Just in: Barcelona rule out the arrival of a midfielder in the winter due to two reasons

Much like Real Madrid, Barcelona have been struck with several injuries this season, the most important of which, without doubt, was Gavi’s ACL tear while on international duty with the Spanish international team.

While Marc-Andre ter Stegen has also been out for a few months at this point, he is set to make a return by mid-February if his recovery continues progressing like this.

Unfortunately, though, Barcelona also lost Alejandro Balde to a knee injury against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

Initial results suggested that he would be out for a couple of months, at worst. In classic Barcelona fashion, though, updates since then have confirmed that the Spaniard will miss the rest of the season, and possibly even the 2024 European Championship.

Without him in the team, Barça were considering signing a midfielder that could take his wage space, much like how they did with Vitor Roque after Gavi picked up the ACL injury.

However, as per a report just in by RAC1, the blaugranes have decided against signing a midfielder to replace Balde in the winter, primarily due to two reasons.

1. No convincing options

Barcelona are not convinced by the options they have available in the market so far.

The arrival of Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis was considered, but did not reach unanimous votes. Arsenal’s Jorginho was also an option, but has since been ruled out.

Evidently not happy with any potential arrivals in the winter, Barcelona have given their green light to the current squad despite Xavi publicly asking for a signing during the January transfer window.

2. Do not want to complicate FFP

While ideally Barcelona will have FFP margin to sign a midfielder in the summer if they unregister Balde, who is out for the season, it will have to be on a short-term/loan contract, and with very low wages.

Finding a player to meet all this criteria will be difficult as it is, but the risk of messing up the FFP is too high for Barcelona to go ahead with any signing.

They are already on rather poor terms with La Liga’s administration, and will not want to make their lives more difficult, especially with other priorities on their mind.