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The January Transfer window is open and the European giants will be looking to bring in some reinforcements in order to strengthen their hopes of winning the Champions League before the window closes.
While Barcelona's first team looks settled, the problems lie in the backups as shown by their recent loss against Leganes in the Copa Del Ray. In the attacking department, there are no qualified replacements for Luiz Suarez and Lionel Messi. Clearly, Valverde needs a backup striker he can rely on.
The Blaugrana have looked deficient at the back with only Pique and Lenglet available to play as Umtiti and Vermaelen have been out due to injuries. The left-back spot also looks short on replacements and no one really has pushed Jordi Alba for the position.
Here are the three players that Barcelona should look to sign in the January transfer window.
1) Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt, currently, is one of the best defenders in Europe. The Ajax defender has been a subject to a lot of attention from Europe's "Big Boys". De Ligt is young and has been brilliant at the back for Ajax this season impressing everyone with his astute display in the Champions League and in the UEFA Nationals League (playing for the Netherlands).
He is brilliant on the ball and posses the technical ability of a potential midfielder. He has improved defensively over the years and could be a long term solution for Barcelona at the back.
In terms of stats, De Ligt has won 85% of his tackles in the Champions League this season. In Eredivisie so far, he has a passing accuracy of 92%.
Defensively, he has made 21 interceptions and has won 74% of his tackles. He has made six key passes, two goals, and one assist this season. Also, he is the first defender to win a Golden Boy award in 16 editions.
2) Alvaro Morata
Morata is currently playing for Chelsea in the Premier League. It is clear that Barcelona is in the market for a backup striker to Luiz Suarez. With Morata's appearance starved demeanor at Chelsea, Barcelona could certainly furnish themselves with an apt striker who can play second fiddle to Luiz Suarez.
In terms of stats this season in the Premier League, Morata has scored five goals with a shot accuracy of 62% and has a pass accuracy of 77%. He has won 39% of his aerial duels and completed six dribbles.
3) Alex Grimaldo
Grimaldo is currently playing for Benfica in the Portuguese League. Grimaldo is a 23-year-old Spanish player who has attributes similar to Jordi Alba. The Spanish left-back is young, quick, brilliant on the ball and loves to attack. Grimaldo has the potential to be one of the best full-backs in world football and could certainly push Alba for the starting spot. He could also prove to be a long term replacement for Alba in the left back spot for the Blaugrana.
In terms of stats this season, The Spaniard has scored two goals and made four assists. He has a pass accuracy of 82%, completed 29 dribbles and has provided 34 crosses.
Defensively, he has won 28 of his tackles, won 52% of his duels, made 26 interceptions and made 28 clearances.
Also see : Fantasy Premier League , Fantasy Premier League Tips, EPL Transfer News
