Xavi wants to bring Premier League winger back to Barcelona in the winter

Xavi Hernandez, since taking over as the Barcelona manager, has highlighted the need for a direct, pacy winger in his team in order for him to implement his style and philosophy.

It is one of the reasons why Barcelona are prioritising the contract extension of Ousmane Dembele. 

But considering his and Ansu Fati’s recent injury records, the Catalans seem keen to add more options in the wide areas. Raheem Sterling of Manchester City has been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou as a result.

However, the club’s financial situation dictates that they look at a more affordable option. This has led them to a familiar face in the form of Francisco Trincao.

Portuguese outlet Record claims that Barca are interested in cutting short his loan spell at Premier League club Wolves to bring him back at Camp Nou in January.

A product of the Sporting Braga youth academy, Trincao joined Barcelona in the summer of 2020 but endured a rather underwhelming debut campaign thanks to a lack of regular involvement under then-manager Ronald Koeman.

Having been loaned out to Wolves in the summer, the 21-year-old has shown glimpses of form, even though he has scored just once in nine games across all competitions.

Trincao did miss a few games due to coronavirus, but in general, has been a regular for Bruno Lage’s side. Xavi now wants him back at Barcelona for the second half of the campaign.

However, it will be difficult to convince the Midlands club to part ways with the Portuguese forward as they paid a sum of €6million as a loan fee to sign him.

Trincao has vast potential and can be a good fit in the side in a system that is designed to get the best out of him. Whether Barcelona can convince Wolves to send him back in January remains the question.