-footed defender who could contribute in two positions.
Gvardiol ultimately settled the question of his future himself. Manchester City confirmed in July that the 24-year-old had signed a new contract running until 2031, extending his stay after arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023.
The defender has become a significant part of City's squad since that move. His versatility remains one of his defining qualities, with City describing him as comfortable both at centre-back and left-back.
He has also built an impressive collection of honours at the Etihad Stadium and was named the club's Player of the Season for 2024/25. City say he has made 122 appearances and scored 13 goals for the club.
The new contract ended the immediate prospect of Barcelona taking Gvardiol from Manchester, although the interest underlines how highly the Croatia international has been regarded by Flick's recruitment team.
For Manchester City, retaining him also preserves one of the squad's most adaptable defensive players as Enzo Maresca begins his tenure as manager.
Barcelona's pursuit therefore ended without a transfer, with Gvardiol instead choosing a long-term commitment to Manchester City and a contract that now runs through the summer of 2031. The decision leaves Barcelona looking elsewhere for defensive depth.