“We can’t afford it” – Barcelona chief makes Manchester City January outlay reference ahead of summer transfer window | OneFootball

Barcelona sporting director Deco has compared his side’s financial muscle with that of Manchester City following the latter’s January dealings in the transfer market.

Pep Guardiola reinforced his depleted, injury-ridded and out-of-form squad with the additions of forward Omar Marmoush, midfielder Nico Gonzalez, as well as defensive duo Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.

Marmoush, Gonzalez and Khusanov in particular have all gotten minutes under their belt and impressed in their opening month at the club, featuring in high-profile games against the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.

Manchester City made signings worth a club record £180 million in the January window – a much-needed investment in the transfer market given the significant drop-off in form and fitness across the first-team squad and their poor luck with injuries across the board.

Pep Guardiola’s former club Barcelona are themselves expected to enter the transfer market in the summer and reinvest in their squad after an impressive campaign domestically and in Europe under manager, Hansi Flick.

However, Blaugrana sporting director Deco has sent a message of caution to the club’s fanbase on the club’s well-documented financial struggles, highlighting that Barcelona cannot afford an investment as notable as Manchester City made in January.

“Manchester City spent more than €200 million in January. We (Barcelona) can’t afford it, today. But we don’t need to bring three or four players either,” the Brazilian-Portuguese told TV3, as translated and relayed by Football Espana.

“They (Manchester City) need a renewal (of the squad). We’ve already done it. We signed three years ago – and the youngsters have established themselves.”

Manchester City are currently in fourth place in the Premier League and are fighting for a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, with runaway leaders Liverpool expected to march to title glory in their first season under Arne Slot following Jurgen Klopp’s exit.

The FA Cup remains the only shot Manchester City have at domestic success this season and the Blues face Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle in a fifth round tie at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening – days after picking up a narrow win at Tottenham in the Premier League.