Barcelona’s January transfer plans revealed as ambitious Xavi targets TWO arrivals

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 9 Nov 2023 09:35 GMT
  • 3 min read
Vitor Roque of Athletico Paranaense will sign for Barcelona
© ProShots

Barcelona’s plans for the January transfer window have been revealed – and it promises to be a difficult winter for LaLiga’s champions.

Head coach Xavi might have wanted to bolster his squad ahead of the second half of the season, but the prospect of him being able to make significant additions to his workforce appear to be slim, with the club’s ongoing financial struggles set to make it “very difficult” for meaningful change to be made, according to Sport.

Article continues under the video

There is, however, some good news for the Camp Nou side amidst all this, with optimism that Vitor Roque might be able to sign up early as well as the prospect of a new pivot arriving if sales can be made.

Barca will seek to resolve the Vitor Roque situation next week. The 18-year-old was forecast to arrive at the club ahead of the 2024/25 campaign but officials are trying to push this forward in order to give Robert Lewandowski some additional offensive support.

The Athletico Paranaense teenager scored 11 goals in Brazil’s Serie A in 2023 as well as 20 goals across 41 matches in all competitions.

In terms of other January signings for Barcelona, though, the options are set to be limited.

Vitor Roque
© ProShots - Vitor Roque

Barca seeking a pivot

Sport reports that Barca primarily want to sign a midfielder to play in front of the defence, but while there are options that they might consider, the “room for manoeuvre in the budget is zero”.

It adds: “Barcelona are paying attention to the market but they are also over the salary limit, so the registration of footballers is unfeasible unless there is a change of regulations or unexpected income arrives through sponsorship or player sales.”

To that end, Barca’s January hopes are pinned on Vitor Roque, with the player’s entourage awaiting a final decision over the player’s future, which is expected to arrive in the middle of December.

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.