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FC Barcelona is leading the La Liga table with 37 points from 17 matches. They have also drawn against a relatively easy opposition in Olympique Lyon in the round of 16 of UEFA Champions League. Barcelona should actually fancy their chances of winning the treble this year as they have been in really good form after their initial slump.
However, there are some aging players in their side and they might consider signing some new players in the January transfer window as their long-term replacements. They might want to sell some players as well to lighten their squad and to accommodate the new signings.
In this article, we would look at the three players Barcelona might sign in the January transfer window.
#1 Christian Eriksen
Eriksen has already been linked to Real Madrid/ However, his playing style will suit Barcelona than Real Madrid. The Danish playmaker has also impressed the Barcelona hierarchy with a fine display against them when Tottenham visited Camp Nou to play a Champions League tie.
Barcelona does have players like Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal and Arthur Melo in their midfield, but none of the aforementioned players have the silken touch and ball-skills possessed by Eriksen.
He already has five goals and eight assists from his 22 matches for Tottenham this season. He has also been one of the better players in the Premier League this season. Tottenham is now at the third position in the league and also qualified from a tough group for the round of 16 in the Champions League. A large share of credit for the same should go to Eriksen.
The playmaker also has the tactical flexibility to play in different positions in the midfield. He prefers to play as an attacking midfielder but can drop down to central midfield as well to create moves from there. He could be an invaluable addition to the Barca line-up. His partnership with Phillipe Coutinho will be a dream one for the Catalan giants.
#2 Marcos Alonso
The Catalan Giants has a wonderful first choice left-back in Jordi Alba, but he is aging and therefore, would have to be replaced in the near future. Alonso is a young Spanish left-back who is currently playing for Chelsea and should not mind returning to his homeland to play for the Catalan giants.
The left-back is into his 3rd season at the Stamford Bridge and already won the Premier League and the FA Cup with them. He is also a regular starter and appeared in 102 matches for the Blues.
Alonso is quite tall and can make quick overlapping runs with big strides. He is also good at crossing and can cut into the opposition penalty box to increase pressure on their defense. He is a good goal scorer and has scored 15 goals for Chelsea so far. His versatility to play as a wing-back and also as a full-back will provide variety to the Catalan giants.
#3 Dries Mertens
The Belgian forward, who plays for Napoli, can be a livewire in the attack and has been one of their better players this season. Napoli is currently at the 3rd position in Serie A and Mertens has scored 10 goals in 23 matches this season. He has also provided five assists.
The 31-year-old forward is a versatile player who can play in any of the attacking slots. Barcelona is already seeking replacements for the likes of Luis Suarez and Mertens could a cheaper option for the Catalan Giants.
Mertens should be able to adapt to the free-flowing and short-passing game of the La Liga champions as he himself is a good passer and a quick mover. He also has very good dribbling skills and can open up space in or around the opposition penalty box with his nimble touches.
He has combined very well with fellow Napoli forwards Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Callejon this season and should easily gel with the other Barcelona forwards easily.
