5 players who could sign for Barcelona now that the transfer ban has been lifted

It’s been a long time coming for FC Barcelona. The seemingly endless but in fact just 18-month long FIFA-imposed transfer ban is now over.Aside from Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal being able to make their debuts after six months of twiddling their thumbs on the sidelines, the Catalan club are once again able to dip their toes back into the transfer market.The temptation is to act like kids in a candy shop and 77 new signings this month already might indicate the same, until you realise that these players have been stockpiled over the last few months, ready to be registered at all levels of the club when able.We take a look at who else might be joining them.

#1 Nolito

It would appear, if all of the rumours are correct, that Luis Enrique has made Nolito his priority signing in January. The ex-Barca B player has already played under Lucho twice now. Firstly for the Catalans’ youth side and then again at Celta Vigo where the player credited Enrique with giving him the belief and confidence to up the level of his natural game.

Whilst we can be fairly definite that neither Barca nor Nolito will come out in public and speak enthusiastically about the deal, it seems a foregone conclusion that it will happen as long as Barca can stump up the €18m needed to pay his buyout clause.

At 29, the player is getting no younger and there may be questions as to his ambition given that there is no way he will be a confirmed starter ahead of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

That said, he gives Enrique a variety of options if any one of the front three gets injured or is suspended. And there is a realistic possibility that the player will be the recipient of some silverware if he signs. Something that, with respect, he is unlikely to achieve if he stays at Celta Vigo.

#2 Denis Suarez

Another Barca old boy who seems almost pre-destined to return to the club in January. Denis Suarez was sold to Villarreal in a similar deal to the one which took Gerard Deulofeu to Everton. A sale, but with a rising buy-back clause for two seasons thereafter.

The Yellow Submarine are not obliged to sell Suarez to the Catalans at this point as the buy-back is generally effective in the summer windows at the end of each season. But there are rumours that the player wants to return and the club certainly want him to strengthen their midfield even further.

There’s one small problem just at this moment.

Villarreal manager Marcelino won’t sanction the transfer unless he gets an adequate replacement. He is hoping to repatriate Denis Cheryshev to El Madrigal but, despite the Russian costing Real Madrid a place in the latter stages of the Copa Del Rey, it doesn’t appear that they are willing to play ball just at this moment.

There is plenty of time left for Los Blancos to soften their stance, so we should expect this one to go through towards the back end of the window.

#3 Alexandre Pato

If the capture of Nolito proves too difficult or too expensive, then Alexandre Pato would be next in line to make the move to the Spanish giants. He already knows he’s on the move somewhere in January saying: “It's very difficult for me to stay in Brazil. It seems the president of Sao Paulo said I will not continue. I'm just trying to help them qualify for the Copa Libertadores.”

“I don't know what will happen now. I only want to leave the club with my head held high, having completed the work they wanted of me.”

Still only 26 years of age, Pato would be a cheaper option than Celta’s main man and has European pedigree at the top level.

A little confidence wouldn’t go amiss but playing alongside such a high calibre of individual, it would be hard to believe that Pato wouldn’t be able to settle in such company and, moreover, add something to the mix.

#4 Ezequiel Lavezzi

It is hard to imagine that Paris Saint-Germain would be willing to part with the Argentine international, let alone for the measly price of €4m. But that seems to be exactly what will happen during this month.

Mundo Deportivo and Gazzetta Dello Sport are just two reputable outlets who have noted that a deal is already in place for Ezequiel Lavezzi to join his countrymen Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano in Catalonia. It probably wouldn’t be too far from the truth to find out that Messi had something to do with the deal in the first place.

Lavezzi’s agent was reportedly in France to tie up loose ends as far back as late October 2015, with the deal set to run for three years upon signature. Quite where the winger will fit in is anyone’s guess unless it is the intention of Luis Enrique to stockpile quality players and have a genuine competition for places in all areas.

#5 Robin van Persie

Wait, what?! Robin van Persie? Yes, you read that correctly.

The 32-year-old Dutchman is up for grabs after falling out with his employers at Turkish club Fenerbahce. Signed as a marquee player from Manchester United, the move has quickly turned sour for the outspoken Dutch international and the quicker he leaves the better.

Available for a knockdown £2.15m, although he is not the player he once was, he is certainly able to still do a job as an impact player. And the chance to play alongside Messi et al will surely appeal to the ex-Arsenal striker.

It may take a little creative thinking from Luis Enrique to realistically find a role in which Van Persie can excel but at the knockdown prices that are being talked about, this is one gift horse that Barcelona would be stupid to look in the mouth.

Never say never in football.