Overview
- Barcelona have contacted Al-Hilal about a January loan for Joao Cancelo, per Fabrizio Romano and Matteo Moretto, with Inter Milan further advanced and Juventus also exploring a deal.
- Sporting leadership prefers a temporary signing and has prepared the medical report to use LaLiga’s emergency mechanism, with a decision expected before the Jan. 9 deadline if a suitable Plan B is secured.
- Options such as Benfica’s Nicolás Otamendi and PSG’s Lucas Beraldo have been ruled out, while Manchester City’s Nathan Aké is considered difficult due to cost and City’s preference for a permanent sale.
- Ronald Araújo has rejoined group training after a month-long mental-health break and could be in the squad against Espanyol, though his match readiness remains uncertain.
- Pedri is back training and in contention to start the derby, while Dani Olmo has resumed partial sessions and is not expected to start, with minutes to be decided closer to kickoff.