Barcelona's three main priorities during the January transfer window

Barcelona continue to work on the numbers to strengthen the team in the January window. They are beginning to see that it will be pretty unlikely to be able to incorporate the desired right-back due to the strict regulations of LaLiga in terms of salaries, but they are working on three priorities: register Gavi with a first-team number, update with LaLiga Ronald Araújo's new deal and also register the new salary of Alejandro Balde, with whom a renewal agreement is almost finalised.

The Blaugrana hierarchy hoped to be able to sign at least one player after the retirement of Gerard Piqué, but the elimination from the Champions League and the lower income that it will bring seems to make that task impossible.

Barça have no salary limit to spend, but they do have a firm commitment to register Gavi with a first-team number since he is stipulated by contract to have one after his recent renewal. They have already made it clear to the player that this issue is an absolute priority and everything possible is being done so that LaLiga accepts this registration.

Likewise, Barça have the challenge of registering the salary increase agreed with Araújo, which could not be done in the summer after the signings made to reinforce the team.

This would be the same case with Balde, with whom there is already an agreement in principle to renew his terms until 2027. The left-back's salary increase would not fit in at this time with the salary mass, either, so the club could open the door for Memphis Depay to meet these three objectives.

As for signings, both Xavi and the sporting committee would like to sign a right-back to complete the squad. There are several options, but the operation could take place in June if LaLiga does not allow Barça to sign next month. Everyone is also aware that in the summer market there will also be problems and the wage bill will have to be lowered again.