Barcelona's bleak reality! Xavi gives brutally honest answer to questions over possible Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland transfers amid Blaugrana's financial turmoil

Mbappe is all set to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the 2023/24 season with Real Madrid currently leading the race to sign him. Premier League giants Liverpool have also recently emerged as a potential candidate to sign the mercurial French forward. Amid speculation over Mbappe's future, Blaugrana manager Xavi admitted that, unlike their arch-rivals, they do not have the financial capability to sign either Mbappe or Manchester City goal machine Haaland.

Speaking to reporters, the former Spanish international said, "Haaland or Mbappe? We can’t think of Haaland or Mbappe to join Barca now. We can’t afford these players, unfortunately. I’m happy with the players I have. We need to reach our best level as at this club we need to be always at top level."

The Catalan giants recently completed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque who joined the club from Athletico Paranaense. Roque is likely to be the only player whom a cash-strapped Barcelona will be able to sign in the ongoing January transfer window. They were also linked with Argentina's U17 World Cup star Claudio Echeverri, but the 'next Lionel Messi' is heading to Manchester City.

Xavi's side, who are currently fourth in La Liga, will play their first match of 2024 against Las Palmas in a league clash on Thursday.