Barcelona face a crucial January transfer window in 2025 as they aim to maintain their competitive edge while navigating financial constraints.
With key players nearing contract deadlines and several areas in need of reinforcements, the club’s management is under pressure to make smart decisions.
Barcelona’s January 2025 plans are defined by balancing immediate needs with long-term strategy. Their precarious financial position will shape every move, but creative solutions and strategic planning could still make this a pivotal window.
Here’s an in-depth look at what Barcelona need, their transfer targets, potential departures, and updates on player contracts.
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What do Barcelona need in January?
Barcelona’s primary need is depth in key positions. Injuries have exposed weaknesses in full-back areas, where reliable backups for Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are lacking.
Young players like Gerard Martin and Hector Fort have stepped up, but consistency remains an issue.
The team also needs short-term competition for Robert Lewandowski. At 36, the striker is nearing the twilight of his career, and finding his successor is a long-term priority.
Additionally, the absence of Lamine Yamal due to injury highlighted the need for more width in attack.
The midfield is another area of concern. While Marc Casado has done well as a defensive midfielder, Barcelona might need reinforcements to handle tougher challenges later in the season.
Barcelona transfer targets for January 2025
Below is an updated list of potential Barcelona signings. We’ve split them into dream and realistic options to give a clearer picture of who could join the squad in January.
Dream signings
Barcelona’s financial struggles make dream signings unlikely, but they are monitoring some players with a view to possible deals.
- Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah has long been linked with the club and, with his contract expiring, he fits Barcelona’s strategy of pursuing free agents. Of course, he would not become their player until the summer if they wait to sign him for nothing.
- Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
A dynamic full-back, Davies’ contract wrangling at Bayern has gone on for some time, but financial challenges and competition from Real Madrid make this a difficult one for Barca.
- Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Strong ties with manager Hansi Flick make Bayern star Kimmich a speculative but ambitious target. It has been reported previously that a move to Spain appeals to the player, but the chances of Bayern selling mid-season are slim at best.
Realistic options
Given their budget constraints, Barcelona’s immediate focus is on retaining players as much as signing new ones. However, there are deals out there that they could strike that would make sense.
- Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
While unlikely for January, Nico Williams remains a long-term target, and the idea of uniting him with fellow Spain star Lamine Yamal is a tantalising one. Barca would undoubtedly face competition for his signature, but this is a deal that could happen if the finances fall into place.
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Who could leave Barcelona in January?
Ansu Fati and Pablo Torre are among the players who might leave due to limited game time. Eric Garcia could also move, with Girona interested in signing the center-back permanently.
Longer term, the club may consider selling big names like Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen, or Ronald Araujo if their contracts aren’t renewed before the summer. It would take a big offer to tempt them to sell in January, though.
Barcelona contracts latest
The major concern for Barca remains their attempt to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor for the second half of the season. Failure to do so would see them free to leave as free agents in January.
They are reportedly making progress in extending deals for young stars Pedri and Gavi, whose contracts expire in 2026, while talks are also ongoing with Inigo Martinez and Gerard Martin.
Meanwhile, players like Araujo, Christensen, and De Jong will face uncertain futures if no agreements are reached by summer.
