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Ronald Koeman ‘wants Barcelona to prioritise January signings’ despite financial troubles… with Dutchman determined ‘to step up interest for Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia’
- Ronald Koeman reportedly wants Barcelona to make multiple moves in January
- The Barcelona boss is said to be prioritising Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia
- Mounting debts caused by the Covid-19 pandemic could deny Koeman’s wishes
Ronald Koeman is preparing to increase pressure on Barcelona‘s board to bring in Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia in January, according to reports in Spain.
Long-term injuries to Ansu Fati and Gerard Pique have left holes inn attack and defence and Mundo Deportivo report that Koeman insists additions in January as essential to salvage their season.
Depay worked with Koeman with the Holland national team while Garcia remains interested in a switch to Barcelona having failed to agree an extension at Manchester City.
But Koeman’s wishes for the winter window clash with the current economic climate the Nou Camp.
Barcelona have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic with the club announcing a grim set of economic figures in October.
As well as an £88million loss in the financial year, they revealed their net debt had doubled to £440m.
The Catalans recently announced reached an agreement with their players to implement wage cuts which will save as much as £109m.
However, with the club also deferring £45m of variable payments over a three-year period on top of that, it falls short of the £170m figure the club was targeting to save via player salaries.
Defensively Koeman is said to hold concerns over both Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet and so views Garcia as a priority next month.
Barcelona had multiple bids rejected for the 19-year-old in the last transfer window, with Manchester City valuing him higher than the reported £18million that was offered. Garcia’s contract expires at the end of the season.
The defender, who started his career at Barcelona before moving to City in 2017, has confirmed he has no intention of renewing his deal, with Pep Guardiola admitting defeat in his bid to convince him to stay at the Etihad.
Fati’s absence for another three months means Koeman is determined to bolster his attacking line with LaLiga and Champions League honours on the line in 2021.
Depay is adept at playing in a winger role or as the No 9 in an attacking 4-3-3 system.
Both players are seen as ’emergencies’ for Koeman but the financial restraints caused by the pandemic could dash any hope of bolstering his side.
More to follow.
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