Barcelona are set for a busy winter window

Posted Sunday, December 26, 2021 by Marca.com

Several changes are expected

Barcelona's January transfer window

Having already played their final match of 2021, Barcelona are looking ahead to 2022 and the Catalan club are preparing some significant changes to their first-team squad. Xavi has already come in to replace Ronald Koeman in the dugout and the new coach wants some changes in terms of personnel.

It won't be an easy process for Barcelona, given LaLiga's economic control spending limits. For example, Sergio Aguero's departure was required to allow for Dani Alves to come, with these two operations already having taken place.

For other players to be signed, some will have to leave. Although there is money to make signings the financial fair play rules mean that space has to be cleared.

Strengthening the attack

Barcelona's main priority is to strengthen in attack, as this is a team that lacks a reliable goalscorer.

Aguero was supposed to be that, but his forced retirement, and the injury issues experienced while at the Camp Nou, have hurt Barcelona in this sense.

Luuk de Jong's impact has been minimal, so the club directors are looking at the options on the market.

Ferran Torres is the main target

The main transfer target right now is Ferran Torres and the agreement among all the parties is practically completed.

Xavi wanted him to come, not only to help with the rest of this campaign but also to play a key role in the future. That's why he is set to sign a long-term contract for five seasons.

But, before he can come, others have to depart.

The possibility of signing Cavani

The second top target for Barcelona this winter is Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan isn't playing much for Manchester United, but Barcelona would have to convince the English club to let the veteran leave.

Seven players waiting by the exit door

As mentioned above, none of this will be possible without exits. With that in mind, there are seven players who could depart.

Samuel Umtiti, Philippe Coutinho, Yusuf Demir, Sergino Dest and Luuk de Jong are not in Xavi's plans and the club will look to move them on, although this could be difficult and the first two have especially high salaries.

Clement Lenglet could be on the way out too, even though he has had minutes under Xavi, while Barcelona will listen to any offers for Ousmane Dembele as it might make sense to cash in now if the Frenchman won't renew his contract.

Depending on how successful the exit operation is, Barcelona can go for one or both of Torres and Cavani.

At this point, though, the only guaranteed January arrival is that of Dani Alves.