Barcelona move for free-agent midfielder highly unlikely – Romano

With the transfer window set to close tonight, it appears that things will be quiet at FC Barcelona, unlike last year when they were involved in a spree of deadline-day deals.

The Financial Fair Play situation at the club is such that they are simply not in a position to sign and register a new player at the moment.

Despite the situation being as it is, the name of former Juventus and PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot has been linked with the club over the past few days.

With Marc Bernal’s injury and the lack of depth in midfield due to the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Gavi also being unavailable, Barça have been on the lookout for a midfielder and Rabiot, a free agent since June 30, has been linked.

Rabiot to Barça a no-go

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a move for Rabiot to Barcelona is simply a no-go at this point given the FFP situation.

Barcelona explored a move for Liverpool youngster Stefan Bajcetic on loan but had to give up on his pursuit due to the Fair Play problem which would have made it unlikely for him to be registered in La Liga.

Considering that Rabiot’s salary is around four times higher than what Bajcetic earns, there is simply no way for the deal to happen, reports Romano.

The transfer expert further adds that it is all quiet at Barcelona with regard to the FFP situation, making a deal for Rabiot unlikely at this point.

However, reports on Thursday did suggest that Barça may consider signing Rabiot in a few weeks, once the Nike agreement is closed, provided he is still a free agent at that time and has not signed for any club.

As things stand, though, a deadline-day move for the Frenchman is out of the question.