Who will Barcelona sign in January when their transfer ban ends?

Evidence so far suggests that Barcelona are somewhat short of the mark compared to last season, when they swept nearly every team aside on their way to a domestic treble.

This term, not everything has gone according to plan with Luis Enrique’s side having already lost twice in the league, while they were thrashed 5-1 on aggregate by Athletic Bilbao in the domestic Super Cup at the campaign’s start.

If that wasn’t enough, star Lionel Messi is injured for at least the next couple of months and the Argentine is still awaiting verdict from his trial regarding tax issues.

With the Catalan club’s transfer ban set to lift in January, it could see Enrique dip into the market, though he does have Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal who will be eligible to play, with the club having struck deals to sign them in the summer, as long as they didn’t play before the ban lifted.

Unsurprisingly, the club are one of the favourites to retain the Champions League this season, 10/3 with Coral and there is no reason why they can’t, however any signings in January will be ineligible for this competition if they have already featured in it this term.

Barca have already been linked to a number of players in the winter window, most recently Fenerbache’s Robin van Persie, so with this in mind, Coral take a look at five possible players who might come across their radar between now and then.

Inigo Martinez
Currently at Real Sociedad under David Moyes, the Spanish centre back is understood to have a bright future for the national team. He would suit a high line and is good with the ball at his feet, though he would command a high fee.

Aymeric Laporte
One of a crop of young French defenders who can help to form the backline for his national team in years to come and is very highly regarded by his club, Athletic Bilbao. Also said to have a considerable release clause, though he would be a real coup for Enrique.