Barcelona made the first big move of the January 2022 transfer window in La Liga as they landed Ferran Torres from Manchester City. And it seems Barca’s business dealings during this winter window are far from over as they are looking to make more moves over the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, rivals Real Madrid are still hot on the heels of Kylian Mbappe while they have cooled their interest in another top target. And Atletico Madrid might be ready to swap one veteran right-back with another.
Read on below as SBOTOP provides all the latest La Liga 2022 updates on the various transfer rumours.
Barcelona looking to offload several players
After making a massive splash with the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City, Barcelona are now looking to offload several players and their significant wages to help balance their already tedious books.
Headlining that long list of potential departures from Xavi’s squad is one Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian has had a torrid time in La Liga since arriving at the Camp Nou from Liverpool, and he could be close to getting a move back to the Premier League.
Several teams have been linked with the talented playmaker, with Aston Villa – now helmed, of course, by Coutinho’s former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard – one of the clubs in the queue. Meanwhile, the Reds have also been rumoured to be keen on a possible reunion with Coutinho.
Aside from Coutinho, the likes of Samuel Umtiti and Sergino Dest have also been touted to depart the Camp Nou. Umtiti has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle, while Dest has reportedly drawn the interest of European giants Bayern Munich and Chelsea, as well as Atletico Madrid.
Ousmane Dembele could also be a possible casualty in the Catalans’ plan to cut costs. Barca have offered the French foward a pay cut, and he could be sold during this window if he does not accept.
These possible January sales could potentially fuel a move for another big-money signing in the form of striker Erling Haaland. Barca president Joan Laporta reportedly claimed he would bring the Borussia Dortmund star to Camp Nou next summer.
Barca had previously been linked with a move for Alvaro Morata, but Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insisted that the Spanish striker will stay in Turin this January.
Real Madrid still eyeing Mbappe, quit Rudiger chase
Despite Kylian Mbappe’s recent proclamation that he will stay at PSG for the remainder of the season, Real Madrid are still preparing to tempt the Paris club with a 50 million euro bid for the French superstar.
Mbappe will be out of contract in the summer, which means he can sign for any club on a free transfer. Real are considered front-runners for Mbappe’s signature, but they are still keen to secure his services as soon as possible to help boost their already significant La Liga 2022 odds of reclaiming the title.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are set to face off in the Champions League round of 16, which begins in February.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have reportedly removed themselves from the race to sign Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger.
The German international is also out of contract in the summer and has attracted the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Real’s specific reason for their change of heart was not disclosed, although Rudiger is reportedly seeking a significant pay raise from his current deal with Chelsea.
Atletico ready for right-back switch
Atletico Madrid have agreed to sell England international right-back Kiera Tripper to Newcastle United for a fee of 12 million pounds.
Tripper spent the last three years at Atleti after arriving from Tottenham Hotspur in 2019. He made 86 total appearances for the Rojiblancos (81 starts), providing 11 assists.
Trippier had six assists in 35 La Liga appearances last year to help Atleti reclaim the crown. He made 15 appearances (12 starts) for Atleti this season but had no assists.
With Trippier sold, Sime Vrsaljko and Marcos Llorente are Atleti’s remaining options to play the right-back/right wing-back role.
Although, Atletico are reportedly eyeing Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta to replace Trippier this January.
The 32-year-old Spanish international has spent the last 10 seasons at Chelsea, making over 300 appearances for the Blues. But he has seen his role somewhat reduced this season as he’s appeared in just 14 of their 21 Premier League games.
Azpilicueta last played in La Liga in the 2009-2010 season as a 19-year-old with Osasuna.
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