Barcelona only allowed to make free or loan signing up to €3 million this January

Xavi Hernandez’s desire to strengthen the squad in this ongoing January transfer window has been well-documented. But in the midst of economic turmoil, the Barcelona coach is well aware of the fact that the club does not have the capital to go big on even a single player.

A recent report from Diario SPORT has offered a detailed update on Barça’s finances. It appears the club are only in a position to spend €3 million over the course of the next six months.

This means Barcelona must sign any new player either for free or on a loan deal. The loan deal must also not include any mandatory purchase option at the end of the season, which should further limit Barcelona’s options in this market.

Xavi, for his part, was ideally looking for an attack who can replace Memphis Depay. The Dutchman joined Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal earlier this month, causing a void in Barça’s offensive department.

But Barcelona have been informed of the strict regulations by La Liga. The internal body of the club feel they are at war with the Spanish footballing authority due to the notorious regulations that have crippled the club’s powers in the market.

Nevertheless, Barcelona were able to find some low-cost options during the last January transfer window. Adama Traore, for one, joined the club on an exceptionally low salary while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, too, was content with a significant salary cut in order to join Barça.

The Catalans need to find similar players this month if they are to strengthen the squad. But that could be a tricky proposition given the current market situation and with less than a week remaining until the transfer window slams to a shut, time is running out for Barça.