Barcelona 'put together midfield shortlist for January window'

Barcelona are reportedly planning to move for a new central midfielder in January, with head coach Xavi determined to bring in a player capable of operating as the pivot.

The Catalan side lost the inspirational Sergio Busquets on a free transfer over the summer, but two midfielders arrived in the shape of Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu.

Gundogan and Romeu have been regulars early in the season, with Barcelona making a solid start to their La Liga title defence, picking up 10 points from their opening four matches.

However, Xavi still allegedly believes that his team are missing a pivot midfielder, and according to Mundo Deportivo, the club have identified four possible signings at the start of 2024.

The report claims that Guido Rodriguez of Real Betis is admired, with the Argentina international's contract due to expire next summer, which could make him available for a cut-price fee in January.

© Reuters

Barcelona are believed to have seriously considered moving for Rodriguez before ultimately deciding to bring back Romeu from Girona due to the cost of the deal.

The Argentina international has also been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, but Real Betis have not given up hope of convincing him to sign a new deal.

Joao Palhinha is also said to be a target, with the Portugal international seeing a proposed move from Fulham to Bayern Munich break down in the final minutes of the summer window.

The midfielder underwent part of his medical at Bayern, in addition to his media duties, before it was confirmed that a switch had fallen through.

© Reuters

Bayern are thought to be planning to reignite their interest next year, though, and it is difficult to imagine Barcelona being in a position to sign Palhinha in January due to the cost of the deal.

Benfica's Florentino Luis is also allegedly on the shortlist, with the 24-year-old's future the subject of much speculation during the summer market.

Man United were linked with the Portuguese before ultimately focusing on Sofyan Amrabat, who completed a loan switch to Old Trafford from Fiorentina late in the market.

Meanwhile, Jorginho is said to be a possible target, with the Italy international's future at Arsenal far from secure.

The midfielder's agent has denied that his client could leave for Fenerbahce before the end of the Turkish transfer window amid the recent speculation, but his contract is due to expire next summer, and he could struggle for regular action with the Gunners this term.