Barcelona’s financial situation means any permanent transfer for Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard is likely to be off the table in January.
That’s according to Sport, who put a nail in the idea that the Spanish club will push for a permanent deal as has been suggested.
Reports in England have linked Barcelona with the England midfielder, who is reportedly determined to leave Manchester United, regardless of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking.
He’s had a frustrating campaign after shining on loan with West Ham last season, and there are several clubs reportedly keen on him, Barcelona among him.
That’s because he’s available on a free in the summer so he could be signed on the cheap in January, something that would suit Barcelona’s finances, which are tight, to say the least.
According to them, there is one major ‘setback’ to any suggestion they would move for a permanent transfer, and that is Barcelona’s ‘economic outlook’ has restricted them to looking at loan deals a best.
That would be difficult for Manchester United to agree to, given Lingard’s contract situation, as they would essentially be letting him leave on a free six months early unless he signed an extension, which doesn’t appear to be something he’s keen on.
Because of that, Barcelona are more than likely to wait until the summer to make their move if they are interested.
Manager Xavi does want attacking options, and Lingard is seen as an ‘explosive and skillful’ player with ‘room for improvement’.
That means he would be a ‘great move’ for Barcelona, particularly in light of their ‘strategy’ and efforts to sign free agents, as he is one of the most ‘highly-rated players on the market.’
If Manchester United won’t do a loan deal, though, there is very little chance he will arrive at the Nou Camp in January.
