Barcelona Mexican defender Rafael Marquez has obtained a Spanish citizenship, freeing the club to sign an additional player from outside the European Union. The rules of Spanish Football Federation allow the Primera Liga clubs to field just three non-EU players and the development of Marquez's situation is expected to encourage Barcelona to make a move in the January transfer window. The Catalan giants are looking to cover the absence of attacking trio Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Javier Saviola who were hit with different injuries. Highly-rated Mexican youngster Giovanni dos Santos, who is registered in Barca's youth team, could be promoted to the first-team. Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho and Eto'o are the other non-EU players in Barcelona's squad.
