DESPITE being in financial turmoil off the pitch, Barcelona made three quality additions on it during the January transfer window.
The signings of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Adama Traore and Ferran Torres, offer boss Xavi some much needed firepower, with all three recruited for less than £50million combined.
Torres was brought in at the start of the window in an initial £47million move from Manchester City, and has slotted straight into Xavi’s side.
The 21-year-old has a goal and an assist in just three games for Barcelona, and is quickly establishing himself as a key player.
And his goal contributions will only increase with the additions of Aubameyang and Traore.
Traore arrives on an initial loan deal from Wolves, with a £25m option to buy at the end of the season.
Aubameyang meanwhile was recruited from Arsenal late on deadline day, and he joins permanently on a free transfer.
Both players are expected to slot straight into Xavi’s starting side along Torres, in what will be an entirely new front three for the Spanish giants.
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They would lead the line in front of a midfield trio of Frenkie de Jong, Sergio Busquets and wonderkid Pedri.
Behind them Jordi Alba, Sergio Araujo, Gerard Pique and Sergino Dest could make up a back four, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen between the sticks.
So after a miserable start to the season, which included being dumped out of the Champions League at the group stages, Barcelona suddenly have a very strong look to them.
The Catalans are currently fifth in LaLiga, just a point behind fourth-placed Atletico Madrid.
But with their three new quality winter signings, Barca will more than fancy breaking into the top four in the second half of the season.
Alternatively Xavi could throw caution to the wind in order to shoehorn in all of his attacking talents.
A 3-4-1-2 formation could see Ansu Fati and Traore operate as wing-backs, with Torres moving in field to the No10 position.
That would allow Memphis Depay to come in and partner Aubameyang up front when the Dutch striker returns from injury.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk