Barcelona Transfer News: Premier League interest in star midfielder, mystery striker being eyed up and other stories — January 21th, 2019

Barcelona is still on top of La Liga after a labored 3-1 win over Leganes on Sunday evening. However, the tone of the performance left much to be desired.

It took bringing in Lionel Messi to seal the victory for the Blaugrana. Manager Ernesto Valverde will be anxious to avoid burnout from his star man, with the season’s most decisive events still to come.

As a result, the team is expected to be very active in the remaining 11 days of the transfer window. Already, Colombian center-back, Jeison Murillo has joined on loan. Young French center-back Jean-Clair Todibo has also been added to the roster though for next season.

As rumors continue to swirl around the club, here is a look at some of the burning ones for today:

#1 Premier League clubs eye Brazilian star

Coutinho may be on his way back to England

At this juncture, with a full year under his belt, it is safe to say that fans are still waiting to see the real Philippe Coutinho. The £142m signing from Liverpool has impressed in fits and starts since he switched from Merseyside to Catalunya.

Sadly, he was once again a shadow of what was expected in the victory over Leganes. His decision-making, movement, and general demeanor told the story of a player struggling to justify his price tag and inflated reputation.

However, it seems that clubs in England are lining up to provide him an escape route back to the Premier League. According to ESPN, Chelsea and Manchester United are willing to stump up the £100m-plus fee Barca president, Josep Bartomeu may demand.

With the team looking to raise funds to pursue other targets, admitting defeat and cutting their losses on Coutinho may be the wisest course of action. Obviously, the club will have lost a bit of money if the deal eventually does happen.

#2 Mexcian striker coy about Nou Camp links

Vela is being eyed as a bargain signing for Barca

Following the sale of Munir El-Haddadi to Sevilla, space has opened up in Barcelona’s attack and it needs filling. With Luis Suarez as the only out-and-out striker currently in the team, getting a replacement for the departed Moroccan-Spaniard has become a priority.

However, the pursuit of other targets has meant that not much money will be available to reinforce this position. As a result, the team’s management is looking at a lot of cost-effective options.

One of the more intriguing options being mentioned has been Mexican international Carlos Vela. The 29-year-old spent six amazing seasons at Real Sociedad and knows the league well. His ability to get goals and play anywhere across the frontline will be a welcome asset for Valverde.

Understandably, the player himself has been coy about the rumors. In an interview with Univision Deportes Vela said:

“It’s a good sign when they speak about you,” Vela told Univision. “And when there’s interest from a club in you, that means you’re on the right path and you’re doing things well. And that motivates you to do even better and to continue to show the great player that I am and the great leader I’m trying to be on my team — taking a new team [LAFC] and taking it to the highest level. And all this motivates me and makes me eager to get started [with preseason] and entertain fans every weekend.”

It remains to be seen whether it’s a move that will happen

#3 Decision imminent on Spaniard’s Blaugrana career

Suarez's move out of the Nou Camp looks imminent

Denis Suarez has surprisingly been the most talked-about player in this transfer window. The former Manchester City midfielder has been linked to Premier League side Arsenal ever since the window began.

According to the news in the Daily Express, the player was left out of the squad that beat Leganes last night as the decision to let him go has already been taken. The sticking point so far centers on the terms of the deal.

Barcelona wants to send the player out on loan with a compulsory option to buy. This is beyond the current financial capacity of the Gunners, as they do not have the funds to cover the fee the Spanish giants may demand.

Suarez is obviously surplus to requirement at the Nou Camp. He has only played just 17 minutes of La Liga football this season. Youngster Carlos Alena has been giving more playtime ahead of the 24-year-old.