Barcelona are all set to have a highly active winter window as they look to complete as many as 8 deals.
The Blaugrana had a challenging summer window but managed to complete 14 deals, nine of which were outgoing and five of which were incoming. The likes of Arturo Vidal, Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Jean-Clair Todibo, Rafinha, Carles Perez, Arthur Melo, Nelson Semedo, and Marc Cucurella were shown the door. As per Marca, the Catalan giants are all set to show the door to as many as six players as they have their winter targets who are keen to join the club.
More from FC Barcelona News
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- FC Barcelona tracking 20-year-old goal machine
- Lamine Yamal’s involvement causing tension at FC Barcelona
- How can Xavi unlock Joao Felix for FC Barcelona?
The likes of Samuel Umtiti, Junior Firpo, Matheus Fernandes, and Martin Braithwaite have been shown the door and Barcelona are waiting for bids. The Frenchman in particular, has a high paying contract and it is not a bad idea on the part of the former La Liga champions to lighten their wage bill. Martin Braithwaite, on the other hand, might not be one of the prolific Barcelona players but he always managed to fill in well, playing his role as the back-up striker. The talented youngsters in Riqui Puig and Carles Arena are all set to be sent out on loan as they do not fit into Ronald Koeman’s plans.
The main idea behind these six deals is to lighten their wage bill and gain some funds in a bid to sign their summer targets in Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia. The main advantage for the Blaugrana heading into the winter window is that both the players are eager to join the club but an official agreement is yet to be reached with their respective clubs. Moreover, Lyon’s chief has rejected the idea of letting Depay leave before the end of the season and that presents a challenge of its own.
Barcelona must prioritize the signing of Memphis Depay over Eric Garcia as a prolific goal-scorer is what the team needs at the moment. It seems Ousmane Dembele isn’t eager to renew his contract at the club and it is a big blow for the Blaugrana, given that he is just beginning to realise his potential. The arrival of Depay would ease the load off Messi’s shoulders and can turn around things for the better.
Eric Garcia is a La Masia graduate and is eager to return to his grassroots.
The plan is clear for the Catalan giants. First, reduce the wage bill, and gain sufficient funds. Second, secure the signings of Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay.