“We are working on the winter market with the intention of constantly improving this team, which is already very powerful”, said the president of the FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, in a recent interview with the club’s official media. The azulgrana are expected to experience a winter transfer window with entries and exits to continue improving the dressing room and make it even more competitive.
Although the maximum Blaugrana president made great reference to the possible incorporations, it is not a secret for anyone that beforehand you have to make a hole in the squad. According to recent information from the ‘SPORT’ newspaper, there are three players who could pack their bags in January in case offers arrive at the Spotify Camp Nou offices; casually, they are among the best paid in the squad, so it would be a double ‘gain’ if they left.
The first on the list is Gerard Piqué, but it is a very complicated case because the center-back has already reached 35 years of age and is in the final phase of his football career. It comes from signing the worst possible night against Inter (3-3) and hardly any team is going to be interested, knowing that he receives an astronomical salary that, in any case, does not correspond to his performance on the pitch. Barça, likewise, will put it in the showcase.
Jordi Alba is another of those mentioned and his situation in the team coached by Xavi Hernández could not be more alarming. went from being a benchmark on the left wing and an irreplaceable player to be the third alternative for the side, behind Alejandro Balde and Marcos Alonso. The one from L’Hospitalet has taken an important step back and the competition is maximum, so Barça understands that the doors will be open in case they want to leave.
Inter Milan sounded like an option in the final stretch of the summer transfer market, but the player decided that he preferred to stay and fight for a spot at the Spotify Camp Nou. The Italians, in any case, would have in mind the signing of Alejandro Grimaldo, who at the time rang to sign for Barça.
However, it is presumed that Barça will not ‘push’ the two captains to leave. This same Friday, Joan Laporta confirmed his confidence in the players who, for many years, have stood up for the club: “If they are captains it is because they have given a lot to Barcelona, they have defended their colors and they do everything they can. They are specific events, but they deserve all my respect and admiration for what they represented and represent at Barcelona. My relationship with them is good.”
Will there be a ‘De Jong case’?
The newspaper ‘SPORT’ has added the name of Frenkie de Jong as one of the names that could leave the club during the winter. It was recently revealed that the international with the Netherlands is not very happy with his situation and the few minutes he is playing (he is no longer the undisputed starter) and from the club they know that it would be one of the few millionaire sales that could be made, although He has already resisted leaving in the summer.
In any case, the Barcelona will have to be very attentive with Frenkie. Against Inter he helped improve the team and tried to maintain order from midfield despite the nervousness the team was transmitting. In times when there is no natural replacement for Busquets, Barça cannot afford to do without the only player who can play in that position…