Barça's started the year with a goal, which is to improve the team for the second half of the season. The return to normalcy regarding Financial Fair Play, thanks to the activation of the 1:1 rule, allows Barça more leeway to make additions. In this regard, the club will focus on finding opportunities to strengthen both the starting eleven and the rotation to achieve its objectives.
One of the main names on the list of potential transfers is Rafael Leão, a Portuguese forward from Milan, who seems to be a major priority to reinforce the culé attack. Additionally, the club is open to selling some players who haven't delivered the expected performance, intending to balance the team and lighten the wage bill. In this context, negotiations focus on finding exits for those players who don't fit into Hansi Flick's plans.
The combination of transfers and sales will be key for Barça in this winter market, which is crucial for the club's sporting and economic interests. The goal is to create enough space both in the locker room and in the wage bill, allowing Barça to move with greater flexibility in the coming months.
Barça is Clear about Which Players are on the Transfer List
In the attack, Ferran is one of the questioned players, as although he's shown to be useful, his overall performance is inconsistent, especially when compared to Lamine or Raphinha. Additionally, Ansu Fati, who was once considered the great gem of La Masia, hasn't performed at the expected level either. Constant injuries have affected his continuity, and although he's had opportunities, he hasn't managed to recover his best version.
In midfield, the situation of Pablo Torre and Frenkie de Jong is equally uncertain. The Cantabrian, after a complicated season, is looking for more playing time to continue his development, and a loan is being considered. Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong has seen his role drastically reduced in the team, and his departure could be finalized in this January market.
In defense, Héctor Fort is another player who hasn't met expectations. The right-back from La Masia doesn't seem to appeal to Hansi Flick, who doesn't count on him for the second half of the season.
The Great Gem of La Masia, a Step Away from Pellegrini's Betis
In this sense, some sales seem to be taking shape. One of the most notable cases is Ansu Fati, whose departure could be one of the big surprises of the January market. According to El Nacional.cat, the forward could go to Betis, a team that has shown interest in transfer him.
Manuel Pellegrini has personally called Ansu Fati to offer him the opportunity to play for the Seville team, which could be an ideal exit for the player. Fati's transfer would be an emotional blow for the culés, who saw him as one of the greatest promises of Barça's youth academy. However, injuries and poor performance in recent times have hindered his consolidation in the first team.
If this sale is confirmed, Barça could allocate the money to strengthen other positions, especially the attack, where Leão is the target. With key transfers and sales, the club seeks to regain its best level and make a statement in the final stretch of the campaign.