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Barcelona transfer news: Starting XI after January window – De Jong replaces midfielder
BARCELONA are expected to sign Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong during the January transfer window, but how will the Dutchman fit in at the Nou Camp?
Frenkie De Jong displays impressive mid-fielding skills
Barcelona are set to sign Frenkie de Jong after the Dutch midfielder reportedly agreed a five-year contract with the Catalan Club.
German publication SportBild report that the deal is in place and Barcelona only need to agree terms before the 21-year-old can join.
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De Jong is considered one of the hottest young talents in Europe and could come straight into Ernesto Valverde’s starting XI.
However, competition for places is strong with Barcelona currently sat top of La Liga and boasting a three-point lead over Atletico Madrid.
Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic are undisputed first choice picks in Valverde’s three-man midfield, leaving one spot for the rest of Barca’s star-studded squad to squabble over.
Arturo Vidal has impressed in recent weeks while Arthur has shone since his summer move from Gremio.
Philippe Coutinho has also been deployed in midfield on occasion but De Jong’s arrival would not be good news for the likes of Denis Suarez or youth academy products Carles Alena and Riqui Puig.
Meanwhile, wingers Ousmane Dembele and Malcom have been attracting attention in the transfer market with the duo finding consistent game time difficult to come by.
Dembele has stepped up his form in recent months but has been linked with both Arsenal and Liverpool while Malcom is also on the radar of several Premier League clubs.
Barcelona have been caught short in defence this campaign with Samuel Umtiti, Thomas Vermaelen and Sergi Roberto all suffering various injuries.
Valencia centre-back Jeison Murillo has been signed on loan until the end of the season as cover, suggesting the Catalan giants will strengthen permanently in the summer.
In the meantime, Roberto and Umtiti are both back in training and should reunite with Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba by the end of the month.
Barcelona predicted line-up after the January transfer window
(4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Busquets, Rakitic, De Jong; Messi, Coutinho, Suarez