The opening of the January transfer window
has had clubs across the globe scrambling to
freshen up their squad with new acquisitions.
But for Barcelona, the turn of the year had
added significance as a frustrating 12 months
under a transfer embargo - enforced by FIFA for
breaking rules on signing under-age foreign
players - came to an end.
And what did Barca do to celebrate? They
ratified no fewer than 77 transfers as soon as
the ban was lifted.
Though they were banned from signing players
for the whole of 2015, Barca have been steadily
accumulating them. Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan
are notable examples of this policy, with the
pair, who signed in June and July respectively,
training regularly with Luis Enrique's squad
despite not being able to play.But with only two first-team signings, the
majority of the players brought in will bolster
the ranks of the club's six-tier, 16-team
academy.
Daniel Gudjohnsen, the son of former Barca and
Chelsea striker Eidur, is among the new recruits
registered by the Catalans. He has been
assigned to Benjamin B, the second team of
Barca's U10s age group at the revered La
Masia academy.
But what about the other 74? What type of
players are they and to which team have they
been assigned?While it is uncertain whether any of these
signings will progress through Barcelona's
extensive academy into the first team, it is
clear the club are trying to lay firm foundations
for a prosperous future.

Too many for a season