No signings for Barca in January, even Roque is questionable

Since the big financial problems in Barcelona were revealed in 2021, the topics concerning money, debt, registration, and reinforcements are quite regular at Camp Nou. Maybe we can even say it’s a day-to-day topic. So, now, two and a half months before the start of the January transfer window, nobody is surprised if a question about Barcelona’s new players is asked. Mundo Deportivo took the opportunity to interview Barca’s new sporting director and former club player Deco, and he revealed that the option of buying new players in January is almost non-existent.

So, basically, Xavi will have to accept that the current squad is the one which will finish the season in May 2024. Even the already-bought Roque Junior, who was supposed to arrive in January, is now not 100%.

“It's something public, people dream of 'fair play' because it's talked about every day. We know that we have a series of commitments, things that LaLiga imposes on us, not only on us, but also on the rest of the clubs, so we don't have to complain, we have to work to improve and be as good as possible again. We have to face it and in the end, I think it will be difficult to make new additions. We will always be attentive in case there is any opportunity, but I don't think it will be possible. From the first minute it was clear with Athletico Paranaense that Vitor could only come from January, which was one of the conditions of the agreement, but we will try. Let's see what we can do. He is a player that we have signed for the present and for the future, we believe a lot in him, but we have to wait a little and see how we can fix this. If he is not now, he will be in July for sure” said Deco.

Barca's wunderkind could walk away for free after another blunder

In March, Barcelona suffered another ‘humiliation’ from La Liga, which nullified their registration of Gavi. The 19-year-old gem, a future star and an ever-present player both in Barca and Spain’s first team, suddenly found himself as a simple player unregistered and without a proper contract, as the judge suspended his registration, which further implied that in June, the guy with a market value of 90,000,000 euros could leave the club without compensation. The Catalans appealed and won the appeal, but La Liga is still not permanently on board with Gavi’s registration for the moment; Deco was asked about when the actual registration would be made permanent apart from the court’s current ruling.

“The club has this under control, it has a relationship with LaLiga and it is being talked about. Everything is under control, there is no problem” said Deco.

Gavi's mom is worried, but that's football: "I always try to do my best"

Another current issue in the team is Frenkie De Jong. Barca tried to sell him to Manchester United two years ago, and now they want to renew his contract, but on other terms – to lower down his wage. First, reports showed that the player is in no hurry to change the contract and lose money, but Deco confirmed that the initial contact had been made.

"I sent some messages to his agents to introduce myself. We haven't talked about the details of the contract yet. Frenkie , among others, are some of the players we would like to keep at the club for many years. He is a perfect age as a footballer and is playing at a high level. We want him to be here at Barcelona for many more years" said Barca’s sporting director.