Transfer news: Barcelona defend transfer policy after missing out on defensive targets Thiago Silva and Daniel Agger

The Spanish champions made only one major signing this summer - Brazilian striker Neymar

Simon Rice
Tuesday 03 September 2013 12:55 BST
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Thiago Silva and Daniel Agger
Thiago Silva and Daniel Agger

Barcelona have defended their transfer policy after their failed attempts to bring in a new centre-back before the close of the window.

The Spanish champions were heavily linked with Brazil captain Thiago Silva and Liverpool centre-back Daniel Agger.

However, Silva opted to stay with PSG, going as far as to sign a new deal with the French champions, while Agger admitted that while flattered by the interest coming from the Nou Camp, he was happy to remain at Anfield.

Barcelona were widely expected to add re-inforcements at the back with Gerardo Martino's defence considered to be a weakness by some - a view cemented by their less than assured 3-2 La Liga win at Valencia on Sunday.

Captain Carles Puyol is set to return from injury, although at 35-years-old, is well past his peak. Last season midfielders Javier Mascherano and Alex Song were often deployed in defence to cover a shortage of options.

However, Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has rejected criticism of the club's transfer policy.

"We have the squad we wanted and one that will be able to compete extraordinarily well," Zubizarreta said.

"In the history of Barcelona, the signing of a centre back has always been complicated.

"We are always focused on making the squad the best it can be and I am delighted to have the chance to do my job."

Barca, who are bidding for a fifth title in six years, top the La Liga standings on nine points after winning their opening three La Liga matches and claimed the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid last week.

They have been drawn in Champions League Group H with fellow former winners AC Milan, Ajax Amsterdam and Celtic.

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