3 players Barcelona must look to sign in this January transfer window

Barcelona is having a mixed season of sorts. They are on top of La Liga and topped their Champions League group, but their performances have been less than convincing. Ernesto Valverde has earned a lot of flak from a section of Barcelona supporters for being over-reliant on Lionel Messi and being conservative in his tactics, especially in away games. Summer signing Antoine Griezmann has not yet settled into the squad with Valverde deploying him wide on the left usually. Ousmane Dembele's injury issues continue while the aging Luis Suarez is losing his sharpness with each passing day. There's not much creativity in the midfield and the trio of Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic, and Sergio Busquets are in their 30s.

Here are 3 signings that Barcelona need this winter to increase the chances of winning all the trophies that they are competing for, both domestically and across Europe.

#3 Donny Van de Beek

Van de Beek's signing will reunite him with Frenkie de Jong

The young Dutchman broke onto the scene last season with his string of magnificent performances for both Ajax Amsterdam and The Netherlands. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is known for his goal-scoring abilities alongwith the creative assists that he comes up with regularly. He plays a pretty offensive role on the field and has excellent ball control. He can link up well from the midfield to the forward line-up and can make a killer pass if possible. His late runs into the box are dangerous and this often leaves him unmarked with him finding the back of the net. An intelligent player on the field, Barcelona should make a move for him which will reunite him with Frenkie de Jong and the Spanish giants can exploit the already existing chemistry the duo have amongst themselves. Van de Beek is a target of arch-rivals Real Madrid as well since last summer and Barcelona should act quickly should they decide on signing the player.

#2 Dani Olmo

Dani Olmo is a La Masia graduate. He left Barça in 2014 to join Dinamo Zagreb in search of more playing time. Initially playing for the reserves, he finally made it to the first team and his development curve has gone only upwards since then. The 21-year-old has been linked with a move back to Barcelona and this piece of news has only delighted him. He commented on the rumours stating that the fact they are considering to bring him back is great news.

The Spanish international is a versatile player who usually plays as the attacking midfielder and can accommodate himself seamlessly on both wings. He’s known for his goal scoring and chance creation abilities. A move back to Barcelona looks ideal and the club should take their chance and sign him this winter given the fact that Olmo has publicly stated that he’s ready to take the next step in his career.

Also Read: Dani Olmo delighted with Barcelona's interest in him

#1 Lautaro Martinez

Lautaro Martínez has been on fire this season.

Luis Suarez's decline means Barcelona need a striker upfront pretty soon to replace him and Lautaro Javier Martinez fits the bill perfectly. A deadly player on the counter-attack, Lautaro Martinez is the player Barcelona need to keep their striker department ticking in the years to come.The 22-year-old Argentine has filled up the boots of the departing Mauro Icardi and has led the Inter Milan attack under Antonio Conte seamlessly alongside Romelu Lukaku.

He has a reported €112 million release clause in his contract which actually makes things easier for Barcelona - they don't have to negotiate with Inter Milan regarding the fee should the player agree to join them. At Barcelona, he can team up with compatriot Lionel Messi upfront and set-up a partnership that will benefit the Argentina national team too in the years to come. Lautaro is known for his mobility and ability to hold the ball in pressure situations. He's a complete forward reminiscent of Sergio Aguero.