Barcelona kept their first team squad as it was during the winter transfer window, with no one signing or leaving before the deadline earlier this week. However, numerous deals could have been done, but for different reasons, nothing happened.
Despite the worries of several members of Hansi Flick’s squad, Barcelona tried to sign Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, although that deal did not happen because there was not enough salary space – and as a result, he went on to join Aston Villa for the remainder of the season.
Barcelona needed to create space by organising departures for one or two players. Ansu Fati was the player that the club wanted to leave, but despite being told that he is not counted on by Flick, he opted to see out the rest of the season. Eric Garcia was also linked, but it was ultimately decided that he would be staying.
Another first team player that could have left in January was Hector Fort. As reported by Sport, Valencia tried to sign the teenager on loan for the remainder of the season, as they searched for a new right-back to replace Thierry Correia, who will not play again until the next campaign after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
However, both Barcelona and Fort ruled out a departure, despite him not being heavily relied upon by Flick – and in the end, Valencia brought in Max Aarons from AFC Bournemouth. Jules Kounde has been a nailed starter at right-back, and although Fort has had some minutes, he has not had much of an opportunity to establish himself.
Fort is keen to prove his worth to Flick when given the opportunity, although Barcelona appear open to moving him on in the summer – especially as it has been reported that sporting director Deco has been tasked with signing a new right-back during the transfer window.
