Robert doubts winter signings

Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez has hinted the club might not make signings in the January transfer window.

It was suggested in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that a replacement for Pedro Rodriguez could be sought when the market re-opens and Barca’s transfer ban is lifted, with Andriy Yarmolenko linked along with Nolito.

“The winter isn’t a good market. A lot can change by January. And while signing a player is easy, signing one good enough for Barca isn’t,” he replied.

“And it’s more difficult for a forward. The first thing is you have to see how they play.

“We’ll have several options because maybe the first choice doesn’t want to come, or they’re too expensive, or they go to another club.

“I’ll pay whatever for a player who is good enough and necessary for Barca. Nolito’s renewal? That’s his decision. We don’t have an agreement with Celta Vigo.”

Fernandez moved on to some current Barca players, namely Sandro Ramirez and Munir El-Haddadi, after it was pointed out he had previously declined to confirm their place in the Barca squad.

“I’d just arrived and it could have gone either way. If Pedro Rodriguez had stayed the scenario would have been different,” he explained.

“I’m a supporter of loan moves. They’re good because players can play. It’s what we’ve done with Alen Halilovic, Denis Suarez, Adama Traore…

“Aston Villa not the best destination? That’s a good point. In the end the player and the agent decide where they go. Most of the time, as you know. Not in some cases, but in this case.

“I didn’t decide to keep Sergi Samper. I respect the decision but it’s not mine to answer.

“Halilovic’s contract clause [which calls for him to be in the Barca first team]? I don’t like things that create an obligation.

“He had a lot of options but he went to a Primera team with a Coach with whom we have a good relationship.”

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