Barcelona want to sign a new midfielder, but January move difficult due to FFP issues

Since Xavi took over the reins at FC Barcelona a couple of years ago, the manager has stressed on having two players for every position on the field.

Despite several difficulties due to their finances, the Blaugrana have been successful in building a strong squad, but at the moment, they do not have a natural backup for Oriol Romeu in the pivot midfield position.

The 32-year-old’s form has seen a slight dip in recent games following a strong start to his second stint at Barcelona. As such, the Catalans are assessing their options ahead of the January transfer window, even though Xavi has full faith in Romeu.

No shortage of options, but FFP issues complicate matters

Now, Roger Torello of Mundo Deportivo has come up with an update on Barcelona’s stance on the recruitment of a new pivot midfielder.

Barça do indeed wish to bring in another defensive midfielder to cover for and compete with Romeu. However, given the club’s Financial Fair Play situation at the moment, they realise that any move in the January transfer window is impossible.

A number of players are understood to be on the radars of Barcelona for the position.

Guido Rodriguez of Real Betis has been a target since the summer while the Catalan giants have also been scouting Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren regularly.

Former La Masia midfielder Sergi Altimira, who now plays for Real Betis, is also liked by the club while Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, also remains on the radars.

Another name that has been mentioned a lot with Barcelona in recent weeks is Corinthians teenager Gabriel Moscardo.

While these names are on the agenda, the La Liga champions are not planning to make any move for any of the aforementioned players in January at this point.

In-house options then?

Given the FFP problems, Barcelona cannot go into the market to reinforce the pivot midfield position. As such, Xavi will be forced to look for solutions within the club.

Ilkay Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong are both capable of playing as a pivot midfielder, although they are better utilised as interiors.

Young Marc Casado is a player that Xavi trusts and could be an option when needed while recent reports are also suggesting that the manager could use centre-back Andreas Christensen as a surprise option in defensive midfield.