Xavi provides update on Barcelona's transfer activity

The Catalan outfit have only been able to bring three new players to the club this summer due to their financial issues, with Oriol Romeu, Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez arriving at Camp Nou.

There have been a number of departures, with Ousmane Dembele, Franck Kessie and Nico Gonzalez among those to be sold, while Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Samuel Umtiti have been released.

Barcelona have been able to register Marcos Alonso ahead of Sunday's clash with Villarreal, but Inigo Martinez and goalkeeper Inaki Pena have not yet been registered with La Liga.

The Catalan side are believed to be close to securing a deal for Joao Cancelo, who is set to arrive on loan from Manchester City for the 2023-24 campaign.

There will allegedly not be a obligation to buy Cancelo, though, with Barcelona wanting to have the choice whether they will sign the right-back permanently ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

When asked about the hold-up in a deal for Cancelo, Xavi admitted that the club are still navigating their way through the restrictions relating to Financial Fair Play.

"We'll see, depending on fair play as always. Financially we are in the situation we are in, unfortunately. We are open to the market. The sporting management knows perfectly well what we need," Xavi told reporters ahead of Sunday's clash with Villarreal.

There has been speculation surrounding a potential deal for Joao Felix, with the Portugal international pushing to leave Atletico Madrid before the end of the transfer window.

Abde Ezzalzouli's future has also been the topic of debate, with a number of clubs thought to be competing to sign the 21-year-old, who impressed on loan at Osasuna last season.

However, Xavi has ruled out a late exit for the attacker, revealing that he is 'counting on him' this season.

"I'm very happy with him, I like him a lot, as a professional and as a person. I count on him. He can help us a lot during the season," said the head coach before addressing whether he was ready to be a starter.

"The players have to understand that it doesn't matter so much to be a starter or a substitute. The other day, we won largely because of the five who came on in the second half."

Ezzalzouli, who scored six times and registered two assists in 34 outings for Osasuna last term, has featured as a substitute in Barcelona's two league games this season against Getafe and Cadiz.