Barcelona have identified Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso as a potential reinforcement in the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports. 

The report claim that Xavi Hernandez, the head coach of the La Liga giants is determined to sign the Argentine playmaker in the aftermath of a long-term injury to teenage prodigy Gavi.

Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Xavi is a huge admirer of Lo Celso and believes that the Argentine is quite underrated in European football.

Giovani Lo Celso

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Barcelona keen on Lo Celso

Lo Celso has seen much more game time in recent weeks, following an ankle injury sustained by James Maddison with the English international not expected to return before next month, it is highly unlikely for Ange Postecoglou to consider an exit for the former Real Betis man.

Barcelona have been trying since the summer to sign the midfielder. According to the report by Sky, Tottenham now have a decision to make due to Lo Celso’s contract situation.

Spurs Musings Opinion

With just over 18 months left for his contract to expire, now maybe the time for Spurs to cash in. His valuation is only going to keep decreasing. Barcelona have shown to be experts of exploiting these loopholes and signing players whose contracts have either expired or is on the verge of expiring.

Personally, I don’t see Lo Celso leaving in January. He is playing an important role in Ange’s team now. As long as he gets regular game time, there is no reason for him to abandon ship midseason.

Barcelona can be relentless in the pursuit though. Xavi Hernandez’s influence could sway Lo Celso’s mind in the Spanish club’s direction. It seems extremely unlikely at the moment but I won’t be entirely surprised even if a move transpired in January.