Barcelona are preparing a shock late loan move for Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat… even though the cash-strapped Catalans can’t register new deals for Gavi and Marcos Alonso!
Barcelona could take Sofyan Amrabat – one of the stars of last year’s World Cup – on loan until the end of the season if Fiorentina agree to let him leave.
Both the Catalan club and the player have agreed on the switch so the decision rests with the Serie A side.
Barca had been told they could not register the new contracts of midfielder Gavi and defender Ronald Araujo last week so the signing would shock their LaLiga rivals.
Barcelona want to sign Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat on loan until the end of the season
But they were denied the right to register Gavi because his contract affects their permitted squad spend for next season.
The Catalan giants have also been unable to register a new deal for former Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso as it would take them over their salary cap.
Loaning Amrabat would only affect this season’s fair play rules and they have around €10m (£8.7m) wriggle room after the departures of Gerard Pique and Memphis Depay.
The 26-year-old will have a year left on his contract at the end of this season and Fiorentina, currently mid-table in Italy, may decide his value soars with four months at the Camp Nou.
Xavi has been unable to register Gavi in his first-team squad due to FFP restrictions
Barcelona have also had a new deal for defender Ronald Araujo rejected by LaLiga
Barcelona coach Xavi is keen on the move. It would give him another midfield option to cover veteran Sergio Busquets, who’s currently in his last season at the club.
Should they get a deal over the line for Amrabat, he would be Barcelona’s first signing of the January window, as the club have been restricted due to Financial Fair Play regulations.
After starring in Qatar for Morocco, he has been linked with a transfer to one of Europe’s biggest clubs this month.
Jurgen Klopp reportedly tried to convince him to join Liverpool by attending a meeting with Amrabat’s representatives, but the midfielder supposedly had his heart set on Atletico Madrid.
Amrabat could now get his wish to play in LaLiga, but with Barcelona instead, as they…