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9 months ago
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Like most other clubs across the continent, Barcelona have been hit by a wave of injuries over the course of this season as the footballing schedule continues to grow more hectic.
Fortunately, though, most of the injuries their key players have suffered this season have been short to mid-term. Apart from one.
Barcelona were left distraught as Gavi tore his ACL while on international duty with the Spanish national team, playing a meaningless game when La Roja had already qualified for the Euros.
The Spaniard was an integral part of Xavi’s system and the team’s performances have been severely hit since his injury.
Tottenham turn down Barcelona approach for Lo Celso
As such, Barcelona have been in the winter market looking for midfielders and had a few names on their radar.
While their approach for Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips was well-documented, The Independent have reported that the Catalans have also been interested in signing Giovani Lo Celso on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
Unfortunately, their approach for the Argentine, whose market value stands at €16 million, was turned down by Spurs, who considered Barça’s offer as a ‘low-ball’ one as it was much less than what they wanted.
Barcelona had not offered desirable desirable conditions for the move like the arrangement of the loan or wage split-up.
Kalvin Phillips also slips out
Barcelona also missed out on Kalvin Phillips. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)As far as the Kalvin Phillips deal is considered, Barcelona were trumped by West Ham, who offered to cover the entirety of his wages while on loan.
Further, the London outfit are also happy to include an option to buy for the Englishman, something the Blaugranes could not promise.
As most of Europe heads into the last week of the winter transfer window, Barcelona will continue their pursuit of a midfielder elsewhere.
They prefer a short-term deal or a loan, but will probably have to make do with the squad they have at their disposal for the second half of the season.
