5 players Xavi could sign for Barcelona in January

#3 Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger is closer than ever to leaving Chelsea.

It is becoming increasingly likely that Antonio Rudiger's spell with Chelsea may come to an end very soon. The defender's current contract with the Blues expires at the end of the season. There's a huge probability he won't sign another deal with the Premier League giants.

According to reports, many teams have entered the race to snap up the Chelsea star, and Barcelona are one of them. The defender ranks among the finest centre-backs in Europe right now, and would surely improve the Blaugrana's backline.

Rudiger currently has a market value of just €35 million, as per Transfermarkt. Considering that he has less than a year on his contract with the Champions League holders, the Blues could be willing to sell him at a lower price in January.

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#2 Dani Olmo

Olmo's incredible versatility would be a huge plus for Barcelona.

Dani Olmo's transfer to Barcelona seems to be just a matter of time. The Blaugrana tried to prise the Spaniard away during the summer, but couldn't do so. According to reports, they'll try again in January.

Olmo is a player who would suit Xavi's system quite well, owing to his vast technical abilities. The attacking midfielder is a product of Barcelona's youth system, and has adequate knowledge of the club's core principles and playing style.

The RB Leipzig star is also very versatile. Olmo is capable of operating in any position across midfield and attack. That would provide Xavi with more options to try out and implement new ideas at Barcelona.

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#1 Raheem Sterling

One of the best players in the world right now, according to Xavi

Raheem Sterling is a player Xavi himself has endorsed on multiple occasions. He said that the Manchester City attacker is among the players who could replace Lionel Messi at the top of the game, during an interview in 2019. He said:

“I look at the moment – and Sterling is winning that race. He’s always been a good player, a dangerous player, but under Pep he's become one of the best in the world."

"I know how Pep works – he would have worked closely with him since his arrival – where he needs to improve and what he needs to work on. We’re now seeing the results of that – he’s still young and can be the world’s best.”

According to reports, Raheem Sterling is open to joining Barcelona when the transfer window reopens in January. The Englishman recently went public on his desire to leave the Etihad Stadium. It remains to be seen if he ends up at Camp Nou in January, though.