Five players who could join Barcelona in January

Tom Weber

Updated: 8 Dec 2025 20:45 GMT
5 min read

Karl Etta Eyong, Levante, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

There are plenty of areas to improve for Barcelona in 2026.

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The reigning LaLiga champions have had a mixed bag of a season so far, with the defence a particular concern. The Blaugrana have been leaking goals as clubs have figured out how to exploit Hansi Flick's high line.

Elsewhere, too, there is room for improvement. Robert Lewandowski is set to depart the club in the summer, so Barcelona need to bring in a long-term replacement. Ferran Torres has been good - for the most part - but a more natural striker is desired.

Despite this, Barcelona are not expected to be too busy in January. This is due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding player registrations. However, should some stars who are deemed surplus to requirements depart, it could open up space for new arrivals.

Below, FootballTransfers looks at five players who could join Barcelona in January...

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

Strengthening the backline is a priority for Barcelona in 2026, but any January business will hinge on Ronald Araujo. The Uruguay international was granted a leave of absence following his red card in a Champions League loss to Barcelona.

The club have continued to support the defender during this difficult time, and they will leave the decision on when to return up to him. Should the situation not be resolved by January, Barca may have to bring in defensive reinforcements.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is a player who has attracted the attention of sporting director Deco due to his expiring contract. Barca will be able to negotiate a pre-agreement with him on 1 January, but they may attempt to bring him in immediately if Araujo remains unable to play.

Karl Etta Eyong (Levante)

Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong is a player who has been on the Blaugrana's radar for years. The fact that he finally made his breakthrough this summer, initially at Villarreal, did not come as a surprise to club bosses.

However, due to the club's difficulties in registering new signings, Barcelona refrained from completing their planned transfer of the Cameroon international, so he moved to Levante instead.

Etta Eyong has been one of the breakout stars of this LaLiga season, and Barcelona continue to be linked with him. Given their long-standing admiration, it would not be a surprise if he were to move to the Camp Nou in 2026.

Fisnik Asllani (Hoffenheim)

Fisnik Asllani dreams of playing for Barcelona, and his dream could soon become reality. The Hoffenheim striker has been one of German football's biggest breakout stars of the past two seasons, which has attracted the attention of Barca and others.

According to Asllani's agent, the Kosovo international will leave Hoffenheim in 2026. A transfer was already intended in 2025, but the club managed to convince him to postpone his plan for another season.

The forward has a variable release clause in his contract that can reach a maximum amount of €29 million, making him very affordable. This clause is only active in the summer, but it is difficult to imagine Asllani turning down his dream move if Barca were to come calling mid-season.

Rayan (Vasco da Gama)

Rayan has been one of the big surprises of the 2025 season in Brazil's Serie A. The versatile forward was prolific for Vasco da Gama and earned comparisons to former Brazil superstar Adriano.

Rayan has been courted by Premier League clubs for weeks, but Barcelona have now also entered the race, according to recent reports. A January transfer looked quite likely until recently.

The situation has changed now because Vasco have reached an agreement to extend Rayan's contract until 2028. They are still braced for a departure in 2026, but a summer exit is more plausible. His release clause is worth €40m, but Vasco are reportedly ready to accept €30m.

Hamza Abdelkarim (Al-Ahly)

Teenage Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim has caught the eye of Barcelona scouts, who were particularly impressed with his performances at the U17 World Cup, where he netted twice.

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona want to wrap up his signing before the January window is even opened, although he would initially join the youth setup after becoming eligible to do so in January.

The Egyptian press has been reporting that Abdelkarim's father has pleaded with Al-Ahly to allow the youngster to pursue his dream move to Barcelona.

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