Barcelona secured all three points with a stunning 4-2 scoreline against Real Betis, thanks to Ferran Torres’s late hattrick at Benito Villamarín Stadium on Sunday. This victory was much-needed for the Spanish champions, coming after their earlier embarrassing loss to Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final.
At the backend, the Catalan giants are planning to make some late January window transfer additions to their team. They are considering short-term options such as Manchester City surplus Kalvin Phillips and another Premier League midfielder, Amadou Onana, who is seen as a long-term investment at Camp Nou.
Barcelona backtracking on their Kalvin Phillips pursuit
Kalvin Phillips is eager to leave Manchester City due to a lack of playing opportunities under Pep Guardiola, who was recently crowned the FIFA Best Men’s Coach 2023. In the best interest of the player, the club has agreed to let him go with the right offer in the market.
This season, the English midfielder has only secured a single start for the Citizens in the Champions League while making merely four substitute appearances in the Premier League. Phillips has attracted interest from West Ham and Crystal Palace.
On the contrary, Newcastle United and Barcelona have withdrawn their interest due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and financial obligations.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona has not made any direct contact with Manchester City regarding a potential transfer of the 28-year-old player to Spain. Despite speculation of Catalan interest in acquiring the services of the former Leeds United midfielder, who is in search of regular playing minutes.
It is also reported that, according to the demands of the English champions, the midfielder’s current terms are seemingly too expensive for Barcelona to even consider a loan deal. Therefore, there is hardly any scope for making a permanent move possible at this point.
Barcelona remain interested in Amadou Onana
Barcelona has reportedly identified Everton’s Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana as a suitable profile to pursue in the summer as a long-term investment to reinforce their midfield department. Onana is having a standout campaign with the Toffees, who have been penalized with a 10-point deduction from the Premier League.
The Belgian international has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle United, both looking to strengthen their squads. Everton might have to sell their star player due to financial problems, and the asking fee is set at a £60 million price tag for a player under contract until 2027.
The Blaugrana may have to compete against Premier League clubs in their pursuit of the 22-year-old player’s signature while keeping their financial balance sheet in order. Stay tuned with us for further transfer updates.
