BARCELONA
Barcelona transfer window update: Zubimendi, Kimmich, Guido, Onana, Guimarães...
Barcelona have a few names lined up as potential transfer targets, with many of them linked with moves next summer. Here is the latest update.
The festive lights going up, the long nights coming in and temperatures dropping drastically across Europe are the signs of one thing... here comes the January transfer window!
FC Barcelona have had financial problems over the past seasons, but that has not stopped them bringing in world-class names such as Ilkay Gundogan, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. Now it’s time to check out who is on the list for the blaugrana.
Barcelona lose interest in Zubimendi
Firstly, Barça, and especially Xavi, are beginning to forget about Martín Zubimendi. The Real Sociedad midfielder was the preferred replacement for Busquets sounded out by the Barça coach. However, his name began to drop down the list given the current situation.
According to Catalan-based newspaper, Mundo Deportivo, there are three factors that have a negative influence on his signing for the LaLiga title holders: his price (€60 million), which was the big obstacle last summer; the “cold front” with which Zubimendi has responded to Barcelona’s interest; and, finally, the current reluctance of the club to negotiate transfers and give money to fellow LaLiga clubs ‘that have positioned themselves against Barcelona in the Negreira case’.
Which players do Barcelona want to buy in January?
Mundo Deportivo offer a list of three targets for the midfield role. Number one is Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle, whose name has already popped up in reports several times over recent months, but who has a release clause of £100 million ($126 million) and would only be possible if a Barça player enters the operation in a swap deal.
The other two names on the list are new additions: Amadou Onana, a 22-year-old Belgian of Senegalese origin, plays for Everton is also being monitored by Barça. Yousouf Fofana, 24 (Monaco) also has his name written on Deco’s potential wish list: the Sporting Director considers more muscle and lungs are needed in Barça’s midfield for next season.
In addition to Zubimendi, Kimmich and Guido Rodríguez, who finishes his contract with Real Betis next June, are also on the shortlist of players that Barcelona are looking at for next season.