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The summer transfer window was a big snag on Barcelona. The Catalan giants lost their star player, Neymar Jr. to Paris Saint Germain in a very complicated deal.
They also failed to land their top target, Philippe Coutinho, though the club introduced some reinforcements in persons of Paulinho, Nelson Semedo, Ousmane Dembele, Gerard Deulefeu and Denis Suarez.
Three months after the summer transfer window, Barcelona is atop the La Liga table and have almost made it to the knock out stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The Catalans are unbeaten in all competitions and summer signings, Paulinho and Nelson Semedo have quickly settled in the team, making an instant impact on the Blaugrana.
The likes of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique have kept the team flying high in the Spanish top flight and Barca's performance have just been unbelievable.
However, despite Barca's brilliance this season, Ernesto Valverde will definitely want to fill some holes and improve the squad during the winter transfer window. Therefore, we take a look at 5 players that might probably make a switch to the Camp Nou in January:
#5 David Luiz (Chelsea FC)
Recent reports in Spain claimed that Javier Mascherano is eyeing a move out of the Camp Nou. The Argentine was signed from Liverpool in 2010 and has spent 5 successful seasons with the Catalans, winning 4 La Liga titles, 2 UEFA Champions League as well as other trophies.
However, after the player has seen his game time reduced at the Camp Nou, he has set his sights on a move elsewhere. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the defender has already started making plans to depart the Catalan club.
The report states that Mascherano has been in talks with Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and informed him he wants to leave and the Barca chief has allegedly told him he will not disrupt his way after his years of dedicated service to the club.
That implies that Barcelona needs to sign another center back and Brazilian superstar, David Luiz seems to be the perfect option. The Chelsea defender is reportedly looking to force a move away from Chelsea after having a spat with Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, Daily Star reported.
The Brazilian was exiled to the stands by Antonio Conte during Chelsea's recent clash with Manchester United. The coach also stated in his post-match conference that David Luiz needed to improve considerably or face a longer spell on the sidelines and as a result, the defender has told his agents he wants a move.
David Luiz will be a great addition to Barca and might potentially be the new Puyol. The Brazilian is solid at the back, good at using his feet and dangerous at set pieces. His style will be perfect for Barca and will not cost the Blaugrana a heavy fee.
#4 Angel Di Maria (PSG)
After the departure of Neymar to Paris Saint Germain, Barcelona has been forced to play without wingers. This has affected the general performance of the team especially in terms of chance creation.
This is why the Blaugrana will be looking forward to signing another winger to replace the Brazilian. PSG superstar, Angel Di Maria has been highlighted as the perfect player to take up the role.
The Argentine was heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou during the summer but Barca failed to secure his services as the move was reportedly blocked by UEFA due to an examination of Paris Saint-Germain and their compliance with Financial Fair Play rules.
However, Barcelona has reportedly reignited their interest in the winger and will be back to sign the Argentine in January.
His addition will have a great effect on the team due to his overall ability, creativity, and versatility.
The player recently spoke about the failed move and stated that his Madrid past would not stop him from completing a deal to Barca as well as refusing to rule out the possibility of joining in the future. He said:
"I was close to joining Barcelona in the summer and yet far away at the same time."
"It is hard to complete moves to these clubs."
"I never lost hope of it going through but in the end, it didn't happen."
"My Madrid past wouldn't have been an issue as I'm not a Madrid fan and I always point that out whenever I'm asked about it."
"What will happen in the future, we never know"
#3 Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)
Given Luis Suarez's recent struggles in front of goal, Barcelona manager, Ernesto Valverde is reportedly planning to strengthen the club's attack and has identified Atletico Madrid hitman, Antoine Griezmann as a potential target for the winter transfer window.
Although the Catalans signed Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for £96million during the summer, and the player has proved to be a promising addition.
But at just 20, Ernesto Valverde is obviously looking to introduce an established world-class player to his team. This is the reason behind all the rumors we have heard concerning Barca and Griezmann.
Atletico Madrid and the player might have had a slow start to the season, but Griezmann will definitely be a great addition to Barcelona.
The France international is a great team player; quick on the ball and has good vision. He has brilliant technical skills and the ability to drop deep and link-up play between his teammates. His versatility enables him to occupy several positions on the pitch.
Besides, he has great work-rate, mobility, positional sense, and the ability to interpret the game, which, combined with his pace, attacking movement, and energy will definitely impress Valverde.
However, Barca has a little problem in pursuit of the French winger as Premier League giants, Manchester United have been keeping tabs on him for quite some time. But if the reports are true, Barcelona will definitely have their man.
#2 Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich)
Barcelona is one of those teams that can boast of having had the best midfielders in the world. The midfield trio of Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets, and Andres Iniesta really caught the world's attention with beautiful football.
However, ever since the departure of Xavi and Iniesta's gradual decline, Barca's midfield have not been very impressive.
Therefore the club has prioritized the introduction of a world-class midfielder in their budget. They pursued Liverpool's playmaker, Philippe Coutinho, during the summer but the Reds refused to let go of the Brazilian and reports have claimed that the Catalans are now keen on bringing Bayern Munich star, Thiago Alcantara back to the Camp Nou.
The midfielder is a graduate of Barca's famous La Masia academy and had his debut with the Catalan club in 2009. After spending 5 years at Barca, he decided to switch to Bayern Munich and has already spent 4 successful years in the Bundesliga.
Alcantara is a very creative and technically sound player with excellent dribbling skills and ball control.
His accurate passing, vision, and ability to read the game has drawn several comparisons with his football mentor and idol, Andres Iniesta.
He will definitely be a great addition for Barca as he is already familiar with the team's possession-based philosophy after spending several years under club legend and elite tactician, Pep Guardiola.
The fact that he has played alongside the likes of Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi is a guarantee that he will blend into the team instantly and that is something that Ernesto Valverde will be delighted to see.
If Barca continues their interest, the player will definitely come back as he recently hinted that Barcelona is his home. However, the Blaugrana will have to pay €91 million to secure his services.
#1 Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Philippe Coutinho is one of those players that were heavily linked to transfer rumors during the last transfer window.
The Brazilian playmaker was expected to make a move to FC Barcelona after the departure of Neymar Paris Saint Germain in a world record transfer fee worth £222m. However, the deal did not fall through as Liverpool refused to sell their star man despite three mega bids from the Spanish giants.
However, as the winter is approaching, various news have started emerging, linking the Liverpool superstar with a move to Barcelona.
In fact, many reports claim that both the Catalan club and the player have already agreed on a contract and Coutinho is expected to make his desired move to the Camp Nou in January.
The Brazilian will definitely suit Barca's style with his awesome vision, decent passing, pace, and agility.
Besides, his versatility will give Barca manager, Ernesto Valverde more options. He can play as a midfielder, an attacking midfielder, a supporting striker or as a winger on both flanks.
At the moment, everybody expects Barca to snatch Coutinho from the Anfield including Barca legend, Ronaldinho who recently supported the speculations. The Brazilian told Sky Sport:
"I would be very happy to see such a talented player wear the shirt I wore for so many years. I believe the way he plays will perfectly suit Barcelona and would be delighted to see a player of such quality wear the shirt."
