Barcelona is desperate to sign the player that will fill Luis Suárez's void for the rest of the season, but they have been facing a massive roadblock: no team wants to loan them any players. The opposition would only be interested in a permanent transfer.
With that in mind, Los Culés need to part ways with any of their footballers for two reasons: they need to clear space from their massive payroll, and they also have to comply with Financial Fair Play rules. So, Josep María Bartomeu and Co. have decided to slap a price tag on two players to meet with these complications, according to a report by Spanish newspaper As.
The first one of them is Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian footballer is already on loan at Bayern München, but the German side is not interested in making that deal permanent. Barcelona is not willing to welcome him back, and his sell seems to be a lock, whether it is this winter or in the summer.
The other player is none other than Ivan Rakitic. The Croatian midfielder has been shown the exit door both by Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setién, but the former Sevilla player is not willing to leave the team's discipline. His move away from the Catalan side would facilitate Barcelona's plans, and there are a couple of Serie A teams ready to offer him a good deal (Juventus and Inter), but it will take more than a smile to twist Rakitic's arm.
With only 48 hours left in the winter transfer window, Barcelona will have to expect a miracle to see any of these deals through. Will they be able to sign a striker before midnight this Friday? We will keep you posted!
