As expected, FC Barcelona have had a rather quiet winter transfer window up to now. The Catalans have incorporated Vitor Roque in their squad in January, but no further movements seem likely.
Barcelona did not want to lose any of their players in this transfer window because their squad is already very thin. But Bayern Munich tried their best to lure one of the most integral players away from the Catalan club, i.e. Ronald Araujo.
However, after the Uruguayan himself reiterated his commitment to the club, Barcelona Sporting Director Deco has also stated that the defender is not for sale. As reported by SPORT, Deco said before the match against Betis:
“He is one of our key players, both for the present and the future. He has a contract, and we are not considering selling him. The important thing is that he is happy, and there is nothing more to discuss.”
The lack of movement in the market by Barcelona is not because of a lack of demand for reinforcements into the squad, but more because of the economic conditions of the club.
Xavi and the coaching staff also wanted a midfielder to replace the injured Gavi, but such a move has also been ruled out by the Barcelona Sporting Director for the moment: “At the moment, we don’t have Fair Play, and we cannot make signings. We continue working.”
Deco also praised the youngster Pau Cubarsi, who made his first start with Barcelona against Real Betis, and indicated the approach that the club will take with him:
“He entered very well the other day, we know him, and we are careful with him. He has a bright future and the personality to step in at these moments.”
Deco’s comments clarify a lot about Araujo and Barcelona’s expected arrivals in the remaining days of January. While the addition of a midfielder would have been ideal, the club’s financial problems have made it a very challenging task to be completed this winter.
