The January transfer window is often a window renowned for its lack of excitement. Deals are tough to strike and players are reluctant to move on while clubs are hesitant about making too many additions. That is unless you’re Barcelona and you’ve got a point to prove.
After a torrid start to the season under Ronald Koeman, they turned to their former midfield maestro Xavi to take charge and guide the Catalan back to winning ways. Since his arrival back at the Camp Nou, Barcelona have climbed up the league table and now sit just one point outside of the top four.
They needed to recruit in this window in order to push on in the league as well as preparing to mount a serious challenge towards the Europa League title. We’ve teamed up with Axel from barcacentre to assess their transfer business, both incomings and outgoings.
Incomings
Adama Traore is the first name on the list and his was a transfer saga in itself, with continuous links to Antonio Conte’s Tottenham before FCB came calling. It’s been widely reported that Adama turned down a whopping £120k a week to accept €15k in order to facilitate a return to where his career began.
“Adama’s the kind of player Barcelona needed. Fast, and brings depth, which was often missing in Barça’s game. Adama can also play in multiple positions such as the wing-back role, which can be useful as we have already seen Xavi play with a 3-4-3 formation sometimes. If it doesn’t work out, Barça won’t execute the buy option meaning there’s not a lot of risk involved.”
Dani Alves was the shock return during the summer and has been used sparingly since rejoining but regardless of his on the field contributions, his experience and knowledge of the game certainly bodes well for the youngsters within the squad.
“Alves brings a lot of experience and positivity to the locker room. He has the perfect mentality, which is contagious for the rest of the squad. He has a winning character. Apart from that, he’s still very good as well. He came on a free deal and he earns very little so again, not a real risk involved.”
Ferran Torres is quite simply an incredible talent and someone who can really help Barcelona push onto the next level. He’s a versatile forward who can play anywhere along the front three and has an eye for goal. At the age of just 21, he still has almost his whole career ahead of him and will be scoring goals for many years to come.
“Torres is a top signing in my opinion. This is a player who can make a difference. He scores easily and he is still very young. He has great stats for Spain and also in the Barcelona kit he has already proved to be useful with a goal and an assist after not playing for more than three months.”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free transfer is an outstanding signing. The Gabonese forward and former Arsenal captain has allegedly signed for just €5,000 a week until June when Barcelona will be able to release more funds to restructure contracts. Given that Luuk De Jong has struggled since joining in the summer, Barca fans will be looking forward to seeing Aubameyang in their frontline.
“Aubameyang also came for free so not much risk. He scores very easily and has shown himself to be deadly in front of goal at both Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal. He is fast and provides more competition in attack. Xavi wanted a striker and he got one.”
Outgoings
The signing of Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool four years ago had the football world in shock, but the move didn’t work out how either party wanted it to and his career stalled. The move to join Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa with the option of a permanent move at the end of it could work out in the long run.
“It wasn't supposed to be. Brilliant player, but the pressure at the Camp Nou stadium due to his heavy price tag proved too big. He lacked confidence at all times and I think his loan move to Aston Villa is best for all parties involved.”
Ousmane Dembele is one hell of a player on his day. Now it’s not confirmed as to where he’ll go but it’s almost nailed on he’s leaving the Camp Nou come the end of the season. On massive wages and a career disrupted by injuries, he remains one of the most gifted footballers in Barcelona's squad.
“Dembélé looks like he has an agreement with another club. I still think Xavi should take advantage of him though, especially with Ansu Fati on the sidelines due to an injury. He's a good player and can help us to get a top four spot, our main goal for the remainder of the season. I think it's a shame he seems to be leaving. But if the salary demands that came out in the media turned out to be true, I'm glad Laporta didn't go that far. As Cruijff said: ‘If you have second thoughts on playing for Barcelona, you are no longer of service to us." This quote sums it up perfectly.’”
Overall Verdict
To conclude, this January is one of the best windows Barcelona have had in decades. They’ve played around with finances and pulled off some amazing deals. Ahead of the second half of the season, the squad would appear to be poised to have a real crack at closing the gap on Real Madrid as well as pushing for the Europa League.
“It’s great because we have strengthened our team. Hats off to Laporta and the board for pulling it off in such a delicate financial situation. Unfortunately no left-back, but we’re still very happy! I'm excited to watch these players and think they can contribute a lot to the team.”
Don’t sleep on the Catalan giants.
