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Barcelona transfer plans affected as presidential election date set
David Lynch
- Updated: 17 May 2021 22:19 BST
- 2 min read
Barcelona have confirmed the date of their next presidential elections, which are likely to have a major effect on the club’s January transfer plans.
The vote to pick a successor to Josep Maria Bartomeu, who resigned last month following a vote of no confidence, will take place on January 24.
Victor Font is the current favourite to win, but his hopes of making an instant impact have been somewhat hit by the timing of the election.
With the January window set to shut on January 31, Barca will have less than a week to sign new players following the appointment of their new president.
Lyon forward Memphis Depay is thought to be a major target, while Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum was also on the club’s radar over the summer.
By that point, the future of star man Lionel Messi could also be out of their hands.
The Argentine is out of contract at the end of the season and will be free to speak to other clubs on the first day of the new year.
Manchester City were credited with a interest in the 33-year-old in the summer and will have the opportunity to line up a free transfer during the mid-season window.
Should Font win, doubt will also be cast over the future of manager Ronald Koeman.
The prospective president has frequently cited Barca legend Xavi as his preferred choice for the Camp Nou hot seat in the past.
