Barcelona continue to ponder over their possible targets in the winter market. La Blaugrana realize that their financial position is not exactly the healthiest, but recruitments must still be assessed. For Barcelona, certain positions require immediate attention as of right now.
One of those positions is that of the pivot role. Barcelona have longed for a specialist since the departure of Sergio Busquets, but they have thus far failed to properly replace their departed captain. Frenkie De Jong and several others have tried, but to no avail.
In this ongoing January window, however, Barcelona seem to have found a viable option. Kalvin Phillips, aged 28, is a defensive midfielder who currently plays for Manchester City. However, his importance within the club is minimal, even though he has been rated highly for several years due to his performance with England and Leeds United.
Moreover, it is now being reported by SPORT that the player approves of the Barcelona interest. He would be willing to accept a loan on the basis that some financial and sporting guarantees be provided. Moreover, he understands that as long as Rodri remains a defined pick, he will not get much more prominence under Pep Guardiola.
At Barcelona, however, things could be different. The Catalans need a player who provides immediate quality, and Phillips can do just that. Given his lack of importance, Manchester City could be willing to lend him away on a half-season loan.
However, there are other challengers. While Barcelona and Atletico Madrid compete to take him away as a loan player, there are those that are willing to buy him permanently. Juventus, Crystal Palace, and West Ham would all reportedly be open to buying the player.
For City, those options are much more viable than that of Barça’s. As such, the Catalan club will need to be swift. Phillips is grateful for the interest from Barcelona, but his willingness to wait will not be too kind. He would be willing to respect some wait, but not long enough to see it be dragged out until the end of the market.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are primarily waiting for a financial injection. The sale of Barça Studios is reportedly advanced, and it could provide a very useful inflow of cash that could make a potential signing a real possibility.