BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring their side's third goal with Bryan Gil during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur at Vitality Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
With only a few days left before the summer transfer window slams shut, Barcelona are still working on bolstering their squad.
A move for Joao Cancelo is understood to be imminent, following which Xavi has requested the signing of a new creative midfielder.
While Bernardo Silva had been Barcelona’s priority target, a move for the Manchester City superstar was never a realistic possibility given the club’s financial situation.
As such, the La Liga champions identified Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso as a viable alternative.
Lo Celso unlikely to arrive
Xavi is understood to have made the request to the club to sign Lo Celso before the transfer window closes next week.
However, according to AS, a move for Lo Celso is now ‘practically ruled out’ despite Tottenham not having the Argentine in their plans at this point.
Indeed, the 27-year-old has not been called upon by manager Ange Postecoglou in their first two Premier League matches this season.
And while Lo Celso does not appear to be a big part of Spurs’ plans, they are not willing to just give him away at any price late in the transfer window.
As for Barcelona, given the financial situation, the Catalans are not in a position to make a significant bid for the former Real Betis and PSG playmaker.
More so, given that he would be arriving only to be a rotation player and not a guaranteed starter, it would not make sense for the club to splash a big amount of money.
What would Lo Celso bring to Barça?
Xavi requested the signing of Lo Celso because he wanted another midfielder who can increase the creative profile of the team – someone with a good final pass and can chip in with goals.
And Lo Celso would check those boxes while his experience in La Liga with Real Betis and Villarreal (loan) would be an added advantage.
The fact that he is not a big part of Tottenham’s plans made him an appealing prospect. But as things stand, the move does not appear feasible and seems to be off the table.
