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According to the Catalan newspaper "Sport.es," coaches are increasingly actively monitoring the player market and are already preparing plans to strengthen the team for the 2011-2012 season.
Josep Guardiola wants to acquire a new backup goalkeeper, strengthen the defense, and midfield. Unofficially, player acquisitions should take place in the summer, not in the winter, although rule changes would allow the team to strengthen as early as January.
It is reported that the leadership of the Spanish Primera has abolished the so-called "five-game" rule. Until now, footballers who played five official matches in the national league with one Primera team before the transfer period could not move to another team in the same division. This restriction no longer exists since autumn.
According to unconfirmed information, Barcelona President Sandro Rosell plans to allocate 66.5 million euros to acquire new players. This amount does not include the money that the Catalan club would receive if any player was sold in the summer of 2011.
Barcelona's priority in the transfer market continues to be midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The club management of Catalonia made efforts last summer to improve relations with Arsenal, which had deteriorated significantly after aggressive attempts by Joan Laporta to acquire this player.
It is reported that David Silva remains a target for Barcelona. The former Valencia midfielder moved to Manchester City, but Barca actively monitors this player and may make an offer to the English club if the opportunity arises.
According to the newspaper, Barcelona has no intention of giving up on acquiring another forward.
Recent experience has shown that not every high-level player in this position can fit into the team properly. It is believed that Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente is now in the sights of the Catalan team. His contract with the Basque team is valid until the summer of 2013, and the player's buyout clause is 36 million euros.
In the near future, there should be a change in Barcelona's defense. It is planned that the retiring veterans will be replaced by the best and most promising players from the club's youth academy. The most likely candidates are Marc Muniesa, Marc Bartra, and Andreu Fontas.
It is also believed that Barcelona's backup goalkeeper will change in the summer. It is undeniable that the role of the main goalkeeper will continue to be entrusted to Victor Valdes, but the career of 34-year-old Jose Manuel Pinto at Barca should end next summer.
The leaders of the Catalan team are considering two options. In focus are Gorka Iraizoz, who should become a free agent after this season, and the main goalkeeper of the youth team, Ruben Mino.
