'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
We are at the end of 2018, and it seems like Barcelona could be adding a few big-name players in the January transfer window, which will open tomorrow, 1st January, 2019.
Barcelona are leading La Liga at the end of 2018, with a three-point gap over Atletico Madrid who are in the second place. The La Liga champions are looking to strengthen, and have been linked with a host of players that they could sign in January.
In the final Barcelona transfer roundup of 2018, we take a look at a deal that's complete, the Catalans all but confirming their interest in a player, as well as the reason why Neymar will not return to the club.
#1 Barcelona confirm Adrien Rabiot interest
Barcelona have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain's Adrien Rabiot these past few weeks, and released a statement which all but confirmed their interest in the French midfielder. Rabiot, who is out of contract in the summer, can begin negotiations with other clubs in January, and it looks like Barcelona have had advanced negotiations with the midfielder.
The Catalans released a statement that said that they did not breach any rules in their pursuit of the Frenchman, but revealed some important details.
“In response to the news that has appeared in France, Barcelona state that there has been no breach of regulations regarding the signing of PSG players. The only contact was made last August and then a week ago. In both cases, the contact was made with the sporting managers of PSG in order to express Barcelona’s interest in the player Adrien Rabiot.
"Barcelona always want to work with the highest level of transparency with PSG and any other club. Barcelona deny the existence of any type of agreement with PSG players Adrien Rabiot," said Barcelona's statement.
The statement revealed that they have contacted PSG twice over the signing of Rabiot. The French midfielder will most probably be available at a cheap fee in January, or on a free transfer in the summer.
#2 Barcelona to complete signing of highly-rated midfielder
It seems that Barcelona will soon announce the second signing in the January transfer window, after the loan signing of Jeison Murillo from Valencia. 21-year-old Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, is set to sign for Barcelona, as per SportBild.
The Dutchman has reportedly agreed personal terms with Barcelona, signing a five-year deal, but the two clubs haven't yet agreed on a transfer fee. The fee is set to be in the region of €60-€70 million for de Jong. de Jong is a technically gifted player who could seamlessly fit into Barca's scheme of things.
The central midfielder has scored 4 goals and assisted once in Eredivisie this season, and also made his debut for the Netherlands earlier this year.
de Jong wasn't the only Ajax and Dutch player linked with a move to Barcelona, as defender Matthijs de Ligt was also set to move to the La Liga champions this season.
We recently reported how Barca pulled out of negotiations for the Dutchman as they couldn't match the wages that was demanded. Now, Manchester United are rumoured to be interested in signing de Ligt.
#3 Neymar transfer scuppered?
PSG's Adrien Rabiot is set to depart the French champions, and another PSG superstar who was rumoured to leave the club was Brazilian attacker Neymar, with many reporting that he could head back to the Nour Camp.
A recent report also revealed the release clause that will come into effect in 2020, where the Brazilian could leave the club for €160 million. But it seems like Neymar isn't needed at Barcelona anymore, as a recent survey by Mundo Deportivo of Barcelona's shareholders revealed that 67.66% of them do not want the Brazilian back at Nou Camp.
#4 Barca set €60 million price tag for Dutchman
Since signing for Barcelona in the 2016 season, Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen has played second fiddle to German keeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Cillessen has played just 24 matches for the club, and has played only three matches this year - 2 in the Copa del Rey and once in the Champions League.
But Barca do not want him to go anywhere, as is evidenced by the huge €60 million price tag that they have slapped on him, as per AS. Serie A and Premier League clubs are said to be interested in the Dutch goalkeeper.
