Barcelona looking for a ‘good’ and ‘cheap’ pivot midfielder in January

After yet another tricky summer transfer window during which they had to juggle Financial Fair Play problems, Barcelona were able to strengthen the squad quite significantly even if some operations were left until the deadline day.

However, as we close in on the January window, it appears that Barça are looking to add more players to their roster, given that the La Liga title race promises to be a close one while the Catalans also intend to compete hard in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Vitor Roque’s incorporation has been made the priority for the winter, although reports suggest that the club would need around €13-14 million in Fair Play margin to register him.

A good, cheap pivot on the agenda

Now, though, SPORT’s Toni Juanmarti is reporting that Barcelona are weighing up the possibility of signing a ‘good’ and ‘cheap’ pivot midfielder to reinforce their squad in the winter.

If there are no casualties, the attack has enough players: Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Joao Felix.

Oriol Romeu, on the other hand, is the only natural pivot midfielder, although Ilkay Gundogan or Gavi could also play that role. This is why Barça are considering prioritising the signing of pivot over the arrival of Vitor Roque in January.

The sporting department has already set to work to find a viable target, although much will depend on how the club generate Fair Play margin.

It must also be remembered that the registration of Gavi’s contract via non-judicial means is also on the plate for the Blaugrana.

As iterated earlier, in order to register Vitor Roque, €13-14 million in Fair Play is needed.

On the other hand, bringing in a pivot, on loan or as a ‘low cost’ signing, would have a much smaller impact on the FFP situation.

Barcelona, though, would prefer a short-term loan deal as they believe that signing a player in January who is seen to have a long-term future at the club is complicated financially.