Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Tue 10 March 2026 13:08, UK

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Barcelona are leading the race to sign AFC Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi on a free transfer in the summer.

The defender’s deal expires at the end of the season, with several clubs across Europe keeping track of the latest developments.

Senesi has reportedly already rejected contract offers from the Cherries, with an exit in the coming months now seemingly unavoidable.

Andoni Iraola’s squad has already been depleted of defenders over the past year, with Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and Ilya Zabarnyi among those to leave.

The Cherries added Bafode Diakite to their back-line in a deal worth around £34million, but the centre-back has been left on the bench amid James Hill’s hugely impressive emergence.

Barcelona lead race for Marcos Senesi

Senesi joined Bournemouth from Feyenoord in 2022, signing in a deal worth around £10.5m.

The defender initially was a key part of the Bournemouth team, even ending the 2023-24 season with four goals and five assists.

But a serious hamstring injury and the emergence of Huijsen saw him spend much of last season on the sideline.

This season, Senesi has been key once again, starting 28 Premier League games and missing only one through suspension.

Yet a new contract does not currently look likely to happen, with the 28-year-old’s exit set to be a blow for Iraola.

Barcelona are leading the race at 2/1 to sign the centre-back, according to one major bookmaker, with Borussia Dortmund also in the mix at 6/1.

Manchester United (8/1), Chelsea (8/1) and Liverpool (8/1) represent the best chance of Senesi leaving to another Premier League club.

Ex-Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider last week that Newcastle United are interested in Senesi, with the competition set to be fierce.

What Sensei has said about Bournemouth future

Bournemouth’s recent history of impressive scouting would suggest that they can replace Senesi if he does leave this summer.

But the Cherries will be frustrated to see a core part of their defence ripped away for the second summer transfer window in a row.

Should a new contract still be possible, decision-makers at the Vitality Stadium may well be forced to push the boat out in a big way.

“I have one year left on my contract,” said Senesi in October. “I’d like to play in European tournaments again, but right now I’m focused on finishing the season well.

“Returning to Argentina isn’t in my plans right now, but you never know in the future. It hurts me to see how San Lorenzo is doing. I hope they can get back on track soon.”

Bournemouth are still in the race for European football – they sit just four points behind seventh place – and it may be required to convince Senesi to extend his stay.