5 players who have been surprisingly linked with Barcelona in January

Even though some like to say it's not really a crisis, accusing the rest of blowing it out of proportion; that Barcelona are in a soup is no brain-teaser. For the first time in 17 years, they are playing in the Europa League -- and were forced to push their best ever player out of the club. And then, they got rid of their next best forward as well, for free. If this is not a crisis, what is?

It's no wonder that last summer was a disaster for them. But just months after announcing a €1.3 billion debt, there are quite a few players that have been surprisingly linked to Barcelona in the January transfer window.

Let's have a look at them:

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#5 Stole Dimitrievski

Rayo Vallecano v RC Celta de Vigo - La Liga Santander

In the last three years, Stole Dimitrievski has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Spain since joining Rayo Vallecano in August 2018. With Vallecano surprisingly in contention for a top-four finish in La Liga, the 28-year-old has played a pivotal role in the club's improvement this season.

Dimitrievski has caught the eye of Barcelona and several other clubs in Spain with six clean sheets this term in 18 league appearances,. Marc-Andre Ter Stegen's sharp decline in form has put the Catalan giants in a problematic position when it comes to their goalkeeping department. Once one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, the German has become critically lackluster recently.

Consequently, Ter Stegen's future at Barcelona is in doubt. Although the first-choice goalkeeper is likely to stay at Camp Nou for now, he will have to show he can handle Dimitrievski's arrival from Rayo Vallecano.

Barcelona are reportedly close to inking a deal with Dimitrievski to sign him in January. He is expected to compete with Ter Stegen for the no.1 spot if the deal goes through.

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#4 Adama Traore

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Sheffield United: The Emirates FA Cup Third Round

Adama Traore has emerged as a crucial performer for Wolves in recent seasons. In 54 games during the 2019-20 season, the 25-year-old scored six goals and added 12 assists. Traore's influence on Wolves' offense has waned recently, with no goals or assists in his last 20 outings.

Traore has a history with FC Barcelona, having graduated from the Catalan club's prestigious La Masia academy. The Spaniard, however, didn't earn enough playing time and was released in 2015. Since then, he has played in the Premier League for Aston Villa and Middlesbrough before joining Wolves.

Barcelona are rumored to be considering a reunion with Traore as the Catalan giants seek to rebuild following the loss of Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain this summer. With his speed and physical presence, Traore would be an excellent wing-back contender.

When you sign players with plenty of Premier League experience, quality sometimes comes at a price. With an emotional homecoming at Camp Nou on the table and increased competitiveness in pursuit, Barcelona must be strategic, methodical, and determined in their interest. It would be bad for the team to lose out on him to another club if they really wish to sign him.

#3 Oscar

Yokohama F.Marinos v Shanghai SIPG - AFC Champions League Group H

Oscar spent five years with Shanghai Port, winning the Chinese Super League and Chinese FA Super Cup, but believes now is a good time to return to Europe with Barcelona.

The 30-year-old has five goals in 25 appearances for Brazil this season, his latest call-up coming in 2016. He has also added 16 assists to his tally, assisting Shanghai Port to second place in the Chinese Super League.

Oscar joined Shanghai for a rumored £60 million deal in 2016 following four and a half years with Chelsea, where he scored 38 goals in 203 games across all competitions.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, the midfielder excelled under Jose Mourinho, winning the Premier League twice as well as the League Cup and the Europa League. In recent weeks, Barcelona have taken measures to minimize their wage costs, with defender Samuel Umtiti taking a pay reduction to extend his stay at the Nou Camp.

If the deal goes through, Oscar will join Ferran Torres, who joined Barcelona from Manchester City earlier this month and became Xavi's first signing.

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#2 Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United v Crystal Palace - Premier League

Bruno Fernandes isn't the only Manchester United player who has faced questions about his long-term future at the club. Under Rangnick, the former Sporting CP captain has failed to register a single goal or assist in four league matches. He was even relegated to the bench in Manchester United’s defeat to Wolves.

Fernandes’s risky situation has now put Barcelona in the hunt, with the club’s sporting director Joan Laporta considering him an ideal alternative to top target, Erling Haaland.

However, Barcelona could potentially face financial shortcomings if they are to truly pursue the Manchester United playmaker. To that end, they may even have to offload the €100 million-rated Pedri, a risk Laporta might be unwilling to take, given the potential of the young Spanish international.

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#1 Isco (Real Madrid)

RCD Espanyol v Real Madrid CF - La Liga

Barcelona are keeping an eye on Real Madrid playmaker Isco, who is scheduled to become a free agent at the end of the current season, according to a report from El Nacional.

Isco joined Real Madrid from Malaga in the summer of 2013 and has since been a key member of a highly successful squad that has won numerous titles and trophies. And while he was a key component of the Los Blancos' early success, the 29-year-old's stock has fallen in recent years.

Isco plummeted down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane, and things don't appear to be getting any better under Carlo Ancelotti's new management. Despite scoring in a win over Mallorca in September 2021, the Spanish international's chances of getting regular playing time got bleaker.

However, photographs of him wearing a Barcelona shirt have surfaced, revealing his affinity for the Catalan club. As a result, any move across the divide should provide little problem for the former Malaga player, at least from a Barcelona perspective.

With Philippe Coutinho completing his loan move to Aston Villa, Barcelona could certainly benefit from signing another creative midfielder. While Isco would fit the criteria, a move for the Real Madrid star is unlikely to placate the club's fans, who are already dissatisfied with the club's current situation.