Federico Barba, Persib Bandung's Italian defender, is reportedly set to leave for Europe due to family reasons, creating a gap in the backline ahead of the match against Persija Jakarta. Coach Bojan Hodak insists Barba remains under contract, while management eyes three replacement candidates. The mid-season transfer window opens on January 10, 2026.
Federico Barba, a 32-year-old former AS Roma and Como player, joined Persib Bandung at the start of the 2025/2026 Super League season. He became a key defensive pillar, helping maintain low goals conceded in the first half of the season. However, rumors of his departure emerged due to adaptation struggles, missing his family in Italy, and dengue fever that forced recovery in his home country.
On January 7, 2026, Barba was spotted at Stadion Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) but only underwent therapy, skipping team training. He missed the previous match against Persik Kediri due to injury. On Instagram, Barba confirmed: “I completely agree with you! Persib needs players who truly want to stay here. Sorry, but due to my family issues, my mind is not here and I need to return to them.”
Coach Bojan Hodak addressed the rumors after training at GBLA on January 7, 2026. “Look, there are always rumors and I know Barba has family adaptation issues here. But he still has a contract (with Persib),” he said. He added: “If he has a contract, then he will stay. Regarding rumors, I can't say anything.”
Ahead of the Indonesian El Clasico against Persija on January 11, 2026, at GBLA, Barba's exit poses a blow. Persib's management is rushing for replacements as the transfer window opens January 10 to February 6, 2026. Three names linked: Enric Saborit (Spanish, 1.87m, ex-Atletico Madrid academy, now AEK Larnaka); Junior Eldstal (Malaysian-Swedish, close to Hodak from Johor Darul Ta'zim); and Renan Alves (Brazilian, strong defender and set-piece threat). All three are still contracted to their current clubs.
