Barcelona block two expected January transfers

Robin Bairner

• 8 Dec 2022 12:15 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona are expected to be active in the January transfer window when it comes to selling players – but two of the leading candidates to depart are going nowhere according to high-ranking club figures.

The Catalans’ difficult financial position means that in order to add to their squad, they will first have to lose some of the deadwood in their ranks.

There are numerous players who could be moved on, but Memphis Depay and Franck Kessie, who were expected to be among the leading candidates to be sold in January are apparently going nowhere.

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Speaking about Netherlands international Memphis, who has been on the fringes of things at Camp Nou this season, director Jordi Cruyff told Mundo Deportivo: “Why should we sell Depay in January if it’s difficult to sign new players because of Financial Fair Play? He’s always been a great professional.

“He can be really helpful. Will he be a free agent in June? We’ll see in the next few months.”

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Kessie transfer blocked

These comments come shortly after a report from AS that states that head coach Xavi has blocked the departure of midfielder Franck Kessie, who arrived in the summer on a free transfer from AC Milan.

The Ivory Coast midfielder has struggled to make an impression at Camp Nou, with Sergio Busquets still preferred in a defensive midfield role, despite the Spain international veteran’s diminished effectiveness.

Meanwhile, one player who could be sold during January is Frenkie de Jong, with the Manchester United and Chelsea target liable to be pushed out of the club due to the large wage savings that could be made but also his high transfer value.

Barcelona’s urgency to move in the January transfer window is partially borne out of Spain’s FFP rules, which will allow them to reinvest any money they raise during this period back into the squad. If they wait until the summer, though, they are set to only be allowed to spend a third of what they earn in sales and wage savings.