Ounahi in, Memphis out: What Barcelona need in January transfer window

Cameron Smith

• 23 Dec 2022 11:08 CST
• 4 min read

With the Spanish top flight season set to resume in late December following the pause to allow the 2022 Qatar World Cup to take place, Barcelona are currently leading the way with a two-point advantage over El Clasico rivals Real Madrid.

Despite losing to Los Blancos earlier in the campaign, Barcelona have bounced back and have won five league games in a row since that defeat to leapfrog Real to sit atop La Liga at Christmas.

Head coach Xavi has stressed that he doesn't want reinforcements in January, and has even revealed to BarcaTV: “I told [Mateu] Alemany not to do too much, that I’m happy with my family, a very sensational squad.

“We don’t know if we will be able to bring in new players. I think we can be competitive. If we can’t make signings, I’d be happy.”

READ: De Jong in, Fred out: What Man Utd need in January transfer window

However, there are still areas of the squad that can be improved upon if Barcelona are to beat Real Madrid to the title this season.

Goalkeepers

Marc-Andre ter Stegen looks set to keep his place as the Blaugrana's number one with Xavi happy in his current goalkeeper.

In fact, Barcelona haven't been linked with a new shot-stopper in a while, with Ter Stegen recovering his form after a drop-off a few seasons ago.

READ: Revealed: The price Man Utd and Barcelona have to pay for Juranovic

It seems as though no transfer activity will take place in this position group, although at 30, Ter Stegen may need to be replaced in the next few years.

Defenders

Reports have suggested that Hector Bellerin is now set to stay at Barcelona despite links of a move away, while the club are also keen to reward Marcos Alonso with an extended contract just six months after he joined from Chelsea.

Barcelona also want to secure the future of Spain left-back Alejandro Balde who has broken into the first-team set-up this campaign. The 19-year-old's current contract at Camp Nou is set to expire in 2024, and they are keen to extend that deal after an impressive start to life in the senior side.

Ronald Araujo is another player who could be rewarded with a new contract at the club. Despite Gerard Pique's departure, it seems as though Barcelona are unlikely to sign a new defender this January, but with injury problems for Jules Kounde and Araujo this term, and the fact Alonso has been used at centre-back at times, a new signing at the heart of defence would be a smart move.

Cesar Azpilicueta has previously been linked with a transfer to the club, but Athletic Club's Inigo Martinez seems like a more solid bet. Barcelona have expressed interest in the Spaniard earlier this year and adding him to their roster could help them take the fight to Real Madrid.

Furthermore, Celtic's Josip Juranovic is a rumoured target after his form at the World Cup for Croatia and would provide depth at right-back.

Midfielders

With Sergio Busquets set to leave the club in the summer to join MLS side Inter Miami, Barcelona are in need of reinforcements in midfield. Franck Kessie hasn't been trusted too much, while Frenkie de Jong could become the player to replace Busquets in the deep role with the Blaugrana repeatedly stressing that the Dutchman won't be sold to Manchester United.

However, with Busquets set to leave, Chelsea's N'Golo Kante has been linked with the Blaugrana, although he has recently been ruled out until February or March by Blues boss Graham Potter.

Morocco's World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi is another player who has reportedly taken Barcelona's eye but, according to Foot Mercato, Napoli are currently in pole position to sign him. With silky feet and intelligent body feints, Ounahi screams a Barcelona player and the Blaugrana could swoop in January to convince Angers to sell.

Forwards

Memphis Depay seems the most likely Barcelona forward to leave in January, although Ferran Torres is also reportedly open to a move away due to a lack of game time this campaign.

Ansu Fati would be sold for €80 million if Barcelona received an offer that size according to reports, but the youngster will probably stay put in January. In terms of additions, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha arrived in the summer so it's unlikely any incomings are brought in.