Manchester City defender Eric García and Lyon star Memphis Depay were priority targets for Ronald Koeman in the last transfer window, but Barcelona failed to fulfil the manager’s desire for the duo.
The players’ deals with City and the Ligue 1 side will expire after this season.
Pep Guardiola has already revealed the 19-year-old has decided against signing an extension with the Citizens and despite the player’s stance, his club haven’t given up hope of retaining him beyond this season.
Koeman has given a lengthy interview to Mundo Deportivo, in which the Dutchman gave his verdict on his club’s transfer business in the summer.
“In general, yes [I’m happy with the squad], but many factors are involved, such as the club’s financial situation. I work with the players I have, but if you ask me if it is the ideal team for me, I have my doubts,” he said.
“With Ramon Planes, we always talk about the future, which players we can sign and where we need more, but knowing the moment the club is going through financially, you can’t ask for much.
“I have already said several times what we are missing. If there are possibilities [ to sign players in January], yes, we will try to look.”
Samuel Umtiti, who has struggled with injuries in the past few years, hasn’t featured for the Blaugrana under Koeman.
When asked if the Frenchman can be like a new signing, the manager said: “Maybe, but I think this player is still physically missing something. He’s training, but in some ways, he can’t do everything with the group.
“In a while, if he’s okay, he’s one more member of the squad and he’s a centre-back. It always depends on the performance and your physique, whether he is useful to us or not.”
On the topic of a centre-back, Koeman was categorically quizzed about Barcelona’s possibility of signing García in the winter window.
Responding to that, Koeman said: “Well, I don’t know. It depends on Manchester City.”
The Barca coach hasn’t dismissed his side’s interest in the City player and the Spanish giants can take him on a free transfer next summer, if they fail to land him in January.
