La Liga giants and champions Barcelona have been given special permission by La Liga to make emergency signings despite the transfer window being closed.
This comes in the wake of French forward Ousmane Dembele being ruled out for six months following a serious hamstring injury. La Liga said they will allow clubs to apply to make new signings only if a player is ruled out for more than five months and would be examined my La Liga representatives. In addition, the potential new player must be either a free agent or already playing in Spain but unfortunately will not be allowed to play in UEFA Champions League for that season.
Back in January Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was ruled out for four months after undergoing knee surgery. A list of potential replacements for Suarez was leaked with Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang making the top of the list.
Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez was also said to be another option with Setien said to be eager to settle for Martinez who’s enjoyed a breakout season at the San Siro. However, the striker has a high release clause around his neck which is reportedly around €111 million and would prove to be an issue. Another options which could be seen as a short term fix include Ezequiel ‘Chimy’ Avila from Osasuna.
Dembele who recently made his return after being sidelined since November due to a set back in his fitness has been ruled out for six months following a tear in his hamstring during training in February. Barcelona has submitted a medical report to La Liga concerning Dembele’s status. The medical commission after reviewing Dembele’s injury has subsequently authorized the club’s request.
Since joining Barcelona from Dortmund back in 2017, Dembele has suffered a number of injuries in both legs. The 22-year-old has been limited to only three full games this season due to injury. Setien’s squad is currently second place in La Liga just one point behind Real Madrid.
Barcelona’s next match is on Saturday, February 22 against Eibar at Camp Nou.
