FC Barcelona want to bring in a midfielder into their team in the current winter window. Gavi’s ACL tear, which is expected to keep the youngster out for the rest of the season, has resulted in Barcelona being thinly spread in the middle of the field, and Xavi wants a midfielder to replace the injured Spaniard.
Among the several names that Deco and his staff were considering for such a role, there was also the Manchester City midfielder, Kalvin Phillips. However, the Catalan club’s problems with FFP make any move for such a player abortive to begin with.
In fact, SPORT reports that Barcelona have already assumed that the Manchester City man is not a realistic option for them in this winter market. And it is not only limited to Phillips, as the Catalans believe getting any midfield reinforcement in January would be difficult.
The Blaugranes had been in contact with the Englishman’s entourage but understood that they would not be able to meet his requirements. The contacts with Manchester City were yet to take place.
For now, everything indicates that the player will join another Premier League side on loan, with Newcastle United and West Ham the most likely destinations.
FC Barcelona have tried everything to make space for him in their FFP margin, and have been in constant contact with La Liga for this purpose. However, the league authorities have let the Catalans know that they can sign a new player only if the €40 million pending from Libero Group ends up in the club’s coffers.
Manchester City’s demands regarding the player make a move for him even more difficult for the Catalans. The Citizens want any side interested in a loan for Phillips to take up a high percentage of his salary, in addition to a small loan fee. Barcelona cannot afford such high sums at the moment.