Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Barcelona are close to securing deals for four players in a surprise move midway through the season. None of the signings are intended for the first team, with the club instead focusing on future development and potential long-term profit.
First, the club has agreed a deal to sign young defender Patricio Pacifico from Uruguayan club Defensor Sporting. The left-back, who is also capable of playing at centre-back, will initially join Barcelona Atlètic on loan, with an obligation to make the move permanent for €1.8 million plus add-ons.
The Uruguayan has made 40 appearances in the top flight, bringing valuable senior-level experience and the potential to progress from the youth ranks to the senior national team.
He will join Hamza Abdelkarim, who is yet to be officially announced as a Barcelona signing, although the deal has been confirmed by Al Ahly president Mahmoud El Khatib. The other players linked with moves are Genk defensive prospect Juwensley Onstein and Norwich winger Ajay Tavares.
🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona plan to close four deals for young talents in the upcoming days.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 26, 2026
🏴 Ajay Tavares, winger, Norwich (16).
🇪🇬 Hamza Abdelkarim, striker, Al Ahly (18).
🇳🇱 Juwensley Onstein, defender, Genk (18).
🇺🇾 Patricio Pacifico, defender, Defensor Sporting (19). pic.twitter.com/MxYqZ9MWFI
The sale of Dro Fernández to Paris Saint-Germain is believed to have financed the club’s next wave of young signings. The new arrivals are not expected to move straight into the first team and are unlikely to feature this season, or possibly even next.
These signings show the position of club
Barcelona supporters will always demand excellence, but there is a burgeoning sense of trust in the club’s recent reliance on La Masia. However, that patience is not infinite; it will inevitably wear thin if the trophy cabinet remains empty or if Real Madrid’s dominance becomes truly unbearable.
With transfer funds depleted, the era of €60–100 million marquee signings is likely over for the foreseeable future. For the fans, this transition toward homegrown talent isn't just a philosophy, it is the current reality, and perhaps the best we can hope for in this economic climate. More of these signings are around the corner as the club builds a model that has served them better than the expensive incomings of Philippe Coutinho, Ousamme Dembele and Malcolm.
According to Sport, the club is €14 million away from achieving LaLiga's coveted 1-1 rule, the club’s opportunity to rebuild. A potential for more exciting Fabrizio Romano’s “here we go” transfer news in not so distant future but transfer business that will come sensible learnings of the past.