La Liga: Five players whom Barcelona should target in January
What's the story
Defending champions Barcelona are enjoying an above-average La Liga season. While they did start the season in a shaky manner, they are currently placed atop the table. However, their performance was below par in the absence of star footballer Lionel Messi. Here, we analyze some top signings they should make in January in order to win the league title, once again.
Alexandre Lacazette
The Frenchman has all the right ingredients
French forward, Alexandre Lacazette, who currently plays for Arsenal, has been on a roll. Known for his athletic goal-scoring prowess, along with fine pace, strength, balance, technique and dribbling abilities, he has got it all which makes him a perfect fit for Barca. Having been off to a decent start this season, a bid of around €70 million should be enough.
Erling Haland
This Norwegian sensation could become the next Messi
Erling Håland, who currently plays for FC Salzburg in Austria, has been making headlines, owing to his impressive gameplay and goal-scoring abilities. While he has been dubbed the next Messi from Norway, his height of 6'4" has also led to him being compared to the great Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He has scored 22 goals in 19 matches for Salzburg.
Paul Pogba
Another Frenchman who can ease dependence over Messi
Manchester United forward Paul Pogba has been at the center of a number of transfer speculations. While he has mostly been linked to Real Madrid, he could also be a perfect fit at Barca. Known for his powerful and creative gameplay, it is exactly what Barca are looking for. While Pogba is open to a move, Barca will have to break the bank.
Hector Bellerin
Another Arsenal wonder-kid who could be Barca's extraordinary defender
Apart from being over-reliant on Messi, Barca would also eye a right-back, and Arsenal's wonder-kid Héctor Bellerín is a prime target. Although the Spanish kid started his youth career at Barca, he has become a force at Arsenal. Known for his fierce pace, he is intelligent, both as a defender and at the wings.
Virgil van Dijk
A Dutchman who too can equally match Bellerín
In case the Bellerín move doesn't materialize, the next best target Barca could possibly sign is Liverpool's central defender Virgil van Dijk. Known for his pace, technique, he also has the ability to take an epic set-piece during free-kicks. While Messi is their prime free-kick taker, van Dijk could be their future. However, he is unlikely to move away from Liverpool.