REVEALED: Barcelona's January transfer priority

Jacque Talbot
Jacque Talbot
  • 7 Oct 2023 11:20 BST
  • 3 min read
Xavi, Barcelona
© ProShots

Barcelona are looking to bring in a holding midfielder but their financial predicament means that the side are unlikely to make a move for one in the upcoming January transfer window.

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The club are looking at a number of targets - with just Oriol Romeu currently among their squad who is able to play the No.6 role.

A report in Mundo Deportivo states that Deco and his scouting team have been looking at a number of players but it is not thought that an offer will be made until next summer.

READ: Barcelona wonderkid compared to Messi & Maradona by Spain boss

The priority is Vitor Roque but there is still a need to bring in a defensive midfielder until the fold. Guido Rodríguez of Real Betis is a player that the coaching staff likes, with the 31-year-old’s contract up in June. They also like Arthur Vermeeren at Royal Antwerp, and another is Sergi Altimira, another Betis midfielder.

Lastly is Brazilian Moscardo, an 18-year-old who plays for Corinthians, but it is reported that Barcelona's interest is tentative at this stage. Chelsea’s Andrey Santo is admired by Deco, the club’s sporting director, although he is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest and barely plays.

READ: Premier League top scorers 2023/24: Haaland lead reduced after Man City lose

Romeu enjoyed a good start to life at Barcelona but he has been lacking in recent games. The Sergio Busquets replacement but he has been out of form.

Romeu's form has gone downhill
© ProShots - Romeu's form has gone downhill
Roque remains the main target
© ProShots - Roque remains the main target

However, Xavi remains a fan of the midfielder, believing him to be one of the fundamental pillars of Barcelona’s midfield. It is thought that Frenkie de Jong’s recent injury is one of the catalysts as to why his form has wavered.

Xavi feels that Andreas Christensen could be used as a backup pivot if Romeu is to be sidelined, as he had played in that role for both Chelsea and the Danish U21 side before.

Read more about: La Liga, Barcelona

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