The FC Barcelona board is preparing for a very intense winter market in 2025. Since 2022, the club has not started the year with so many operations underway, although there are still loose ends to resolve regarding financial 'Fair Play'. Despite pending registrations for Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, both Joan Laporta and Deco are confident in having the necessary solvency to make several adjustments to the squad.
And indeed, the collective decline of Barça in LaLiga makes it clear that there is a need to reinforce at least two key positions, and the club's board has several interesting alternatives on the table. On one hand, Laporta believes it is necessary to sign another forward to not rely entirely on the goals of Robert Lewandowski and the flashes of Ferran Torres. Therefore, there is confidence in pursuing a blockbuster deal with names like Viktor Gyökeres or Rafael Leao.
Both are considered by the president as strategic signings, especially the Portuguese, for whom the club already made some contacts with Milan last summer. In the case of the '9' of Sporting CP, the operation is less complex financially and the player himself has shown a desire to change scenery as soon as possible, aware of the need to make the definitive leap to the European elite.
Barça is also eyeing a left-back
Another position that could involve significant spending in January is the left side. Barça's defensive problems are becoming increasingly concerning and one of the main issues highlighted after the decline in La Liga in recent weeks is Alejandro Balde. Without a player capable of challenging for the starting position, the '3' has progressively diminished his level, and the club already has several names to secure this key position in Hansi Flick's scheme.
The latest rumors point to Álvaro Carreras (Benfica) as the choice of Deco and Laporta. The Spaniard is under contract until 2029 and could leave the Portuguese team for a price close to 10 million euros. For now, Manchester United is the most interested in the Ferrol native, who has already scored a couple of goals and provided assists in 21 matches with the 'eagles' this season.