As the January transfer window approaches, Barcelona are not expecting major movement in the short term. However, calm in winter does not mean inactivity overall. Behind the scenes, the club is preparing for a crucial summer in 2026 — a period where several squad weaknesses must be addressed urgently if Barça are to remain competitive at the highest level.
The position receiving the most attention is the No. 9 role. Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires in June, and according to internal sources, the most realistic scenario is that the 37-year-old will not sign an extension. His departure would leave a significant hole in the squad, especially if Marcus Rashford — currently on loan — does not remain beyond this season. Early signs indicate that his stay is unlikely to continue, meaning Barcelona may need not one but potentially two reinforcements in the attacking line.
Defence is another worrying area. Barça’s back line has been scrutinised all season, partly due to Hansi Flick’s extremely high defensive line, which has been exposed on several occasions. Last summer, Flick lost a trusted figure when Íñigo Martínez was allowed to leave on a free transfer to Al Nassr — a decision made just before the season began. Crucially, no replacement was signed, a choice many inside the club now see as a major contributor to this year’s defensive instability.
The situation may worsen next summer. Andreas Christensen’s contract expires in 2026, and there have been no meaningful talks about a new deal. The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries over the past two campaigns and currently earns a salary considered too high for a rotation-level player. If Christensen departs, and with other uncertainties looming, Barcelona could realistically find themselves in need of two new centre-backs, not just one.
Potential Targets:
Planning remains focused on next summer rather than January, and the standout dream signing for the striker role is Julián Álvarez. President Joan Laporta sees the Argentine as the ideal forward for Flick’s pressing system. However, Álvarez is under contract with Atlético Madrid until 2030, and the club has no intention of selling their star player. Given Barcelona’s financial limitations, pulling off such a transfer would be extremely complicated.
Harry Kane has also been linked in local media, but club sources deny any active pursuit. With presidential elections scheduled for next year, Barça insist it is too early to discuss any move for the English striker.
At centre-back, no clear favourite has emerged. The club prefers a left-footed option and has monitored Sporting CP defender Gonçalo Inácio, who will soon enter the final 18 months of his contract. Still, there has been no significant progress.
Possible Departures:
Ronald Araújo is one potential exit. Although he signed a long-term extension in early 2025, his performances have dipped, especially in big European matches. Internal criticism has grown, even as Laporta publicly defended him. Araújo has now been granted a leave of absence.
Another player whose future is uncertain is Marc Casadó. After breaking through with excellent performances last season, his role has diminished under Flick, raising doubts about his long-term place.
Moves Already Made:
Despite limited signings, Barcelona secured an essential pillar for the future: Frenkie de Jong. His extension until 2029 ends years of uncertainty and solidifies Flick’s midfield structure, where De Jong and Pedri are central figures.