TWO major transfer breakthroughs for Barcelona
Barcelona have enjoyed a double boost with regards their January transfer work with regards the registrations on Dani Alves and Ferran Torres.
Both players joined up with the club, despite the understanding that they would not be initially able to be registered for action with the club.
This is because of Barca’s perilous financial state giving them little wiggle room with regards new additions.
However, Barcelona posted on Wednesday that Dani Alves will be able to feature against Linares in the Copa del Rey after the green light was given to him.
The match is expected to mark Alves’ first match for Barcelona since 2016, when he ended a spell that stretched eight years and encompassed the finest seasons in the career of the Brazilian and the history of the club.
Things falling into place for Ferran
Arguably even better news for Barcelona supporters comes from Mundo Deportivo, though.
The Catalan sportspaper reports that there finally be a light at the end of the tunnel with regards the future of Samuel Umtiti, who has thus far stoically refused to depart the club.
However, it is now suggested that the World Cup winner, whose astronomical wages have made it impossible to find a willing buyer, has accepted the proposition of going out on loan over the course of the month.
Indeed, Umtiti and his representatives are said to be studying the possibility of a temporary move until the summer. Under contract until 2023, his motivation is said to come from a desire to get back to his best to take part in the World Cup next year.
Newcastle have been linked with a possible swoop for the 28-year-old, who has reportedly rejected five transfer offers already.
Umtiti’s future is so important for Barcelona because if he were to leave, it could possibly free up a significant enough portion of the wage bill to allow Ferran Torres to be registered to play.
Signed from big money from Manchester United, Barca find themselves in the tricky position of having to find room on their payroll for the forward, who is presently out with Covid.
Should Umtiti depart, though, it could be a decisive step towards Ferran featuring for Barcelona.