Xavi issues update on Barcelona's January transfer plans

Xavi Hernandez says he is not expecting Barcelona to be active in the January transfer market, but that is his choice.

Barcelona have had a lot of financial difficulties in recent times, and a Champions League exit at the group stage will not have helped the balance sheet either.

However, Xavi says there was never going to be much transfer activity on the agenda anyway, because he is extremely happy with the existing Barca squad.

Speaking ahead of the transfer market, Xavi told BarcaTV: “I told [Mateu] Alemany not to do too much, that I’m happy with my family, a very sensational squad.

“We don’t know if we will be able to bring in new players. I think we can be competitive. If we can’t make signings, I’d be happy.”

When Barcelona do resume their season against city rivals Espanyol on New Year’s Eve, they will have to do without Robert Lewandowski for three matches.

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The Pole was sent off in the 2-1 win at Osasuna for what the officials interpreted as violent conduct. Xavi still feels that decision was harsh, but he is confident he has the players to overcome it.

"[Lewandowski’s] three-match suspension was unfair,” Xavi said. “It’s an interpretation of touching a part of your body. The good thing is that we have alternatives like Ferran, Ansu, Raphinha, Ousmane and Memphis.

“Before the World Cup, we had injured players like Araujo and Roberto, now on 31 December we will have the whole team available. Everyone is fine, we have six very intense months ahead of us.”