FC Barcelona enter a crucial stage of their season with the upcoming games. La Blaugrana are aware of their limitations and not so aware of their strengths it seems. Despite the worrying form, however, Barcelona remained faithful in the quality of their squad moving forward.
However, unfortunately for the Catalan club, their numbers see yet another casualty. Just as other injured players were returning from the sidelines, young Gavi is left waiting for an ACL surgery. The news comes as a massive blow, especially given the fact that he will miss the rest of the season.
For Barcelona, the upcoming January transfer window will hence be crucial. The Catalan giants hope to make certain recruitments that could improve their current squad. However, there now exists a dilemma in that case as well.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are caught up between two potential signings. The first name in that list is that of Brazilian gem Vitor Roque. Already contracted to sign with Barcelona until 2031, he currently remains at Athletico Paranaense until Barça can reach an agreement with financial fair play over his incorporation.
Luckily for them, it seems they have found a bypass solution. La Liga has reportedly informed Barcelona that the incorporation of Roque can take place in January as a 6-month operation until the summer even without the pending funds that Barcelona continues to wait for that are expected to arrive in exchange for 9.8% of Barça Studios.
Gavi’s injury now allows Barcelona a 30-day period where they can inform La Liga if they wish to utilize 80% of the youngster’s salary to incorporate a new player within the first team. Vitor Roque’s arrival becomes possible thanks to that new information.
However, Barcelona are also considering the arrival of a new midfielder. Given that Gavi ends up leaving a slot within the midfield, Barcelona could look towards Giovani Lo Celso as a possible replacement.
His name even popped up last summer as one of Xavi’s requests. However, due to financial issues, that request could ultimately not be fulfilled. Now, that possibility looks much more open.
Given his lack of importance at Tottenham Hotspur this season, the Argentinian midfielder could possibly be open to a move himself. His technical abilities please Xavi and the coach recognizes that the player has past experience in La Liga with both Real Betis and Villarreal.
For now, the debate and assessment remain open. There is also the factor of considering that another injury could potentially take place between now and the end of the season that could also require a sensitive replacement.
However, the cases of both Roque and Lo Celso are strong, and Barcelona will tread carefully. A final decision will need to have a thorough assessment beforehand. The Catalan giants are limited in their financial spending, and thus they have to be smart with their allowance.
