Xavi ´optimistic´ of more Barcelona arrivals but remains unsure of Dembele future

Xavi is “very optimistic” that Barcelona can further strengthen in the January transfer window, but is unsure whether forward Ousmane Dembele will remain at Camp Nou beyond this season.

Despite their well-publicised financial issues, with debts rising above €1.2billion last year, Barca have brought in Ferran Torres from Manchester City this month for an initial €55million (£46.7m).

Barca will be unable to register Torres until they have offloaded some other players as they would risk exceeding their salary cap, yet other big-name stars continue to be linked with a switch to Camp Nou.

Among those touted as a target for the Catalans is Erling Haaland, with club president Joan Laporta this week refusing to rule out a potential move for the in-demand Borussia Dortmund striker.

Responding to rumours regarding his side’s interest in Haaland, Laporta told the football world to “get ready” because Barcelona “are back”.

Xavi shares Laporta’s enthusiasm and believes the arrival of Torres, who was presented at Camp Nou on Monday, will galvanise supporters following a poor first half to the campaign.

“I’m very close to [Laporta] and I’m very optimistic. I like his ambition,” Xavi said at a news conference previewing Wednesday’s Copa del Rey last-32 tie with Linares Deportivo. 

“We are working to return. We are close to the Champions League positions. It is not easy, but we are working hard to give Barca what it deserves. We are on the right track.

“The signing of Ferran Torres makes the fans breathe as well. We are working practically 24 hours a day. We must follow the president’s lead. It is a positive message to say that we have returned.

“If we sink into misery, it does not help. We must be positive. The president leads the way.”

Haaland has scored 76 goals in 75 games for Dortmund since making his debut in January 2020, a tally bettered by only Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski (103 goals in 87 games) among players from Europe’s top five leagues in all competitions.

Alvaro Morata, currently on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid, has been touted as another potential option for Barca to bolster their attack, which was depleted by the high-profile exit of Lionel Messi in August.

Asked about the links with Haaland and Morata, Xavi said: “I don’t want to talk about hypotheses, only the players we have here. 

“They are both great players but they are not ours. If Morata signs for Barcelona then I will answer questions on him.”

Barca cannot realistically bring in more players until others make way, however, with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele potentially on their way out.

Coutinho has started just five games all season, while Dembele is into the final five months of his deal and is officially free to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs from abroad.

The France international’s time in Catalonia has been hampered by a succession of injury setbacks, but when fit he has made an impact and averages 0.6 goals or assists per 90 minutes in LaLiga, which is a similar amount to Antoine Griezmann (0.67) and team-mate Memphis Depay (0.66).

“We have to wait for Dembele,” Xavi said. “I’m calm as I can’t do anything else. Dembele has to make an effort and think about his future – it depends on him.

“As for Philippe, I’ve not spoken with him. He’s a professional and helps us a lot. But in order for us to have entries, there must be exits.”

Xavi also confirmed Barca are hopeful of having Dani Alves, another recent recruit, registered ahead of the midweek cup tie with third-tier Linares Deportivo.

Alves’ only appearance since early September was in a friendly against Boca Juniors last month, but Xavi expects the experienced full-back to play a big part in the remainder of Barca’s campaign.

“I see him very well. He is spectacular in training, with a lot of intensity and a professionalism,” Xavi said. 

“He will help us a lot with his arrival on the wing. He is 38 years old, but as is training will help us in many games. He is a superb player and I hope he can play every three days for us.”