Barcelona’s need to sign a replacement for injured Gavi has forced them to reconsider their winter transfer window strategy and while there are quite a few players on the shortlist already, a report from SPORT has emerged, claiming that Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso is Xavi’s favourite option.
It is to be noted that the midfielder is currently under contract with Spurs until 2025, however, this season, he finds himself excluded from the plans of coach Ange Postecoglou.
The Argentina midfielder has been on Barcelona’s radar for quite some time, and the opportunity for his transfer seems more likely for Barcelona now given his limited playing time in London.
So far, Lo Celso has played a marginal role, featuring in only four games.
These appearances include three in the Premier League, totalling 38 minutes, and one in the EFL Cup, where he played for 45 minutes.
What is Barcelona looking for?
While the likes of Dani Parejo, Guido Rodrigues and Thiago Alcantara are being eyed, it is important to remember that Lo Celso was close to joining Barcelona on loan back in the summer after the team had failed to land Bernardo Silva.
The Argentine possesses the adaptable skill set that Xavi seeks for this role, and he appears open to a change of environment as well.
Currently occupying a reduced role at Tottenham, he would be eager to make a return to La Liga, a league with which he is already familiar. In the 2018-19 season, he featured for Real Betis, and during the latter halves of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, he played for Villarreal.
Given his profile, Xavi is more than convinced that the 27-year-old would have a bigger impact than any other player on the list and if there is indeed some movement, expect a loan approach to be on the cards.
