Barcelona reveal identity of potential January signing to Lionel Messi, it’s not Coutinho or Ozil

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After all the talk surrounding their pursuit of Philippe Coutinho this past summer, as per BBC Sport, Barcelona are reportedly set to swoop for a different target in January.

The Catalan giants have started the season in great form, leading the way in La Liga and their Champions League group, and so there could be argument to suggest that they shouldn’t risk upsetting the balance with new additions midway through the campaign.

However, that’s what they’ve been linked with doing, as per Diario Gol, as it’s claimed that Barcelona have even informed Lionel Messi of their intention to wrap up a deal for Schalke ace Leon Goretzka.

The 22-year-old has earned plenty of plaudits during his spell with the Bundesliga outfit, scoring 19 goals in 128 games and establishing himself as a top talent with plenty more room for improvement.

Coupled with six goals in 12 caps for Germany, it’s not just limited to club football as he looks a real star for the immediate future and long-term picture.

Add the fact that his contract expires at the end of the season and so he could arrive for nothing, it seems like a no-brainer that Barca are interested as he also certainly fits the mould required to settle in the team given his technical quality and creative abilities.

He’s evidently impressed the club, so much so the report suggests that while speculation linked Barcelona with Coutinho and Mesut Ozil, they are unlikely to arrive and so now Goretzka seems to be the most likely signing as he also wants to collect a signing on bonus.

That’s good news for both Liverpool and Arsenal too, albeit Ozil is in a similar contract position, and so the Gunners could still run the risk of losing him for free next summer if he doesn’t pen new terms.

More Stories Ernesto Valverde Leon Goretzka Lionel Messi Mesut Ozil Philippe Coutinho