The Christmas break is almost over and we will be seeing football activities again in Spain in no distant time. Teams have started warming up already for their impending new year games, while some players are already on their way back to their respective Club sides. At Camp Nou, players have started returning as they prepare ahead of a tasking 2020 adventure. Leo Messi is still at Rosario, Argentina putting some warm final touches with his family, as the 6 times Ballon d'or winner sets to return to Spain by 2nd January. Luis Suarez would soon be on his way back after his 10th wedding anniversary which saw stars like Neymar and Messi's family adding colours to the Occasion which took place in Uruguay last week. It hasn't been the best season for the Catalan side or even close to their best, but Ernesto Valverde have seen his side finish top of their Champions league group, and are also topping the Laliga table with 39 points after 18 games. The defending champions have recorded 12 wins so far, with 3 draws and 3 defeats, and they have scored a whooping 47 goals in the league so far. The closest team to them in terms of goals is Real Madrid(33). It's nothing close to their standard, but the defending champions are not shutting the door to more possibilities in the coming year.
Possible Prospects Ahead Of The New Year
Yah, just like any other team out there, Barcelona under the watch of Ernesto Valverde are also looking forward to strengthening their vision, and taking adequate steps to ensure they remain on the map. One of such arrangements should be to take advantage of the imminent January transfer window to boost the squad ahead of contingencies. It's no more news that the likes of Luis Suarez, Pique etc are beginning to wane in Strength, hence the need to shop for a replacement especially for the prolific South American striker. You will recall that Barcelona have already spent huge in the past few years or thereabout, bringing the likes of Griezmann from Athletico Madrid and of course the Brazilian Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool. While it appear like Anthonie Griezmann is beginning to get a grip on why Barcelona had to spend so much to bring him to the Camp Nou, Coutinho's investment seems a huge loss for the Catalan club. Some fans have actually accused Valverde for his inability to utilize the Brazilian who is currently having a nice time in Germany, after he was loaned to Bayern. Whatever the case may be, the whooping €160 million (£137m/$179m) which Barcelona lavished on Philippe Coutinho in January 2018 is still fresh in Memory, and the club are now very cautious in their moves. However, from the look of things, it seems the Spanish champions will be taking another dive into the market, if they must strengthen the squad to match their quest of possible treble this season.
So Who Is Barcelona's Major Target In January Transfer Window?
The Catalan giants have been keeping their tabs on Inter's Lautaro Martinez, who seem to be one of the vibrant forwards in Europe. The Argentine striker has continued to prove that he deserves the attention and hype being showered on him by the media week in week out. Fans and sports analysts have tipped the forward as a perfect replacement for the aging Uruguayan striker, and even Suarez knows his days are numbered. “If the club are looking for, or wish to bring in another No. 9, it would not be strange; it is the reality of football,” said Suarez recently. He has been a leading figure in Inter's frontline alongside Romelu Lukaku, and the possibility of Conte parting ways with him anytime soon is very blur. His contribution have seen Inter sitting on top of the Seria A table ahead of Juventus on Goa difference, a few not so many saw coming, considering the Old Ladies domestic dominance in the past few years. After 17 games, Conte's side are seen topping the league with 42 points, having lost just 3 games and drew 3 so far. They are on a hot journey to grab the Scudetto, and taking Martinez away could distort Conte's front line, the more reason why it's gonna be hard for Barcelona to succeed in their quest. So far, he has 8 goals in the league and was a torn on Barcelona's flesh when both sides went against each other in the Champions league group stage. Will Barcelona be ready to break the bank for Martinez? Well, let's see how it goes.
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