The winter market provides FC Barcelona with a very crucial pitstop. La Blaugrana have been struggling this season and they need concrete reinforcements to help them regain their merit. However, despite their intentions, transfers for Barcelona these days are far from an easy hurdle.
One of the key objectives that Barça hope to complete before the end of the winter window is the signing of a pivot or midfielder on loan. Given the injuries to Gavi, Pedri, and Frenkie De Jong at various points already this season, it is not a bad idea to reinforce themselves just in case.
Consequently, Barcelona have shortlisted many options to pursue in January. One of them just so happens to hail from England. Kalvin Phillips, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, is a player that Barcelona seem to really like as an option.
Currently a player for Manchester City, the Englishman is struggling to get many minutes. Once a highly-rated professional of both Leeds United and the England Men’s National team, the 28-year-old has not seen his career progress much since arriving at Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola certainly does not see him as an important piece, and this can not continue for Phillips. Wanting to be a part of the Euros this year with England, he needs sufficient game time to enable his selection. For this reason, the Barcelona project really entices him.
However, there are some conditions that would have to be met. While Kalvin Phillips seems to like the idea of joining Barcelona, he will need to make some sacrifices. Firstly, a lowered salary would need to be agreed upon given that Barça have their own issues with Financial Fairplay at the moment.
Secondly, they would need Manchester City to also agree to a favorable loan deal for Barcelona. While they have already done this in the past with the loan of Joao Cancelo, Barça would need them to do it once more to enable Phillips to make the move.
However, there is also very concrete competition for the Englishman. West Ham, Newcastle United, and Juventus are all rather keen on targeting the 28-year-old. To ensure his arrival at Barcelona, the Catalan giants will need to strike a deal that sees the player choose their option over the other competitors.
For now, Barcelona continue to wait on registering new injections of income. Transfers of former players with sell-on clauses and the sale of Barça studios are just some of the pending operations. However, Phillips and City will not wait too long, so they may just have to hurry.
