are looking to bring in a new midfielder on a short-term deal in January, opening the door for one of ’s disgruntled fringe players.
The Catalan giants are still reeling from the injury Gavi suffered while on international duty with Spain, with the teenager not expected to play again this season .
While Barca still have a number of strong options they can call upon – , and Pedri all started in the weekend win over Atletico Madrid – they lack depth behind that trio.
Oriol Romeu and Sergi Roberto, who has most often been used at right-back, are Xavi’s only other midfield options and he is keen to add more depth when the window reopens.
According to , Barca’s predicament has alerted Manchester United outcast, who has ‘offered himself’ to the club.
The Dutch midfielder has had a torrid time since swapping Ajax for Old Trafford and has made just one Premier League appearance this season off the bench in a defeat to Crystal Palace.
He now feels in order to revive his career – and perhaps claim a place in the Netherlands’ Euro 2024 squad – and is desperate to secure a move when the window reopens.
Barca’s interest in bringing in midfield cover is clear and they would consider taking Van de Beek, though only on loan and if the deal makes sense from a financial perspective.
The Catalan side are still dealing with a number of financial restrictions due to La Liga’s FFP rules and the club’s hierarchy are not totally sold on bringing in any new players in January, though Xavi and his coaching staff feel midfield cover is vitally important.
If Barca do decide to move for Van de Beek, they will face who are hoping to secure a six-month loan with an option to buy.
Speaking at the end of last month, Van de Beek made it clear he would push for an exit in January, saying: ‘I need to play on regular basis… if not at Man United, it will be at another club.
‘It’s a healthy ambition. I’m absolutely crazy about football. I make a good living at Man United, but money has never been my motivation.’
Asked about his compatriot, manager Erik ten Hag said: ‘I think Donny has to play.
‘In games he was in the squad, so then he had the opportunity, but it was a slow start in the season because he still recovered from physical setbacks.
‘But now he is back and is doing well in the training so, if we can’t give him perspective, I can see that he has to play, for his career, for everything.’
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