Title: FC Barcelona Picks Potential January Transfer Target, According to Mundo Deportivo
Barcelona is pondering over potential signings in the January transfer window, as revealed by sources close to the club, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Catalans weren't anticipating significant transfers during this period, given their temporary stay at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys while the renovation of Spotify Camp Nou is underway.
However, a hiccup in obtaining playing licenses for Pau Victor and Dani Olmo beyond December 31 prompted a change in plans. The sale of VIP boxes generated a substantial cash inflow of around $104 million (€100 million), allowing Barcelona to rebalance their finances under Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Following this financial boost, Barcelona is now considering sales to free up funds for a new signing, as reported by SPORT. The focus for Barca's Sporting Director Deco and manager Hansi Flick lies in bolstering the attack, specifically the striker or forward position.
Barcelona has received offers for Premier League stars Son Heung-Min and Marcus Rashford. Although both players are versatile and can operate as a central target man or on the left wing, their preferred positions may not align with Barca's needs. Rashford, in particular, often drifts centrally when partnered with Raphinha on the flank, and substitutions like Fermin Lopez or Olmo haven't proven to be ideal solutions in his absence.
Barcelona's primary targets are Liverpool's Luis Diaz and AC Milan's Rafael Leao, both of whom are under long-term contracts and would come at a considerable cost. However, Leao, who has recently been unsettled at Milan, might find a new lease of life under a fellow Portuguese coach in Sergio Conceicao following Paulo Fonseca's departure.
Enrichment Insights:
- Barcelona has several targets for the striker and left winger positions. These include Viktor Gyokeres, Erling Haaland, Victor Osimhen, Rafael Leão, Marcus Rashford, and Alexander Isak.
- Gyokeres and Osimhen could potentially replace the aging Robert Lewandowski, while Haaland is mentioned as a highly unlikely, yet potential, target.
- Rafael Leão, whose profile is similar to Lamine Yamal, raises concerns about defensive imbalances. Rashford's deal faces financial and contractual hurdles, including Barcelona's need to offload talent and Rashford's high salary demands.
- Alexander Isak now tops Barcelona's wanted list, although he is not specifically mentioned as a left winger.
Deco and Hansi Flick are keen on strengthening Barcelona's attack, with a focus on the striker or forward position. Management is considering selling some players to generate funds, as reported by SPORT. Pau Victor and Dani Olmo's licensing issue led to a change in Barcelona's initial January transfer window plans. Barcelona has shown interest in Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, but his preferred position and high salary demands may pose challenges.
