Barcelona is in a difficult position going into the January transfer window since they need to add players to the team, but the Financial Fair Play scenario may not let it.
However, the Blaugrana are considering a number of tactics to produce a Fair Play margin for January, allowing them to easily acquire Vitor Roque and find a replacement midfield player for Gavi.
In an interview earlier this week, President Joan Laporta reaffirmed that the intention is to bring in a player on a short-term loan who can have a noticeable influence, similar to what Barça accomplished with Edgar Davids.
In light of this, Mundo Deportivo is speculating that the La Liga winners may target seven midfield players during the winter transfer window.
Renato Sanches, who is on loan from PSG to AS Roma
Despite having an erratic career, Renato Sanches was once one of Europe’s most promising all-around midfielders. The Portuguese international, who is now on loan at AS Roma from PSG, where he has a deal through 2027, has not had much success.
Sanches has only played 228 minutes this season; in the most recent match against Bologna, Jose Mourinho replaced him 18 minutes after he entered the pitch. With strong ties to Barça, Jorge Mendes represents the midfield player.
Kevin Phillips, residing in Manchester,
After paying €55 million to transfer from Leeds to Manchester City in 2022, Kalvin Phillips has not enjoyed his time there. Barcelona may be interested in signing the English star because he has only played 306 minutes this season and is looking to go.
Though nothing is official yet, Juventus has his name on their agenda and is moving forward in their pursuit of him. Barça, who were able to get Joao Cancelo from City on loan during the summer, may attempt to accomplish the same thing.
Andrey Santos (loaned from Chelsea to Nottingham Forest)
The 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos was on Barcelona’s roster until Chelsea offered him a €12 million contract to sign him away from Vasco da Dama.
He was given a chance by Chelsea when they loaned him to Nottingham Forest in the summer, but his Premier League play has only amounted to seven minutes. The Blues intend to recall him and loan him to another team as a result. There might be a market niche for Barcelona there.
The Arsenal’s Thomas Partey
It’s expected that Thomas Partey will depart Arsenal. (Image courtesy of Mike Hewitt/Getty Images))
Arsenal paid Atletico €50 million for midfield player Thomas Partey in 2020. Recurrent injuries have hindered the 30-year-old’s ability to establish himself at the Emirates. In five games this season, he has played 341 minutes.
Because of this, Arsenal is willing to sell him in January. Although Saudi Arabia and Italy have expressed interest, there hasn’t been a firm offer yet, so Barcelona may choose to pursue this option.
Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
From one north London team to another, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham has demonstrated his talent for many years, but under Ange Postecoglou, he is currently playing a smaller part. This season, he has participated in 17 games for 671 minutes.
Hojbjerg has been linked to Atletico Madrid not too long ago, and a number of clubs outside the Premier League have expressed interest in him in recent weeks. Barça might also consider entering the race.
Yann M’Vila, a freelancer
Although Yann M’Vila may seem like an unlikely addition, his extensive European football experience and current lack of club affiliation should facilitate a deal.
In fact, since leaving Olympiacos, the Frenchman has not had a club. Marseille and Lyon are apparently showing interest in signing him. Barça could find the 33-year-old to be a cost-effective temporary solution.
Krychowiak Grzegorz (Abha Club)
Grzegorz Krychowiak, a well-known figure in La Liga, is presently playing for Abha Club in Saudi Arabia after having a successful spell at Sevilla in Spain.
Again, the 33-year-old Pole would be a wild card, but given his background in Spain and elite European football generally, he might be considered.