Stuck between filling gaps in the squad and handling financial struggles, Barcelona are once again at the forefront of a European transfer window in January 2024.

The La Liga side advanced to the Champions League knockout round but are lagging behind in the domestic title race, which threatens to pull away without them.

To make matters worse, vitally important heartbeat Gavi was lost to a torn ACL on international duty in November, leaving a gaping hole in midfield for the remainder of the season.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said "our idea is to add another midfielder that can compensate for Gavi's injury" but that financial leverage would be required to do so, likely as a six-month loan.

Barcelona are still greatly restricted by their dire financial situation, and any transfer narrative regarding incoming and outgoing movement must be taken with the understanding of their difficulties on the balance sheet.

MORE: Real Madrid's potential transfer business in January 2024

Barcelona completed transfers January 2024

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Barcelona transfer news: January 2024 window targets

Barcelona tipped to make Mason Greenwood bid

Mason Greenwood has impressed for Getafe since moving to La Liga on loan from Manchester United. Now, a transfer to Barcelona has been mooted.

Greenwood was loaned out by United following a backlash against their reported plans to bring him back into the first-team fold after he was suspended after he was charged with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Those charges were discontinued last year.

According to The Sun, Barca would be a "dream" move for Greenwood and the club would be interested in signing the player, although United's reported demands of around €40 million plus add-ons could dissuade them from making a bid.

Young forward Vitor Roque signs from Brazil

18-year-old winger Vitor Roque has completed his transfer from Brazilian club Athletico Paranense joining after the South American club season concluded.

Having made his senior international debut for Brazil back in March, the versatile attacker had a prolific club season, scoring 21 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions, while assisting eight more. He helped Athletico Paranense to an eighth-placed finish in the Brazilian top flight, and reached the Round of 16 in the Copa Libertadores.

It's unclear whether the youngster will be able to contribute in the short term, or if he will need time to acclimatise to his new club and environment, but that should be sorted in due time as Roque begins to train with the Barcelona first team immediately.

With Barca forced to lean on young Lamine Yamal for significant minutes in 2023, it feels likely there could be some role for Roque this season.

Barcelona to bring back Chadi Riad from Real Betis

With Barcelona struggling financially, there's already talk of what could be done in the upcoming summer transfer window. One heavily rumoured option at the back is for the club to secure 20-year-old Moroccan defender Chadi Riad from Real Betis.

Starting the season as a second-choice option, Riad forced his way into the starting lineup and has earned consistent time. A former Barcelona youth product, Riad was loaned to Real Betis last summer, and according to Spanish publication Sport, the Andalusian club are obligated to sign him for €3.5 million because he has played enough matches to trigger the clause in the agreement with Barca.

However, as part of the same deal, Barca are said to have a €7 million buyback option; in other words, they can bring him back to Camp Nou for a total outlay of just €3.5m.

Bringing Riad back to the club via a cheap transfer and a low-leverage contract could allow them to offload a more expensive central defender like Andreas Christensen or Jules Kounde, providing a net positive in the transfer market and lowering the payroll.

What Barcelona players could be sold in January?

Ronald Araujo won't be sold this winter

As mentioned previously, Barcelona could lower their wage bill by offloading a defender in January, or the summer, as it is a position of strength at the club.

Uruguayan Ronald Araujo is highly coveted as a world-class defender at 24 years old, and with his contract expiring in 2026, there is some wiggle room to force a move. Bayern Munich have been the most heavily linked club, reportedly willing to pay an enormous fee, which would surely entice cash-strapped Barcelona.

Despite the swirling speculation over a possible deal, Araujo has spoken out to reject rumours over a departure, as he looks to focus on the second half of the campaign with Barcelona.

"There is always talk in the transfer markets. But, I'm very focused and happy at Barcelona and I want to give my best here. There are always rumours, but I'm only focused on wearing the shirt of Barcelona."

Will Joao Felix or Joao Cancelo leave after loans expire?

The future of Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo, both at Barcelona on loan, is in the back of everyone's mind as the club makes its plans for the future.

Both Portugal internationals have the same agent, and Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed he knows the cost of securing their permanent signatures would be. Laporta hinted at the distinct possibility of both joining long-term.

"We are interested in both of them not being on loan but a part of this club," Laporta told Spanish news agency EFE. "We'll see how it progresses; signings will be assessed at the right time. I think both Cancelo and Felix are cases from which all parties involved will end up satisfied."

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