Revealed: Barcelona target two problem positions for January transfer window
FT Desk
- 15 Oct 2022 15:54 BST
- 3 min read
Joan Laporta insists Barcelona will go shopping in January despite nearing an early Champions League exit, and who the club will go shopping for is becoming clearer.
Barca's recent 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the Champions League means that Inter only need to beat Viktoria Plzen next time out to condemn Barca to Europa League football in the first half of 2023.
Gone with the Blaugrana's hopes of glory at European football's top table this season are the appearance fees, win bonuses and sponsorship opportunities that come with an extended in a competition they have previously won five times.
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But contrary to reports, Barca weren't dependent on that to further add to their squad in January, having already spent €150 million on Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde in the summer.
"We're working on the market,' Laporta told Barca TV. "We've had talks with the coaching staff and intend to improve the squad, which is already very powerful but can still improve.
Laporta" 'the team will be improved'
"We're working with the coach, with the technical secretariat and the director of football for this winter market. We've been analysing things for some time and the team will be improved if we have the chance to do so."
According to Catalan daily Sport, Barca's targets are clear.
"The club is looking in the market to incorporate a high-level right-back and another midfielder who can give [Sergio] Busquets a break. [Hector] Bellerin arrived at the last minute, signing for one season, but Barca want a player who consolidates his position and who is also a bet for the present and future."
Kounde - a centre-back by trade - has been deputising at right-back since arriving from Sevilla, else Alex Balde plays on the wrong side, with Bellerin struggling with a calf injury.
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Barca's first choice in the position is Diogo Dalot/, who has impressed at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag this season but is out of contract at the end of the season.
With Busquets ageing and Frenkie de Jong remaining the club's most saleable asset in what remain financially insecure times for the club, Barca are also trying to move for Ruben Neves. The Portuguese has another year to go on his Wolves contract.
