Barcelona’s winter transfer window shopping will be restricted to loan deals and free transfers, it’s been reported.
Marca say the board have made their decision based on the club’s financial health, or lack thereof, and because Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal will both be available.
The pair were signed in the summer from Atletico Madrid and Sevilla respectively but La Blaugrana’s transfer embargo meant they couldn’t be registered.
But the opening of the January market signals the end of Barca’s ban and so the players can be added to Luis Enrique’s squad.
Their presence takes the squad to 23 players – 24 counting Rafinha, who will miss the rest of the season – and as such there may not even be room for new additions.
A player leaving could free up space and Douglas is a candidate, though he is injured. The right-back nearly left for Sevilla in the summer but Barca kept him as they were short in the position.
Now, however, Vidal will be eligible and can play in the role, and Sergi Roberto impressed when moved to the right of the defence, potentially freeing Douglas for a sale.
Otherwise, Barca will be frugal in January, in an effort to avoid pushing the club’s finances too far, and the potential signing of Fluminese forward Robert would only be for the B team.
Enrique wanted Celta Vigo forward Nolito but the €18m price tag is too steep for the club next month, and if a signing is made, it may be in midfield rather than attack.
Marc Bartra, Sandro Ramirez and Munir El Haddadi are all possible exits, with Sevilla said to be tracking Bartra, Tottenham Hotspur linked to Sandro and both Sandro and Munir considered to have underperformed when given an opportunity.
