Barcelona draw up emergency plan for the January transfer window

Barcelona have defined the plan they will put into place from Dec. 21 so that a very different team is seen in 2022. The club believe they need to make two quality signings, in addition to the return of Ansu Fati, to change the current situation and reach the top four in LaLiga to be in next season's Champions League.

To start, Barça must increase their salary limit however possible to be able to sign players. The wage bill in the summer was 670 million, the highest on the planet, but the exits of Messi, Griezmann and others helped reduce it to around 430 million.

Under those conditions, it's impossible to sign in January. The club could look for a credit line, but LaLiga would not let them register the players, so it would make no sense to add to the debt. Therefore, they must reduce the size of the current squad to make room.

Coutinho and Umtiti

Two players on the exit ramp are Philippe Coutinho and Samuel Umtiti. They're players without weight in a sporting sense and with high salaries. Barça need these players to leave the club, but would also consider other player exits.

They are looking at various options, from loans and permanent deals to the possibility of rescinding contracts. That last one would be the most drastic option, and would also carry a potential risk if the players were to fight it, but it's not ruled out if Coutinho and Umtiti refuse to leave.

The club will do what it takes and press the players if necessary by leaving them out of the squad and making them train on their own.

This plan will kick in from Dec. 21, which is when Barça play their final LaLiga game vs. Sevilla before a brief Christmas break interrupts Spanish football.

Ferran Torres and Cavani

The outgoings should make room for two players considered fundamental: Ferran Torres and Edinson Cavani. Two players to boost Barça's attack.

There is already an agreement with Ferran Torres and talks are progressing with Manchester City. The investment in Torres would be significant, which would mean Coutinho has to leave. He still has a good reputation in England and Newcastle could be an option.

Cavani, meanwhile, would arrive as the No.9. The Uruguayan wants to come as his playing time at Manchester United has reduced. He would arrive on loan but the problem is the salary limit. For that reason, it's vital that Umiti finally agrees to leave.