Barcelona Transfer Talk: Maxwell and 5 Players Who Could Be Gone in January

The January window is usually a time to reinforce a team, but in Barcelona's case, they may end up offloading players instead.

It is weird to think that any player would leave this current Barcelona squad, but it could always happen. In any case, it will most definitely not be a major star that is involved.

Barcelona let a number of fringe players and younger players go out on loan or transfer outright during the summer, and the same could happen in the winter window.

In any case, here are five Barcelona players who could be gone in January.

Maxwell

Once he got into the flow of things last season, Adriano performed better in the left-back position during Eric Abidal's injury, and in doing so, he knocked Maxwell down the pecking order. This led to speculation that Maxwell may leave.

At the end of the transfer window a move back to Italy went around the rumor mill, but nothing came of it. AC Milan was the interested party then, and since October it has again been reported that Maxwell is still on the Italian club's radar.

Considering Barcelona's thin defensive line, it is unlikely, but anything can happen.

Martin Montoya

Martin Montoya, the understudy to Daniel Alves at right-back, is another defender who has been the subject of rumors lately.

The Catalan youngster is reportedly the target of teams like Malaga and Tottenham. According to the Daiymail.com, Tottenham sees Montoya, as well as fellow youngster Marc Bartra, as possible additions for the defense.

According to Goal.com, Malaga may look to get the players on a free transfer for the summer by offering up contracts at the start of the year.

Keirrison

Keirrison has had an unfortunate time with the La Liga giants. It was thought that this season he may finally see some prolonged time with Barcelona, in the B squad, but again he was shipped off on loan back to Brazil.

Keirrison has not appeared once for the Catalan club, and it is unlikely that will change once he returns from his loan deal at the end of the year. It is not certain where he would go on the way out of the Nou Camp, but Brazil looks like a very likely option.

Eric Abidal

Yes, it may be absolutely ludicrous to place the Frenchman on this list, but that's why the title says it could happen, and not will or should.

Eric Abidal is in the midst of negotiating a contract extension and, as recently as this week, the player said the door may be open for offers. AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain have been named as prospective suitors.

It will probably just be all talk in the end however, as this morning there were reports that an agreement was close.

Rafael Alcantara

Well, this one should be interesting. Rafa Alcantara, or Rafinha, Thiago's younger brother, is apparently subject to a move by none other than Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

It was reported that Wenger was interested in Thiago during the summer window as part of the Cesc Fabregas deal. According to Caughtoffside.com, the Gunners have now turned their interests to his younger brother.