Barcelona will sign attacking talent in the January transfer window

That Philippe Coutinho did not end up signing in the summer, despite Barcelona's pursuit (unhealthily, at times), shouldn't be too much of a problem for Ernesto Valverde and his squad. Neymar's exit seemed covered by the arrival of Dembele and Deulofeu. The signing of Paulinho also added more goals to the team. But theory isn't always reality. 

Beyond Luis Suarez's dry streak -- he's going through his worst spell since he arrived at Camp Nou -- Dembele got seriously injured, putting the brakes on his adpation, and Deulofeu is in the process of settling back in to life on and off the pitch. There are so many problems that Lionel Messi is being clung to as much as ever -- he's had no rest. 

coutinho IN MIND 

The signing committee led by Pep Segura -- not joined by Bojan Krkic -- along with Robert Fernandez has diagnosed what's needed and are ready to seek solutions in January. Coutinho is still the priority. It will be next week when Barça take a firm decision on going for the Brazilian. If they finally decide to go back for him, it will be under the same terms as the summer: they won't go crazy and will not pay 150 million euros. In fact, the offer will be the same as the one Paris Saint-Germain have made. 

There are more viable economic options. All have the same profile: young players with a natural talent in attack and running with the ball. Four names are being looked at by the club: Leon Goretzka (Schalke 04), Max Meyer (Schalke 04), Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen) and Thomas Lemar (Monaco).