Barcelona is super aware that money is tight, and they can't just sign anyone they want. They need to be smart about who they bring in, focusing on players who won't break the bank and who will fit how the team plays.

With this in mind, Barca has been watching a familiar face: Adrian Bernabe. He used to play in Barca's youth system and has been doing well in Italy, according to Fichajes.

The club thinks he's grown into a player who would do well in their current system. At 24, he's a key player for Parma and could be a good addition to the team.

Bernabe is mainly a central midfielder. He left Barcelona for Manchester City back in 2018, hoping to learn a lot. He played a bit under Pep Guardiola but didn't get a ton of playing time because of the competition.

That's why he moved to Parma in 2021, which seemed like a step down at the time. But it was a good move. Parma trusted him and gave him a big role, which helped him grow.

He really stepped up as a leader, running the midfield and controlling the game. He was a big part of Parma getting promoted to Serie A, and this season he's been playing great.

Barcelona likes Bernabe because he's got skills, vision, and understands how to play his position. He's good at moving the ball, making smart passes, and playing with discipline. Plus, he can shoot from far out and is good on set pieces, which is a bonus.

This wouldn't be a huge signing, but it fits with what Barcelona is trying to do right now, which is get players who are ready to play right away without costing too much. The fact that Bernabe came up through La Masia and played under Guardiola is a plus.

He's got a contract with Parma until 2027, so Barca would have to talk to them to make a deal. Still, his age, how much he makes, and his familiarity with Barcelona's style of play make him an affordable option.

Apparently, people close to Bernabe are happy about Barcelona's interest, but there's no rush to make anything happen just yet.

Barcelona will keep watching him as things progress. Bringing back a former player who has developed somewhere else would suit the club's current plans.

They're definitely interested; they like what he can do, and he's still an option as Barcelona tries to strengthen the team without losing sight of their values.

Barca's Disasi Deal in Doubt

Barcelona's money troubles might stop them from signing Chelsea defender Axel Disasi.

Apparently, Disasi was offered to Barca because they need someone to cover for the injured Andreas Christensen.

Word is that Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi is another choice to help out Barca's defence. Disasi's salary could be too much, even for a short loan.

A Spanish paper mentions that even though Disasi is a good player, it might be tough for Barca to make the move work.

Disasi could have been an option to rebuild Barca's central defence after Andreas Christensen partially tore a knee ligament. He'll be out for months.

Other options have been looked at, like Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth. Now, Axel Disasi is on the list, but his high salary could be a problem.

Barca is still waiting for La Liga to approve their Financial Fair Play situation, so they probably can't afford Disasi, even on loan, because of his salary.

Real Madrid's Defender List

Real Madrid is reportedly moving on from some defensive targets they were linked to.

Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich and Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool will be available in the summer, but they probably won't join Xabi Alonso’s team.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is also in the last six months of his contract, but Real isn't a favourite to sign him.

Instead, a Spanish source says that Jeremy Jacquet (Rennes, 20) and Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund) are now their top choices.

Since both players are under contract, it won't be easy to get them to Madrid.

Real is also watching Jacobo Ramon (20 years old), who is playing well with Como and could return to the club for €8 million.

Bitshiabu Staying at Leipzig

Reports said that RB Leipzig defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu might leave the club.

Some Premier League teams were supposedly interested in the 20-year-old, but he's only played five times for Leipzig this season. Now, it doesn't look like he'll be leaving.

A German paper says that the club's sporting director, Marcel Schafer, doesn't want to sell him because the team isn't deep enough.

The paper says that there won't be any players leaving during the January transfer window.

Leipzig's management has decided not to allow any transfers.

Ceballos Could Return to Betis

Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos isn't getting much playing time under manager Xabi Alonso, so he's thinking about his future.

He spent time on loan at Arsenal but came back to Madrid, where he's struggling to get into the starting lineup.

His contract runs for another year and a half, and he might go back to his old team, Real Betis, according to AS.

The Spanish source says that Dani Ceballos went back to his hometown to spend time with family and think about his future.

He's under contract until 2027, but he's in a tough spot. He hasn't played in the last five league games.

His last league appearance was almost a month ago.

He needs playing time, but players like Guler, Camavinga, and Valverde are ahead of him, especially when Valverde plays in midfield. Plus, Tchouameni is almost always in the lineup.

Bellingham is also a key player, and there have been rumours about Ceballos returning to Betis. All of this makes it hard for him.