Five Barcelona players who could leave before January window closes
Martin Macdonald
- 28 Jan 2022 05:36 CST
- 3 min read
Barcelona remain desperate to do further business in the January transfer window, but in order to do so they must let players leave first.
The Blaugrana want to sign a centre-forward and a left-back before the window shuts at the beginning of next week.
They have already brought in Ferran Torres from Manchester City for a big fee, though they have been able to afford such a deal due to the low up front payment.
The club's financial situation means that, before any further signings can be made, they need to free up funds from their wage bill - and hopefully make some money from transfers too.
Here are five players who could move on in January.
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Neto
Neto is the undisputed number two at Barcelona behind Marc-Andre ter Stegen and has been since he joined the club from Valencia.
At 32-years-old, however, the Brazilian is eager to move on and enjoy some first team football as he enters the twilight of his career.
Barca don't want him to go as he is viewed as a very capable backup to the German, but if a decent offer comes in he could be off.
Ousmane Dembele
The Ousmane Dembele saga at Barca appears to be nearing its end in the January transfer window as the club have told him to leave.
The Frenchman remains one of Barcelona's most expensive players ever, but after refusing to sign a new contract before his current deal expires in June, he doesn't have a future at Camp Nou.
Barca want rid of Dembele now and hope to gain a nominal transfer fee, but the situation is a mess as the player himself has now expressed a desire to stay.
The Premier League seems the most likely destination, should he leave.
Alejandro Balde
Barcelona's pursuit of a left-back in January has seen them target Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico.
The Argentine wants to move to Barcelona and has told Ajax this.
Young full-back Alejandro Balde was offered to Ajax on loan as part of the deal, but the player himself rejected the opportunity to move to Amsterdam.
He is considering offers from elsewhere, according to Marca, however.
Gavi
Barcelona do not want young wonderkid midfielder Gavi to leave in this window but the decision may be taken out of their hands.
The club have been planning to offer Gavi a new contract for months but have prioritised acquisitions first which means a release clause of €50 million continues to linger.
Chelsea and Liverpool are both interested in a January deal and could attempt to trigger that clause before Barcelona can negotiate an extended contract with a much, much bigger clause.
Riqui Puig
It doesn't seem like things are going to happen for Riqui Puig at Barcelona.
Not rated by Ronald Koeman, it was believed Puig's situation at the club would improve after the appointment of Xavi, but he remains on the sidelines for the most part.
Barca would be open to letting him leave, and a transfer to Wolves in the Premier League has been mentioned.
